ABF Driver Chuck Smetzer Repeats As Maryland Grand Champion

For the second consecutive year, ABF driver Chuck Smetzer has earned the title of Grand Champion in the Maryland Safe Truck Driving Championships, thus becoming Maryland's first repeat Grand Champion.

"Never in the 65-year history of Maryland's Safe Truck Driving Championships has a driver repeated as the Grand Champion, until now," said Craig Talbott, vice president of safety for the Maryland Motor Truck Association. "Making the accomplishment even more remarkable, Smetzer competed in an entirely different driving class this year.  In 2012, Smetzer won the Grand Championship while competing in the twin trailers classification.  In 2011, Smetzer won first place in the 3 axle van class."

Smetzer has been driving accident free for over 29 years, with 21 years dedicated to ABF. Domiciled at Hagerstown, Md., Smetzer has received numerous safe-driving awards, including the Gold Safe Driving Award, the 20-Year Safety Performance Plaque and 20-Year Safe Driving Patches.

The Maryland Safe Truck Driving Championships are sponsored each year by the Maryland Motor Truck Association Safety Management Council.  The contest is open to all drivers who work in Maryland, have accident-free records for at least 12 months prior to participation, and who meet the eligibility requirements of the Maryland Motor Truck Association and the American Trucking Associations. This year's competition included 110 drivers.