Putting the Mile in Milestone
Employees’ years of service are milestones worth celebrating. But for this group of employees, they are literally putting the mile in milestone as truck drivers with our transportation and feed ingredients divisions. Join us in congratulating these drivers for hitting one, two or three million miles with Stutsmans.
Three Million Mile Club
Bruce Hoaglin | Over-the-Road Driver | Since 1998
Bruce joined the Stutsman fleet in 1998 as an owner-operator. In the years following, Bruce owned and operated three different trucks. In 2016, he sold his semi and became a company driver. His hard work and dedication to the company has earned him much respect from the Stutsman Transportation team.
Favorite Place to Visit: Iowanna Beach Resort in Minnesota
Favorite Routes to Travel: Salt Lake City area
Go-To Truck Stop: Lyman, WY – it’s an old truck stop that is still privately owned.
Favorite Driving Snack: Sunflower seeds
Personal Effects: My new three million-mile sticker!
Other Hobbies and Passions: God, Family & Fishing
What does this award mean to you: I’m really glad Stutsmans recognized me for my hard work and dedication to the company. They are good at recognizing everyone. Stutsmans has become like a family to me over the years.
Two Million Miles
Grant Gingerich | Over-the-Road Driver | Since 2006
Grant has consistently been a high mileage driver and often earns the highest MPG for Stutsman Transportation. Having been with Stutsmans since 2006, he has built a good rapport with many of our customers.
Favorite Place to Visit: As a former resident, the central coast of California. It’s a beautiful area.
Favorite Routes to Travel: Into the Sierra Mountains from Nevada and into the northwestern states.
Favorite Driving Snack: Snacking is a bad habit.
Other Hobbies and Passions: I’m intrigued by fine musical instruments, but I’m not a musician. Also riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
What does this award mean to you: I really appreciate being acknowledged. It’s the personal phone calls and extra in-person communication that keeps me here for two million miles and counting.
John Neal | Over-the-Road Driver | Since 1995
John started as an OTR driver with Stutsman Transportation in 1995. Once he started a family, John transitioned to a local driver hauling van freight, fertilizer, and anhydrous ammonia. He is certainly a valuable asset to the Stutsman team. When not on the road, John likes spending time with family and friends. You may also catch him enjoying a bonfire. “A good fishing hole never hurts!” says John. “It’s been a pleasure working here, and I’m looking forward to many more miles in the future!”
Favorite Place to Visit: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Favorite Driving Snack: A cup of coffee in the a.m. and a granola bar or trail mix in the p.m.
Personal Effects: I have my family pictures and my guardian angel (drive safe) visor clip.
What does this award mean to you: Plenty of window time and some great people to work for. I wouldn’t have worked here for 27 years if they hadn’t treated me right.
Terry Sandlin | Over-the-Road Driver | Since 2005
Terry has been a dependable OTR driver. Joining in 2005, he is the only OTR driver with Stutsman Transportation to haul loads to the eastern part of the U.S. on a weekly basis. He always shows his appreciation to those he works for and with.
Favorite Place to Visit: Gatlinburg, TN and Tail of the Dragon (NC)
Favorite Routes to Travel: I-57 to Dallas, TX
Go-To Truck Stop: Flying J
Favorite Driving Food: BBQ
Personal Effects: Harley-Davidson flag
Other Hobbies and Passions: Riding motorcycles, camping, spending time with my wife
What does this award mean to you: I’m very grateful for Stutsmans and the relationships I have built with each person throughout the 18 years of employment.
One Million Miles
Larry Bass | Over-the-Road Driver | Since 2010
Larry Bass has been with Stutsman Transportation since 2010. At any given time, our dispatchers are able to call him and know that he will be happy to help. He has also been a dependable driver by hauling anything from dry van to tanker to flatbed.
Favorite Place to Visit: Anywhere west
Favorite Routes to Travel: I-70 when it’s safe.
Go-To Truck Stop: There used to be one place in Oregon where you could get pink salmon, that has since turned into a Subway. Now it’s Boise Stage Shop in Idaho.
Favorite Driving Food: Roast beef on rye with swiss
Personal Effects: My truck is the one with all the jewelry on it, like chrome hubcaps and rain deflectors.
Other Hobbies and Passions: Model railroading
What does this award mean to you: It’s just nice to be recognized.
