Buster Anderson, co-founder and executive Vice President of the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC), passed away on Thursday, June 6.
Buster Anderson
As was published in Anderson’s obituary, NASTC President David Owen expressed sorrow over the loss of his 39-year-old friend, who they had worked with at Comdata since 1985. Owen wrote: “Words can’t possibly convey the sadness and loss we feel as we share Buster Anderson’s untimely death.” “His death was the result of an operation that could have extended his life with us, and unfortunately, his weak heart condition did not support his recovery.”
The NASTC President continued by expressing his appreciation:
Buster will be greatly missed, and that is an understatement. The Anderson family, Owen family, NASTC family and the entire driver’s community have lost their most ardent mentor and cheerleader.
Buster was a friend, business partner and confidant of mine for 39 years, starting in 1985. We were both top producers at Comdata Network, a Nashville-based company. When I decided to leave Comdata to start NASTC, I told my spouse, “I sure wish I could find Buster Anderson.” He had left Comdata two years earlier. Two days later, on May 16, 1989, I answered a random call from a carpet cleaner named Buster. Bonnie recognized his voice and we got together. NASTC was created. We know that this is just the beginning of hundreds of miracles.
Buster Anderson is irreplaceable, and he will be incredibly missing.”
A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, June 13 at 1:30 p.m., at Hendersonville Funeral Home, 353 E. Main Street in Hendersonville, Tennessee. NASTC will also honor Anderson’s life during the annual NASTC Conference in Nashville, Nov. 7-9. NASTC is well-known to motor carrier members for a variety of services over the years. From its fuel-discount purchasing group to its drug and alcohol testing service, to its New Entrant Survival Training class and so much else.
Overdrive readers will also be aware that NASTC sponsors the Small Fleet Championship. Entries are currently being accepted from fleets between 3 and 30 trucks. Finalists are also celebrated at NASTC’s annual conference. Details can be found at this link.