Top Dog Safety Winner
Congratulations Willie Dunbar from Cypress Truck Lines!
Veteran truck driver Willie Dunbar is America's safest truck driver, at least according to the TLC CompaniesŪ, of Brooklyn Center, MN. Dunbar, who works for Cypress Truck Lines of Jacksonville, FL, received the grand prize honors and a check for $12,500 during a presentation on May 25, 2010, at their headquarters in Jacksonville, FL. He earned the award in the annual 2009 - 2010 Safety Top DogŪ program sponsored by The TLC CompaniesŪ.
Dunbar has been driving for Cypress Truck Lines since August 27, 2001. He began his driving career as a Tanker Driver for Texaco in Rochester, NY in 1969. In 1979, he and his family decided to move south to Columbia, SC where he worked for several Motor Carriers, including Trism (Tri-State Motor Freight, a specialized carrier). He and his wife of 31 years, Mary, reside in Columbia, SC, but he is dispatched from Cypress out of Jacksonville, FL. He commonly runs his rig in the Southeast where he returns home on the weekends. He enjoys Fishing, gardening, and auto repair. Willie has six grown children and 21 grandchildren.
Dunbar qualified for the national safety award by having a clean driving record, no over-the-road accidents and no workers' compensation claims during the program year. He was randomly chosen from a group of drivers from across the nation who had also met the program's stringent qualifications and had registered each quarter for the program's four three-month periods. Dunbar has also won Safety Top DogŪ quarterly gift cards over the years for his excellent driving practices.
The award was made at a surprise gathering to honor Dunbar. The grand prize was presented by Timothy Coughlin, CEO of The TLC CompaniesŪ. This is the ninth year of the Safety Top DogŪ program and, according to TLC Companies Safety Director, Bob Byrnes; participation is both educational and exciting. With 30 quarterly gift cards at $100 each and a huge grand prize, the incentive is definitely there for drivers to be part of Safety Top DogŪ," said Byrnes. They have opportunities for additional registrations by reading TLC monthly newsletters and completing quizzes.
"Willie is a dedicated professional driver who has represented Cypress Truck Lines well for almost 9 years he has been driving with us," says Bob Pace his dispatcher. They have a great working relationship and respect for each other over the years. Willie has great customer service skills, maintains a very positive attitude and is a very safe driver.
Mr. David V. Penland, President, started Cypress Truck Lines from owning and operating one truck. The company grew steadily over the years to more than 400 trucks, where it is today. Mr. Penland purchased the assets of Ploof Truck Lines out of bankruptcy; on November 10, 1999 and merged the operations of these two companies. This has now resulted in the largest gypsum carrier in the United States.
Cypress Truck Lines has an excellent reputation for stability, quality, and dependable service, as well as a "Satisfactory" rating with the Department of Transportation, which is the highest rating available. The company has high safety standards, rewards their good drives with incentives, and maintains low Safestat Scores. Much of this is attritrible to their safety department, led by their Director of Safety, Danny Drummond.
Cypress's Goal in combining the best efforts of each of these companies is to provide the safest and most dependable, on-time service in the industry. In order to ensure this, they have implemented cutting-edge technology and rigid hiring procedures. They are continually purchasing new equipment, and provide excellent customer service on all levels.
Cypress Truck Lines has a distinguished history in the southeast and an even brighter future despite the challenging times with the economy and in the transportation industry.
The TLC CompaniesŪ is the country's largest professional employer organization specializing in the trucking industry. TLC created the Safety Top DogŪ program in 2000 to encourage and reward safety by its drivers.
Each quarter, 30 qualified drivers receive $100 major retailer gift cards. To qualify, a driver must be accident- and injury-free and be in good standing with their company and TLC. Drivers must also register each quarter to qualify for the grand prize. Their chances of winning improve when they correctly answer questions from safety quizzes contained in TLC's monthly driver newsletters.
If you'd like to learn more about how your drivers can take part in the 2010 Safety Top DogŪ Awards program, contact us today via our sales info form.