Mike Bowlin | Dedicated Delivery Driver | Since 2012
As a member of our feed ingredients dedicated delivery team, Mike has been running product throughout Iowa and the surrounding states since 2012. In his 10 years with us, he has proven himself to be a hard worker that is easy to get along with. “I would like to thank Stutsmans for giving me the chance to drive for them. There is a reason I have drove a million miles and been here for 10 years,” says Mike. “I would like to thank them for helping me make it through my accident and working with me so I could get the treatment I needed to be able to get back in a truck and drive again. They also worked with me on my kids’ functions to see that I could make every one of them. I have always been greeted with a smile and asked how I was doing from everyone. There are a lot of employers that don’t even know their employees’ names, that is not the case here. I am proud to work here and hope I can make it another million miles.”
Favorite State to travel to/through: Wisconsin
Go-To Truck Stop: Flying J and Pilot
Favorite Driving Snack: Peanut butter and cheddar cheese crackers
Personal Effects: I have an Iowa Wrestling, Herky the Hawk decal on the side of my truck. I have been involved in wrestling for 45 years: as an athlete, coach and Iowa AAU Rep. I am big fan of Iowa Hawkeye wrestling and have been going to NCAA nationals for about 30+ years.
Other Hobbies and Passions: I help run Iowa AAU state and national wrestling tournaments. I am a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. I play golf whenever I get a chance.
What does this award mean to you: Kind of cool. I’ve never had a million of anything.
Mick Boyd | Over-the-Road Driver | Since 2013
Joining in 2013, Mick will go anywhere, coast to coast, with a smile on his face. While he doesn’t mind being out for several weeks at a time, he does enjoy hiking and camping or sitting in a hot spring when he’s not behind the wheel. “It is very nice to work for a company that you’re not constantly lied to and that they know your name and you’re not just a number. It is wonderful having an open door policy,” says Mick. “I have yet to be angry with my dispatch for something that they have done in my nine years with Stutsmans. I appreciate having a place to work where I look forward to coming to work and not dreading it while making a good living. In trucking, it is hard to find a company with both good home time and good money. This company is that.”
Favorite Place to Visit: Bagdad, AZ and Little America, WY
Favorite Routes to travel to/through: I-10 CA to TX, I-90 through MT, all of AZ, Hwy 30 through WY and ID
Go-To Truck Stop: Little America, WY
Favorite Driving Snack: Goldfish and mixed nuts
Personal Effects: I have added a Marine Corps sticker to my truck because I was in the Marines, and I also added rope lights on the inside of my truck.
Travel Buddy: I take my Australian cattle dog, Zona with me. She has been in the truck for almost five years. She gets me out of the truck when I don’t want to, which is very important. That is why I got that type of dog.
What does this award mean to you: It means I found a company worth staying with, a home so to speak. It makes me very proud to see that sticker on my truck.
William Clemens | Over-the-Road Driver | Since 2013
William has been an asset to the Stutsman Transportation team since 2013. He consistently works six days per week, usually starting on Tuesday and heading to Utah. His excellent customer service year-round has made him a valued part of our team.
Jim Hochstedler | Dedicated Delivery Driver | Since 1996
This happy-go-lucky driver celebrated 25 years as a member of the feed ingredients dedicated delivery team as a day-route driver last year. Jim’s normal routes usually take him up to northeast Iowa, but he’s always willing to cover any route within a 200-mile radius of Hills. As a dedicated driver, Jim takes advantage of his home time by camping, bike riding and spending time with family. He also can be found on tractorcades and parades driving his 8N Ford tractor. “Stutsmans is a great company to drive for. I appreciate the hard work that other employees do to make it possible for the drivers to do their job well,” says Jim. “Thanks to my dispatchers, the guys in the mechanic shop who keep the trucks rolling, and the loaders!”
Favorite Place to Visit: Ozinga Feed in Oskaloosa, Iowa. They are very friendly and extremely helpful. It’s an easy place to get into.
Favorite States to travel to/through: I like northeast Illinois and Wisconsin. It is nice country with good scenery being both hilly and flat.
Favorite Driving Snack: Granola bars
Personal Effects: I’ve always had a CB radio even though it’s not like it has been in the past. Some people name their truck. My truck’s name is #444.
What does this award mean to you: It is a very special award. It’s hard to believe I’ve driven that many miles as a feed route driver.
