Arkansas Firms Send Four Truckers To National Competition

Truckers from several Arkansas companies are headed to Arlington, Va., for a national competition to be held Jan. 11-13.

The drivers are among 36 finalists vying to become captains of the American Trucking Associations' America's Road Team.

The drivers are:

• Danny Fuller of Jonesboro, Con-way Freight.

• Paul Gattin of Benton, ABF Freight System of Fort Smith.

• Gary Leu of Shelbina, Mo., Bentonville-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. transportation division.

• Ben Saiz of Estancia, N.M., ABF Freight System.

A panel of trucking industry officials and trucking news media will judge the 36 contestants on knowledge of the trucking industry, dedication to safety, ability to communicate trucking's messages and overall safe driving records.

The three-day competition will result in new America's Road Team Captains, who serve two-year terms addressing trucking safety and professionalism issues with legislators, news media, civic organizations and the general public, according to a news release.

"America's Road Team represents the best of the best," said Bill Graves, American Trucking Associations' president and chief executive officer. "The 36 professional drivers selected as finalists all have impressive driving records, share a passion for safety and are engaged in their communities."

Drivers nominated to compete must be employed as either a company driver for an ATA member motor carrier or as an owner-operator leased to an ATA member; have an excellent safety record; and communicate his or her commitment to safety, courtesy and professionalism.

Arkansas is home to several trucking companies, including J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. in Lowell and PAM Transportation Services Inc. in Tontitown. Wal-Mart and Springdale-based Tyson Foods Inc. also operate trucking fleets.

State trucking industry workers earn an average annual salary of $29,561 and trucking generates more than $2.5 billion annually in payroll, according to a fact sheet from the Arkansas Trucking Association.

Trucks carry 87 percent of manufactured freight into and out of the state. Each day, trucks bring 303,692 tons of freight into the state and take 338,060 tons out, the state association said.