The Best of the Best on Both Sides of the Border

CPC Logistics truck drivers are the best on the road, no matter what country they are operating in. Gerald Barth is assigned to drive for John Deere in Davenport, Iowa. Allan Huffman also drives for John Deere, but in Grimsby, Ontario. Both have been recognized by trucking industry organizations for their superior performance and were recently honored at CPC’s 50^th anniversary celebration in St. Louis August 1-4.

Gerald Barth

In 1978 Gerry Barth was working at a warehouse unloading trailers when he met a representative from Holiday Express who offered him a job as a truck driver. He’d always been interested in driving, so he accepted the position. Forty-five years later, he is still happy with that decision.

“This is more than a job for me,” Gerry said. “It’s a lifestyle I’ve embraced.”

Gerry worked briefly for several other carriers before joining the CPC team in 1985.

“I had just gotten married and wanted to spend more time with my family,” Gerry said. “Before, I was on the road for three to six weeks at a time. CPC gave me home time and local routes that I couldn’t pass up.”

Since then, Gerry has accumulated more than 4 million miles of safe driving and has won dozens of safe driving awards. In 2019 he was inducted into the National Private Truck Council (NPTC) Driver Hall of Fame, which honors drivers who have accumulated 3 million miles, 20 years or 50,000 hours of consecutive driving without a preventable accident.

Gerry was also one of 22 drivers recognized at CPC’s 50^th anniversary gala August 3. He received a special bomber jacket for his accomplishments.

“What CPC did was really cool,” Gerry said. “My favorite part of the event was getting to see Larry Foltz, CPC’s former executive vice president of operations. I can’t thank him enough for hiring me. He changed my life by giving me this job.”

After 38 years with CPC, Gerry has lots of good advice for drivers who are just getting started.

“Learn everything there is to learn,” Gerry said. “Every time you get in that seat, pay attention, because there’s always something new that you’ll come across.”

Allan Huffman

After 14 years with CPC Logistics, Al Huffman has established himself as one of the company’s most dependable drivers.

“I think this is the best job in the world, so I try to do it right,” Al said.

Out of the 51 years he has spent driving for various organizations, Al has served John Deere for almost two decades.

“I’m proud to drive a John Deere truck,” Al said. “It’s a top-notch company, and I enjoy being a part of their family.”

In 2013 Al was named CPC’s Driver of the Year. After driving more than 4 million miles without an accident or violation, he was inducted into the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) Driver Hall of Fame in 2019.

“I was totally surprised when Charlie Shields, a former CPC safety coordinator, told me I was going into the PMTC Driver Hall of Fame,” Al said. “Winning awards has never been my goal. It is to do my job and do it well. Getting recognized is just a benefit.”

Most recently Al was given CPC’s Spirit of Service Award at the company’s 50^th anniversary gala.

“CPC’s 50^th anniversary celebration was awesome,” Al said. “There were past and present employees from all over. They really made me feel special.”

While in St. Louis Al joined a group of CPC drivers for a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. He also attended a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.

“CPC has fantastic people,” Al said. “They are my favorite part about working for CPC.”