DRIVER RECOGNITION
![](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/drivers-trophy.jpg)
We Recognize Our Drivers
- Driver of the Year is chosen from that year’s driver of the month list – the driver must exemplify great safety on and off the road, show timeliness & professionalism in their day-to-day duties, and exhibit the Hoekstra mission & vision in everything they do. In doing so, the driver of the year can win a cash stipend or an opportunity to spec out a brand-new truck.
- Service Anniversary Recognition – drivers receive an engraved watch after 10 years of service. After 20 years of service, they receive an engraved ring and after 30 years they get a diamond in the ring.
Drivers of the Year
![Dan Watson](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Dan-Watson.webp)
Dan Watson
2019
![James Smock](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/James-Smock.png)
James Smock
2018
![Alan Bott](/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Alan-Bott-DOTM1.jpg)
Alan Bott
2017
![Dale Douglas](/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Dale-Douglas-DOTM.jpg)
Dale Douglas
2016
![Don Maxey](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Don-Maxey-Update.webp)
Don Maxey
2015
![Chuck Reed](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Chuck-Reed.webp)
Chuck Reed
2014
![John Lancaster](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/John-Lancaster-2014.png)
John Lancaster
2014
![Jose Felix Mulero](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/jose-felix-mulero-scaled-1.webp)
Jose Felix Mulero
2013
![Haris Begovic](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Haris-Begovic.webp)
Haris Begovic
2012
![Don Maxey](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Don-Maxey.webp)
Don Maxey
2011
![Mark Miller](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Mark-Miller.webp)
Mark Miller
2010
![Wanda Winkleman](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/User.jpg)
Wanda Winkleman
2009
![Robert Eklund](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Robert-Eklund.webp)
Robert Eklund
2008
![Larry Shouse](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Larry-Shouse.webp)
Larry Shouse
2007
![Ron Leoni](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Ron-Leoni.webp)
Ron Leoni
2006
![Ralph Larowe](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/User.jpg)
Ralph Larowe
2005
![Tom Chupp](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Tom-Chupp.webp)
Tom Chupp
2004
![Kevin Meihls](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/User.jpg)
Kevin Meihls
2003
![Jim Read](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/User.jpg)
Jim Read
2002
![Eddy Archer](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/User.jpg)
Eddy Archer
2001
![Billy Lowe](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/User.jpg)
Billy Lowe
2000
![Kelly Coats](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Kelly-Coats.webp)
Kelly Coats
1999
![Kendal Lamb](/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Kendal-Lamb.jpg)
Kendal Lamb
1998
![steve award](https://www.hoekstratrans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/steve-award.jpg)
Recognition Through Respect
- 2002 Truckload Carriers Assn National Fleet Safety Award Excellence in Safety 1st Place
- 2009 NASTC Driver of the Year America’s Best Drivers
- 2009 Armstrong World Industries Elite Carrier Award
- 2015 American Cancer Society Division Driving Out Cancer Relay for Life Team Excellence Award
- 2016 Illinois Trucking Association Good Citizen of the Year Award (to President & CEO Steve Hoekstra)
- 2018 Kankakee Chamber of Commerce Technology and Innovation Award
- 2019 Zonta International District 6 Centennial Recognition Award
- 2022 Daily Journal Progress Award
- Multiple Mid-West Truckers Assn Inc. Record Loss Management & Outstanding Member Awards
- State of Illinois Senate Recognition for National Fleet Safety Award
- 2 Year Illinois Professional Truck Driving Championship Participant
- 6-Time Best Fleet to Drive for Finalist
- Daily Journal Readers Choice Best of the Best Award “Best Midsize Employer”
- Disabled American Veterans Appreciation Award