Thursday, August 11, 2016

ABF Freight to Send 16 Drivers to National Truck Driving Championships

ABF Freight is sending 16 drivers, each of whom is a state driving champion, to the National Truck Driving Championships in Indianapolis, August 10-13, 2016.

“We are proud to recognize the achievements of our professional drivers who have competed and won their state championships and earned their right to compete at the national level,” said ABF Freight President Tim Thorne. “Championship driving requires a strong commitment to safety and professionalism. We offer our congratulations to all those who will compete in Indianapolis.”

To earn the right to compete in the national competition, drivers must win first place in their class during state competitions. The drivers also must maintain an accident-free driving record for the preceding 12 months.

The state champions representing ABF Freight will be

Tim Anderson, Nebraska, Tank;
Gerald Benavidez, New Mexico, Tank;
Rick Camarda, California, Twins;
Joseph Carrillo, New Mexico, Sleeper;
Michael Contreras, New Mexico, Flatbed;
Ralph Garcia, New Mexico, Four-Axle;
Loren Hatfield, Arkansas, Five-Axle;
A.J. Kelly, Wyoming Highest Written Exam, Twins;
Nate McCarty, Colorado, Straight;
Tim McElwaney, Georgia, Tank;
Allen McNeely, North Carolina, Tank;
Chuck Pearson, Georgia, Flatbed;
Scott Scheuffele, Idaho, Four-Axle;
Tony Spero, Connecticut Grand Champion and Best Pre-Trip, Flatbed;
Brian Wallner, Ohio, Four-Axle;
Ernie Wood, Vermont Grand Champion and Best Pre-Trip, Three-Axle

Drivers competing in Georgia, New Mexico, Idaho and Arkansas also earned their state’s Team Trophy.

At the competition, drivers undergo a written examination, personal interview, pre-trip inspection test and a skills test. Hosted by the American Trucking Associations, the annual event dates to 1937. The National Truck Driving Championships and the affiliated state Truck Driving Championships are considered one of the trucking industry’s largest and most effective safety programs.

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