Our 2023 “…of the year” award winners for Crete Carrier and Shaffer Trucking were honored at our annual Christmas Party on December 8. Here’s a bit about each of these drivers and their careers with Crete and Shaffer.
Lawrence Fraites
Crete Carrier Driver of the Year
Warehouse work led to a career as an over-the-road driver for Lawrence Fraites. He drove for a couple of companies before working at a Target distribution center where he got to know several Crete drivers. They encouraged him to apply, and now, 32 years later, Lawrence is the Crete Carrier Driver of the Year. This year he received his 28-year safe driving award, and he’s driven more than 3 million miles. He says he was “amazed” when he learned of the award and says “You don’t think about that when you’re working. You just work, just keep doing your job well.”
Mike Manatt
Shaffer Trucking Driver of the Year
Mike served 10 years with the U.S. Navy before starting his driving career with Shaffer Trucking in 2001. Mike was recognized for his military and driving careers when he received a Patriot Fleet truck in 2020. He earned a 12-year safe driving award this year and has never received a DOT violation in his career. Mike says his favorite part of driving for Shaffer Trucking is continuing to serve our country by hauling commodities that are essential to everyday life.
Jason and Christina Walker
Crete Carrier Team Drivers of the Year
Company driving awards are nothing new to this dynamic duo. Jason earned the Crete Carrier Rookie of the Year Award in 2019. Christina decided to join Jason, and Crete, in 2020. The couple was motivated to team up by their goals of financial security in retirement. They point to Crete Carrier’s profit sharing and 401k programs as advantages that set Crete apart from other companies. Christina and Jason appreciate the support that’s available to drivers, include their ongoing relationships with their trainers who remain mentors.
Joel Prieto and Damita (Claribel) Holguin-Terrill
Shaffer Trucking Team Drivers of the Year
Joel and Claribel have been team driving with Shaffer since 2016. Joel came to Shaffer first, a few months before Claribel joined him. She had worked in the construction industry for several years, and serves on the tribal council of the North Chumash Tribe. Joel recently received his 5-year safety award. They plan to stay with Shaffer until they retire and appreciate the 401k and profit-sharing programs that will help them reach their retirement goals. They appreciate the support they receive from the team at the Cheyenne terminal and everyone in the Shaffer family.
Marc Fahey
Crete Carrier Owner Operator of the Year
Marc says he’s always loved trucks. He was a mechanic in the Army and volunteered to drive. It was natural to transition to trucking when he completed his service in 1989. Marc came to Crete in 1992, though he left for a time before returning. Marc became an owner operator about 15 years ago and likes the independence it brings. Marc has achieved his ATA 2 million Safe Miles Award, and his 15 Years Safe Driving Award with Crete Carrier. He also serves as a reliable mentor to other drivers.
Javier Rodriguez Nevarez
Shaffer Trucking Rookie of the Year
Javier says he’s always wanted to drive tractor trailers but didn’t start his driving career until recently. He joined Shaffer Trucking in September 2022, and says he was blessed with the opportunity because he had never heard anything bad about Crete or Shaffer. Javier says his short-term goal is to become a better driver and his long-term goal is to drive for this company until he retires.
Larry Starling
Crete Carrier Trainer of the Year
Larry joined Crete Carrier in 2011 and became a trainer in 2012. His driving career followed 23 years of service in the U.S. Army. He received a Patriot Fleet truck in 2019. He is a very personable trainer who does an excellent job preparing his trainees for solo driving. Larry reached 3 million career miles in 2023 and also received his 12-Year Safe Driving Award with Crete Carrier.
Thomas Bender
Crete Carrier
Eric Weaver
Crete Carrier
Kenneth Rothman
Shaffer Trucking
Dawt Tum
Crete Carrier
Joe Snyder
Shaffer Trucking
Timothy Hall
Crete Carrier
Taylor Abbott
Shaffer Trucking
Roy Greenfield
Crete Carrier
Clay Gibson
Shaffer Trucking
Monty Todd
Crete Carrier
Erik Nelson
Shaffer Trucking
Brian Bostic
Crete Carrier
Lyndol Redwine
Shaffer Trucking
Andrei Valiev
Crete Carrier
Brandon Conover
Shaffer Trucking
Keith Welch
Crete Carrier
John Colasuonno
Crete Carrier
William Ives
Shaffer Trucking
Charles Schlabach
Crete CarrierSoutheast Regional
Randall Alt
Crete Carrier
Thomas Moses
Shaffer Trucking
Antoinette Mkude
Crete Carrier
Randy Bailey
Crete Carrier
Heston Rounkles
Shaffer Trucking
Gary Genzel
Crete Carrier
Paul Ashley
Crete Carrier
John Marsden
Shaffer Trucking
James Topliss
Crete Carrier
Charles Ayers
Shaffer Trucking
Douglas Hanlon
Crete Carrier
John Freitas
Shaffer Trucking
Travis Mitchell
Crete Carrier
Sadao Stratton
Shaffer Trucking