Maryland Motor Truck Association (MMTA) Recognized Gaines’s Fuel Truck Drivers
Gaines and Company’s fuel and lube drivers often don’t get the attention they deserve. They are on the road by 5:30 a.m. and don’t return until they’ve serviced all equipment, making sure operations continue without delay. They safely haul thousands of gallons of HAZMAT fluids on busy roads in all weather and road conditions. Their work is far from easy.
The Maryland Motor Truck Association (MMTA) recently recognized two Gaines and Company drivers with the MMTA 2023 Driver of the Month Award – Jeff Grove (Driver of the Month) and Jason Dempsey (Runner-up).
Jeff and Jason not only fuel and lube equipment to keep them operating on schedule, but they also provide other supplies to crews, too – from paint touch-up to hydration drink mixes!
“I nominated both drivers for the Driver of the Month award for their diligence to safe driving and clean driving records despite the intricacies of hauling HAZMAT loads,” said Gaines and Company’s Safety Director Dominic Pope. “They both drive 55-60,000 pound fuel trucks carrying 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel at any time. Neither has had a safety violation or driving issue. They both follow HAZMAT requirements, keep good paperwork, and have completed extensive HAZMAT awareness training.”
In addition to driving records, MMTA’s Safety Management Council also reviews nominees’ personal driving records, customer relations, driving environments, attitudes and characters, and community involvement.
“Jeff and Jason have great attitudes. They don’t just haul the loads, but assist mechanics and operators as needed,” added Dominic. “They are both exemplary employees!”
JEFF GROVE – MMTA’s 2023 Driver of the Month
Years with Gaines and Company: 18
Miles driven: 1,000,000+
Jeff started with Gaines and Company on a crew. At the time, operators refueled equipment from an on-site fuel tank. As business grew, Gaines’s leadership was looking for someone to drive a fuel truck. Jeff was their man – and still is today!
Jeff determined routes and schedules to keep all equipment (currently around 200 pieces of equipment) operating without delays.
“I know what the crews are going through and how to support them without disrupting operations. And it’s not just fuel that I give them. I’m like a Home Depot on wheels,” joked Jeff. “I have all kinds of supplies on my truck that I use to keep the equipment moving.”
JASON DEMPSEY – Runner-up
Years with Gaines and Company: 7
Miles driven: Around 750,000
As business grew and Jeff couldn’t get to all the crews each day, Jason Dempsey – who already had his HAZMAT certification – accepted the role as a second fuel and lube driver.
“I love being out in the field with the guys,” said Jason. “If my truck is down, it’s not long until the crews are down also. Jeff and I do everything we can to keep going to make sure the crews can keep working, too.”
Jeff will be recognized on February 8 at MMTA’s Annual Awards Banquet, where he will receive a plaque to commemorate his outstanding driving effort.
Congratulations to Jeff and Jason for this remarkable accomplishment!