Jeff Horras | Over-the-Road Driver | Since 2006
Jeff has drove for both Stutsman feed delivery and Stutsman Transportation since 2006. Jeff has proven to be a dependable asset to Stutsmans. Most notably though, Jeff is known as Santa around here, having dressed up for the Santa at Stutsmans event for many years.
Favorite Place to Visit: The North Pole
Favorite Routes to Travel: Northern states
Go-To Truck Stop: Pilot or Flying J
Favorite Driving Food: Oreos
Personal Effects: A diecast WW2 tank to support the military as I am a veteran.
Other Hobbies and Passions: I collect hats of all kinds, most recently soccer teams. Canoeing, birdwatching, and spending time with my wife and family.
What does this award mean to you: I appreciate my hard work is acknowledged. A million miles with a million smiles!
Sam Leyh | Over-the-Road Driver | Since 2012
Sam has been hauling dry van freight and fertilizer with Stutsman Transportation since 2012. His dedication is top-notch, working six days a week throughout the year. He had a busy spring this last year but when he gets a chance, Sam likes remodeling work and building or fixing things in the shop.
Favorite Place to Visit: Hauling anhydrous ammonia and liquid fertilizer in the spring and chatting with local farmers
Favorite States to travel to/through: Texas
Go-To Truck Stop: Eagleville, MO
Favorite Driving Snack: Dr. Pepper
Personal Effects: I just recently got a new semi and haven’t had time to do much to it. Spring was pretty busy for me.
Travel Buddy: Dash. He is a Shih Tzu. He has been with me for over a year now. When I leave the truck, he sits and is always looking for me.
What does this award mean to you: I’ve gotten a few compliments on it from other drivers which has been nice.
Ray Overholt | Over-the-Road Driver | Since 2014
Ray has been a high mileage driver every year since starting in 2014. His dedication earned him the top miles award in 2021. He primarily hauls dry van freight and fertilizer, providing superb customer service regardless of the load. When he gets some time away from his truck, Ray says he spends time fishing, working on cars or just tinkering. Being an OTR driver has created some additional benefits for Ray too. “It has been nice I have gotten to see some relatives in other states that I haven’t seen in a long time!”
Favorite Place to Visit: Idaho
Favorite Routes to travel to/through: I love going west. I don’t really have a particular route. I just really love traveling out west.
Go-To Truck Stop: TA in Joplin, MO
Favorite Driving Snack: Pretzels
Personal Effects: I have a husky dog on the dash, but that’s all I have added.
Travel Buddy: My husky dog. He is really not hard to take care of and he is a very good listener!
What does this award mean to you: I have seen many places that I would have never seen before.
Larry Shirey | Over-the-Road Driver | Since 2009
Since 2009, Larry has been a devoted driver and is often referred to as “Larry the Cable Guy” because of the comical similarities. He’s willing to take on loads whenever, even if it means over the holidays.
Favorite Place to Visit: Home
Favorite Routes to travel to/through: Northwest and back home
Go-To Truck Stop: The ones with the cleanest showers
Favorite Driving Snack: Almonds
Personal Effects: A Captain America blanket on the back wall of my truck.
Other Hobbies and Passions: Riding my three-wheeler, deep sea fishing, traveling to Florida
What does this award mean to you: I feel respected and appreciated by the Stutsman Transportation team every day!
Perry Sojka | Dedicated Delivery Driver | Since 2005
Perry likes to run Kansas and Michigan routes as part of our feed ingredients dedicated delivery team, although he’s always willing to cover Iowa and surrounding states too. He is a driver we can count on to get the job done in a timely manner since he joined in 2005. Getting the job done also means Perry has time to enjoy his hobbies including golfing, fishing and playing cards. Perry has enjoyed his time working for the feed ingredients division. “It’s nice to work for a company that recognizes you for the work you do and not just another employee number,” says Perry.
Favorite Place to Visit: Poteau, OK, or anywhere south
Favorite States to travel to/through: South Dakota and Nebraska
Go-To Truck Stop: Flying J in Joplin, MO
Favorite Driving Snack: Peanuts
Personal Effects: Floor mats and rugs; they help keep tracking dirt and mud from getting all over the floor.
Norman Swantz | Over-the-Road Driver | Since 2009
Norman has been willing to haul anything, anytime he is asked since he joined the Stutsman Transportation team in 2009. Driving is in his blood. If he’s not behind the wheel of his semi-tractor, he’s probably driving his personal pickup. His dependability is outstanding. Being a dependable driver has, in part, been a nod to the dedication of our service team as well. “I appreciate the shop foreman taking care of any issues on the road, 24 hours a day,” says Norman.
