Holland Professional Driver Herschel Evans Named 2012 Georgia Driver of the Year and 5-Axle Champion at Georgia Truck Driving Championships

Holland professional driver Herschel Evans was honored as the 2012 Georgia Driver of the Year at the Georgia Truck Driving Championships held May 11-12. Evans also placed first in the 5-axle class at the annual driving competition sponsored by the Georgia Motor Trucking Association (GMTA).

The GMTA's Safety Management Council named Evans its 2012 Driver of the Year for his exemplary record of safe and courteous driving. Evans has worked in the transportation industry for 24 years, the last 18 years with Holland. He is based at the Holland facility in Atlanta, Ga.

Evans also won the state 5-axle competition in 2011, 2008 and 2006. He went on to earn two national titles with first-place finishes in the 5-axle class at the National Truck Driving Championships in 2011 and 2008. He will compete at the 2012 National Truck Driving Championships in Minneapolis, Minn., in August.

Both the state and national events require competitors to identify safety defects in a pre-trip inspection, test their knowledge of regulations in a thorough written exam, and demonstrate their skills on a course that mimics real-life driving challenges.

"Herschel exemplifies what we want in a professional driver for the Holland team.  Drivers like Herschel lead the way in safety and service.  As the leaders in regional next day LTL freight, Holland is powered by professional drivers such as Herschel.  The entire Holland team congratulates him for his exemplary professionalism and safety achievements," said Holland president Scott Ware.

Holland drivers are encouraged to use driving competitions as a way to sharpen their safe driving skills. "The legally required skills and training are just the starting point. A driver can always learn how to be better and safer on the job," Evans said.

Twelve Holland drivers competed at the Georgia Truck Driving Championships. Other top finishers were: Sean Bates (2nd place, 3-axle and Rookie of the Year award), Scott Donaldson (3rd place, 5-axle flatbed); and James Bowman (3rd place, 3-axle).

In addition, Herschel Evans will be speaking at the Georgia Motor Truck Association's (GMTA) annual convention in Amelia Island, Fla. on June 17-19.

A twenty-five year supporter of The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's motorcycle charity ride--The Ride for Kids, Evans is a Task Force member and a Start Point Coordinator for the Atlanta, Ga. Ride.