Recognizing his positive attitude and willingness to serve, Ralph Larowe was recently named 2005 Driver of the Year by Hoekstra Transportation, a regional truckload carrier based in St. Anne, Ill.

Larowe, a company driver from Knox, Indiana, joined Hoekstra in March of 2004. "He is always positive, always ready to take the next load," says Kim Houk with Hoekstra. "Everyone on the selection committee was pleased with Ralph's service."

In choosing the Driver of the Year, representatives from Payroll, Dispatch, Safety, Operations, and Maintenance place a vote from the names of Drivers of the Month during the year. "We look at each driver's overall attitude, productivity, safety record, paperwork, delivery, etc. and choose a Driver of the Year," says Houk. "It's all very hush-hush - we surprise the winner at our annual Christmas party."

For the honor, Larowe received a crystal trophy bearing his name and a $500 gift card. "Most exciting though, is that Larowe is able to spec out a new truck in his honor," says Houk. "The truck will include his name and 'Driver of the Year'."

Owner operators are also eligible for the Driver of the Year honor, receiving a $2,500 gift card rather than specing the truck.

"We love honoring our drivers," says Houk. "It's often very hard to choose just one person because so many are worthy. But, we are very proud of Ralph's accomplishments last year."