TMAF Interviews Robert Anderson, driver for Florida Rock and Tank Lines and 2022–2023 NTTC Driver of the Year Finalist

Robert Anderson is a tank truck driver for Florida Rock and Tank Lines. He has been a tank truck driver for over 17 years and has 3.7 million accident-free miles. A friend encouraged him to become a tank truck driver in 2005 after he had been in the industry for several years. “It’s been a great job and I haven’t looked back since. It has been very rewarding to me and still allows me to spend time with my family.” As a tank truck driver, Robert has delivered critical products to people in areas hit by disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, pipeline shutdowns, and more.

Robert says that safety has always been a habit of his, but that he never expected it to lead him to this nomination. “I’ve spent my whole life and career being safe. It’s just the right thing to do as a person and as a professional. It is such an honor to be selected as an NTTC finalist, and to be selected as the Grand Champion would be the highest honor I could achieve. I can’t imagine anything better than that.”

Robert always starts his shift by getting a good night’s sleep and then comes in early to inspect his truck. “Always make sure your truck is ready for the road,” he says. “If it isn’t, don’t drive it.” He carefully plans his route and make sure his petroleum products are correctly loaded before heading out on the road. “Safety means being a professional every second you’re out on the road. That means eliminating all distractions outside and inside the cab. If you’re safe as a driver, the people around you are more likely to be safe.”

Making safe and timely deliveries is a source of pride and passion for Robert. “Knowing that I’ve done my job well is incredibly important to me. It gives me the confidence knowing that I’m following safety guidelines that allow that to happen.”

When it comes to attracting drivers to the industry, Robert recommends making sure that companies maintain safe and clean equipment to help improve the industry image on the roads and highways. “Pushing distraction-free driving is also a good way not just to attract new drivers but also to ensure that those new drivers who develop distraction-free driving as a habit will have long and prosperous careers.”

Whether it’s a new driver or a driver with industry experience, Robert recommends that “following the safety guidelines and staying distraction-free” are critical to doing well, staying safe, and making timely deliveries.

In his free time, Robert enjoys listening to music and playing guitar, which he has played since he was an child, and as an adult has performed as a part-time professional.. When he’s not driving a truck or playing guitar, Robert likes to spend time in nature hiking or kayaking.