Tennessee Truck Driving Champion Crowned

Nine Drivers Continue on to National Competition

Terry Certain, of Murfreesboro, was named the best professional truck driver in Tennessee after winning the three axle competition and receiving the highest overall score in the nine competing categories at the 2009 Tennessee Truck Driving Championships. The annual event is sponsored by the Tennessee Trucking Association.

Certain, who drives for Con-way Freight, now qualifies to compete in the American Trucking Associations' National Truck Driving Championships August 18-22, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Penn. -- also known as the "Super Bowl of Safety." The winners from each of the eight other categories are also eligible to compete in the national championship.

Nearly 400 drivers from all 50 states will compete in Pittsburgh for four days, challenging their driving skills, and knowledge of safety, equipment and the industry. From 18-wheeler five axle sleepers to tank trucks to twin trailers--they will drive a course that recreates situations truck drivers face daily. These maneuvers may include: an alley dock, a rear line stop, a side park, a scale stop, a right turn, a front line stop, and straight line driving through a diminishing clearance.

On Saturday night, August 22, one contestant will drive away as the 2009 National Grand Champion Truck Driver.

"The Truck Driving Championships represent the culmination of the industry's dedication to safety," said Tennessee Trucking Association President Dave Huneryager. "I congratulate all the contestants, and I hope Tennessee roots for our drivers as they move on to Nationals in Pittsburgh."

Tennessee participants at Nationals for each category include:

Shaune Robles, H.B. Phillips, Inc., Memphis, Tenn. (Straight Truck)

Terry Certain, Con-way Freight, Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Three-Axle)

Terry Jones, Averitt Express, Inc., Johnson City, Tenn. (Four-Axle)

Thomas Vandivort, Martin-Brower, Dickson, Tenn. (Five-Axle)

Thomas "Dale" Williams, Con-way Freight, Strawberry Plains, Tenn. (Five-Axle Sleeper)

David Magee, FedEx Freight, Huntington, Tenn. (Tankers)

Steven Heinz, Con-way Freight, Morristown, Tenn. (Flatbed)

John Lawrence, UPS Freight, Jackson, Tenn. (Twins)

Brady Todd, FedEx Express, Drummonds, Tenn. (Step Van)