Berner Trucking honors employees at annual banquet

Berner Trucking honored employees and owner-operators at its annual appreciation banquet Jan. 10 at the Elks Banquet Hall in New Philadelphia.

Eighteen employees and owner-operators received longevity awards for service milestones ranging from one to 30 years. Driver safety awards were presented to 13 employees and owner-operators for benchmarks ranging from one to 13 years.

Two employees received the company’s employee awards of distinction. Charles Cunningham was named driver of the year, and Bill Heppe Jr. received the good Samaritan award.

The company also recognized its garage and maintenance staff, dispatch staff, and finance and administrative staff.

Four retirees were recognized. Atlee Miller began as a driver before moving into dispatch and was honored for 30 years of service. Carl Johnson was honored for 20 years. Owner-operator Maurice Jenkins retired after 28 years with the Toledo and Dover terminals. Holly Dazey was honored for four years of service.

A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of Gilbert “Mark” Jenei, who died in 2025 after a career as a truck driver, including the last 20 years with Berner Trucking.

Founded in 1946, Berner Trucking said its mission is to provide excellent customer service in the safest and most efficient manner while offering a safe work environment with competitive wages. The company, based in Dover, operates more than 100 active power units and additional owner-operators.

Longevity awards

One year: Kenneth Holley, Darrick Smith, Zackery Taylor, Frederick Williams, Paul Zimmerman.

Five years: Ethan Lumpcik, Jacob Reiter, Josh Tolotti.

Ten years: William Bonanno, Earl Castle, Andrew Shell, Chet Wright.

Fifteen years: Dena Flanagan, Robert Kramer.

Twenty years: Kimberly Hobart Fleming, Timothy Lumbert, David Csonka.

Thirty years: Robert Mizer.

Driver safety awards

One year: Shane Branning, Robert Cox, Bill Heppe Jr., Victor Kidder.

Two years: Robert Mizer.

Three years: Amos Chupp, David Csonka, Charles Cunningham.

Five years: Dale Day, Jerry Goehring.

Six years: Mark Mehok.

Twelve years: Ron Margo, Daniel Yoder.