Randy Kautzman receives Driver of the Year award

The Jamestown Sun, N.D.
·2 min read

Oct. 8—FARGO — Randy Kautzman of Jamestown was named the Driver of the Year for the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association at its annual awards ceremony on Sept. 14 in Fargo.

The awards ceremony was part of the organization's annual convention, which focused on safety and changes the trucking industry is facing.

Kautzman is employed by Hofmann Trucking in Jamestown.

According to the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association, the Driver of the Year award recognizes a driver who has shown a commitment to safety, made contributions to the trucking industry, shown integrity in interactions with drivers, co-workers, customers and the general public, may have completed documented deeds or heroism and acts of courtesy on or off the highway and made significant contributions to improve the driver's place of work or the lives of those who work with the driver.

"Randy Kautzman is the type of driver every company aspires to have," said Trevor Monilaws, operations manager for Hofmann Trucking LLC, in his nomination of Kautzman for the award. "He is safe, punctual, professional and easy on the equipment."

Monilaws said Kautzman is the "go-to guy" for challenging loads and will volunteer for extra loads. He is a driver mentor, trainer and sounding board for new hires and veteran Hofmann Trucking drivers.

Kautzman worked for Hofmann Trucking from 2011 until 2016 hauling crude oil in North Dakota and Wyoming. He took a one-year break before returning to Hofmann Trucking in 2017. He heads up the Bulk Food Grade division as one of the top drivers for safety, miles and revenue. He has a total of 27 years of commercial driving experience including 14 years as an owner-operator and has 3 million miles accident and violation free. He has received six monthly safety awards (clean roadside inspections) from Hofmann Trucking.

By the end of 2022, Kautzman is expected to have logged over 1.1 million accident and violation-free miles for Hofmann Trucking.

Kautzman lives in Pingree, North Dakota, and also serves as a volunteer with the Pingree Fire Department. He has four sons, Cole,19; Lane,18; Levi, 16, and Rori, 14.