MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At their annual Safety Conference and Driver of the Year Banquet, the Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA) named Bill Krouse, professional truck driver for YRC Freight, the 2014 Driver of  the Year.

Bill Krouse of YRC Freight is named Minnesota's 2014 Driver of the Year.

Bill has been in the trucking industry for 32 years and has driven more than 2.2 million miles accident free.

"This award is a great way to honor the best in our industry. It is an absolutely amazing feat to drive millions of miles without an accident when you take into consideration his daily driving conditions like congestion, driver distractions and Minnesota winters. Not only is Bill a great driver on the road, but he also exemplifies outstanding character within the community. We are honored to provide him with this much deserved award," said John Hausladen, MTA president. 

"Bill is the epitome of a well-liked driver. His customers appreciate the positive energy he brings in each and every day," said Chris Johnson, City Dispatch Manager at YRC Freight. "I'm blessed to have Bill on the team and extremely proud of him."

When he's not on the road, Bill often gives safety demonstrations to other drivers on correct procedures for avoiding accidents and injury. He is also a very active member of the Minnesota State Truck Driving Championships. He has won the Minnesota Championships four times, has placed as high as 12th at nationals, won Rookie of the Year in 2004 and the Howie Johnson Award in 2012. 

Throughout 2014, exceptional drivers are nominated by their companies and one driver is chosen each month to be the Driver of the Month. The drivers who are chosen meet a high standard of requirements including an outstanding driving and work record; contribution to industry and highway safety; and involvement in the community. In January, MTA hosts the Driver of the Year Banquet, and one of the twelve nominees is selected by a panel of judges including Dan Drexler, Division Administrator for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; Captain Matt Sokol, Minnesota State Patrol; and Ward Briggs, Director of MN/DOT's Office of Motor Carrier Services.

The Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA) is a non-profit trade association representing 700 member-trucking companies and allied firms from across the state. Its mission is to serve as the voice for a safe and successful Minnesota trucking industry. It does so by developing innovative and research-based policies that promote highway safety, educating policymakers and the public about the essential role that trucking plays in the economy, and promoting responsible policies that advance the trucking industry's environmental goals.

John Hausladen, President
Minnesota Trucking Association
Phone: (651) 646-7351
E-Mail: john@mntruck.org
Web: www.mntruck.org

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SOURCE Minnesota Trucking Association

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