Five company drivers were honored as the nation's best in the Truckload Carrier Association's 18th Annual "Company Equipment Driver of the Year" contest. The award, presented earlier this week during TCA's

annual convention in Las Vegas, were based on the drivers' excellent safety records, unblemished work history, and involvement in the community and industry.
The top five winners are:

Grand Prize Winner, Steve Udelhoven

Steve Udelhoven began his 17-year truck-driving career with Art Pape Transfer at the age of 25. A former Marine and father of three, he lives on an 80-acre farm in Mt. Hope, Wis. His discipline and attention to detail have served him well in his profession, in which he can boast an unblemished, accident-free driving record.
As the Grand Prize Winner, Udelhoven will receive an all-expense paid trip for two to the Grand Ole Opry donated by Detroit Diesel Corp. All five winners received a variety of prizes and cash from TCA sponsors.

Second Place Winner, Eugene Hubbard

Eugene Hubbard has acquired an impeccable safety record in his 25-year career, having driven 3.6 million miles with no accidents or violations. He is committed to his profession, customers and community, evidenced by his 30-year service to volunteer fire companies and his active participation in fundraising for his Boy Scout Troop and the Share a Dream organization. Eugene learned the "ins and outs" of the trucking industry from his parents, who owned a small trucking company until they retired in 1977. Eugene lives in Ripley, N.Y.

Third Place Winner, Bruce Pfeffer

Bruce Pfeffer has spent 20 of his 28 years in the industry with Smithway Motor Xpress, receiving the company's 1 Million and 2 Million Mile awards for safe driving. As a driver trainer with an outstanding reputation for on-time deliveries, Bruce has inspired many new drivers to go on to a tenured, conscientious, and safe driving career. His strong work ethic began on his family farm in Iowa and continued as he worked his way through school with determination and a professional attitude. Bruce lives in Wesley, Iowa.

Fourth Place Winner, Jean-Charles Huard

Jean-Charles Huard has a passion for trucking, evident in the care and maintenance he provides for his truck and in the amount of time he spends on the road. Today his eldest son is following in his footsteps-a third-generation trucker. Selected as Transport Robert's 2006 Driver of the Year, Jean-Charles has exemplified the qualities of an accomplished professional with his record of zero chargeable accidents, customer service, personal attitude, and no driving violations. Jean-Charles lives in Hopetown, Quebec, with his wife Nicole.

Fifth Place Winner, Denis Sansoucy

Denis Sansoucy, a resident of Beloeil, Quebec, shares his knowledge and safe-driving expertise with newly hired drivers as a driver trainer for Transport Robert. In his 36 years of driving more than 3 million miles without accidents or service violations, Denis is highly respected by his colleagues and is considered a natural leader who always seeks corrective solutions to problems.