PGT Trucking Celebrates Million Mile and Safe Drivers
INDUSTRY, PA…. PGT Trucking, Inc. was host to a celebration of their Million Mile and Safe Drivers at the Willows Hotel and Event Center this past May 21st. It was an evening of recognition and fellowship with a great meal, followed by the awards presentation.
PGT Chief Administration Officer Gerry Hickly welcomed attendees, and PGT Corporate Chaplain Sid Bream, former Pittsburgh Pirate star, delivered the invocation before guests were served a buffet dinner. Chief Innovation Officer Paul Martin delivered the Premier Professional Driver Salutation and the Million Mile and Safe Driver Salutation.
PGT Chief Executive Officer Pat Gallagher remarked, “With an increased number of vehicles on the road since coming out of the Pandemic, it is indeed an honor and privilege to recognize and honor our Million Mile and Safe Professional Drivers with trust and respect.”
PGT President Gregg Troian commented, “Once again PGT Million Mile Drivers prove their professionalism and their excellent overall job performance in an extremely difficult environment. Congratulations!”
In addition to the Million Mile and Safe Drivers, PGT recognized their Premier Professional Fleet, individuals who go above and beyond their safe driving to help make PGT successful. PGT’s Premier Professionals are the best, safest, and most reliable company drivers in the PGT fleet. To qualify, they must maintain superior performance levels in safety, revenue, MPG, idle time, and CSA scores at all times. The Premier Professional Drivers are rewarded with a special pay package, a premium LoneStar tractor to drive, exclusive Premier Professional decals for their truck, and other recognition items. There are presently 25 Premier Professional Drivers at PGT.
The awards and recognition of the Million Mile and Safe Drivers followed with several special award presentations, many of which are named for past exemplary PGT drivers. Included was the David Levin Award, which is presented to the most loyal and dedicated PGT Company Driver, and this year’s recipient was Craig Marple. The Harry “Buster” Barnes Award is presented to the most outstanding Independent Contractor, and was presented to Terrence Fitzgerald. The Safety Professional of the Year is presented to an exceptional member of the Safety Department, and this year’s recipient was Christopher Cousins. The Certified PRO Trainer of the Year was David Brainard. The PGT MVP of the Year Award, presented to the PGT employee who works quietly behind the scenes but makes a significant contribution to the company, was Jennifer Kopp. The Technician of the Year Award honors the technician who exhibits pride in their work and possesses a can-do attitude and was presented to Craig Musgrave. Terminal Manager of the Year was presented to Tyler Damazo. The Hobert Hill Award for Agent of the Year was presented to Chuck Penska. Rookie Driver of the Year was presented to Christopher Mullinnix. The Bill Wright Award for Team Player of the Year was presented to Shawn Hart.
A new award was added this year to honor PGT Premier Professional Driver Terry “Kuz” Kusniar, who passed away in December 2021. Pat Gallagher emotionally remarked, “We hired Terry in 1997, and as they say, the rest is history. He was a strong personality with a great work ethic. Terry became a Premier Professional Driver and a strong voice for our younger drivers. When he called me, I listened to what was on his mind so we could improve things. Some people come into your life and their presence is unique. Terry was one of those people. His passing is a loss and leaves a void that we will never be able to fill; he was one of a kind. An honorable goal for our younger drivers would be to emulate Terry. His conduct and character define the term ‘Proud Professional’. I am certain he is with God, and we were blessed to have him as a PGT family member.”
Terry Kusniar was a company driver at PGT for 24 years, becoming a Million Mile Driver in 2007 and logging over 2.5 million safe miles during his career. He was also a member of the elite Premier Professional Fleet since 2015. The Inaugural Terry “Kuz” Kusniar Award for Premier Professional of the Year was presented to Michael Carreon.
A commemorative plaque was presented to PGT by representatives from Hill International Trucks LLC. Pat Gallagher stated that Jack and Beverly Hill, owners of Hill International Trucks in East Liverpool, Ohio, took a chance on helping him to get started in business when others would not and mentored him throughout the years. Symbolically, the 2,000th truck PGT purchased from Hill International, an International LoneStar High Rise Sleeper, was parked outside the banquet facility, along with the fully restored 1981 International TranStar II Cabover, which was built by Hill International and presented to Pat at PGT’s 40th Anniversary Celebration last year. From TranStar to LoneStar, PGT Trucking and Hill International have partnered together for over 40 years.
PGT also gave away a Grand Prize 2022 Ford F-150 to one lucky Million Mile Driver – congratulations to Mark Amezcua!
In closing, Pat Gallagher reminded everyone that “trucking is all about people and relationships.”
Thanks a Million to all Million Mile, Safe, and Premier Professional Drivers who make up the Proud Professionals of PGT Trucking, Inc. See the facing page for a complete list of award winners.
Captions:
One of the LoneStar tractors driven by PGT’s Premier Professionals.
Some of PGT Trucking’s Safe Drivers.
Three of PGT’s Premier Professionals.
Some of the award winners at PGT Trucking’s Banquet.