Wayland man named National Driver All-Star

WAYLAND — Wayland native Brian Troutman was recently named a National Private Truck Council National Driver All-Star after over 40 years behind the wheel.

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According to CPC Logistics, “Every year NPTC National Driver All-Star awards are given to private fleet truck drivers who have demonstrated high performance standards against their peers throughout the country based on customer service, safety, adherence to company standards, regulatory compliance and community service.”

This year that included Troutman who feels honored to be selected for the award among many incredible drivers.

Troutman attributes his success in his chosen profession to his dad, “who taught me early on that no matter whose name is on the truck or who you pull for, you treat it as if it were your own. Pride in your ability to maintain your vehicle and pleasing your customer should be the foundation of any good driver.”

His experience with driving started very early in his childhood in Wayland thanks to his dad.

“He drove part time in Wayland I just rode along and that’s where I got the fever,” he shared.

Troutman says watching his dad and listening to the way he drove greatly influenced his driving abilities and has given him a leg-up in his field. He states that he sees himself as a simple “old-school” driver that can identify if something is wrong with his truck “through his butt and his feet.”

He began driving on his own in 1983 with Shellman and Sons in Winfield hauling grain. While this job eventually transitioned into transporting other goods over the road, he stayed with Shellman and Sons for 23 years. After that Troutman joined up with CPC Logistics and has been with them ever since.

“Hauling grain was probably some of the best skill teaching for backing up and getting around through the farm,” Troutman said. “You know, around the bin, miss the chickens, past here by the pigs, you know.”

While his love for driving truck originated with his father, Troutman says his love for the job has grown and he has come to love it in different ways. He likes to see the scenery and how it changes as he makes his way down the road. He also appreciates the opportunity to go to new places he wouldn’t otherwise visit.

One trip took Troutman to the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) in Langley, Virginia.

“When I was with Shellman’s another driver and I took a load of electrical switch gears for buildings and we went to the CIA building at Langley,” Troutman said. “They were renovating that place and so they waned us there on a Saturday at 6 a.m., and they said don’t use the back truck gate because it’s under construction. So, we came through the front gate and here comes guys running out with rifles pointed at us and blue lights.”

The trip was otherwise uneventful, Troutman attributed the energetic welcome to simple procedure. While there, he recalled seeing a multitude of black Tahoes and Cadillacs.

In addition to visiting unique places, Troutman says he has met many characters on the road, including one driver that kept a rattlesnake in his truck to keep people way.

With such characters and so many interesting things to see, Troutman encourages young truckers to slow down, take their time to see what is happening around them, take their time to check their trucks, and take their time getting to where they’re going safely.

“Know your truck, know that thing inside and out,” Troutman says.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com