Favorite Place to Visit: Wakarusa, IN
Favorite Routes to travel to/through: Driving on the interstate and going to IN
Go-To Truck Stop: Love’s
Favorite Driving Snack: Lemon Pudding
Personal Effects: Personal cooler & CB radio
What does this award mean to you: It is a long-time goal.
Leon Vanhorn | Over-the-Road Driver | Since 2013
Leon has been a dependable asset to the Stutsman Transportation team since joining in 2013. Not only is Leon always on time, but more often, he is early for his pick-up/delivery times. In his time with Stutsmans, Leon has gotten to know the people that make up the Stutsman team. “I believe that Stutsmans is probably the best company I’ve ever worked for and the people and other drivers are pretty cool; I like chatting with them,” says Leon. “I also believe that our dispatch team is the best in the nation. All I can say is kudos to Stutsmans for doing such a wonderful job for everybody.”
Favorite Place to Visit: Home, but there are some places I really, really want to go see…on my bike like the southwest desert of Arizona and New Mexico, Texas, the Dakotas, Wyoming. I’d also like to travel some parts of the upper Midwest, straight across to the Atlantic then down to Florida. So, you might as well say every state pretty much, but I want to do it on my bike.
Favorite States to travel to/through: Every state is pretty nice. I obviously don’t like going to New York or above and Pennsylvania. Anywhere else is okay as long as I’m working.
Go-To Truck Stop: Love’s has cleaner showers and bathrooms. Particularly any truck stop where I can park, be safe and is quiet to sleep.
Favorite Driving Snack: Good question. Coffee. Sometimes it depends. I don’t eat a lot of chips or anything with a lot of salt, but I’ll snack on almonds, walnuts and pistachios. Every once in a while, I’ll have a Reese’s peanut butter cup.
Personal Effects: I do have a ‘truckers against human trafficking’ decal, and as soon as I can get me a few more ‘bikers against child abuse’ stickers I will put them on.
Other Hobbies and Passions: I just recently started fishing, but most of the time I like to be working on my Harleys and riding them. And doing things at the house. I wish I had more time to go watch ball games (baseball my favorite) or go to drag races, car shows and swap meets.
Travel Buddy: I have two red Boston terriers at home. Sometimes I wish I can bring them with me, but my better half at home says no. So in my windshield, I have Darth Vader and Gumby waving at everybody.
What does this award mean to you: It means a lot to me. I am very glad I have been able to do the amount of work I have been doing for this company.
Jim Ward | Over-the-Road Driver | Since 2009
Since his start in 2009, Jim has been a reliable, top mileage driver every year. He’s always ready to go anywhere, anytime he’s asked.
Favorite Place to Visit: Seattle, WA
Favorite Routes to Travel: Inter-mountain west
Favorite Driving Snack: Crackers and cherry tomatoes, strawberries and grapes
Personal Effects: Saint Christopher medal for good luck
Other Hobbies and Passions: Working towards retirement. Spending time and traveling with my wife and family.
What does this award mean to you: I had very little experience when I started here. In fact, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter were in office the last time I drove. However, I picked it back up in 2009, and here I am today.
Marty Watts | Over-the-Road Driver | Since 2011
For the last 11 years, Marty has provided top-notch customer service regardless if he’s hauling dry van freight, fertilizer, or anhydrous ammonia. Being among our high mileage drivers every year, he still finds time to take part in some of his hobbies including shooting bows and guns or just spending time outdoors.
Favorite Place to Visit: Columbia River Gorge in Oregon
Favorite States to travel to/through: Wisconsin and Kentucky
Go-To Truck Stop: Bosselman/Pilot Grand Island, NE
Favorite Driving Snack: Strawberries or peanuts
Personal Effects: I always have American flags and Iowa State Cyclones stickers but have recently added an armed forces/police/EMS flags.
Travel Buddy: Nope, just me but I talk a lot with friends.
What does this award mean to you: It is great Stutsmans is honoring drivers that have accomplished this. Thank you to Stutsmans for being a great employer!
Interested in joining our fleet?
Visit stutsmans.com/drive or call 319.679.5268 for more information on what it means to drive for Stutsmans.