Idaho Driving Champion Crowned

Eight Drivers Continue on to National Competition

Paul Unser was named the best professional truck driver in Idaho after winning the Straight Truck competition and receiving the highest overall score in the eight competing categories at the 2010 Idaho Truck Driving Championships. The annual event is sponsored by Idaho Trucking Association.

Unser, who drives for YRC, now qualifies to compete in the American Trucking Associations' National Truck Driving Championships August 3-7, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio — also known as the "Super Bowl of Safety." The winners from each of the seven other categories are also eligible to compete in the national championship.

Nearly 400 drivers from all 50 states will compete in Columbus 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 7, one contestant will drive away as the 2010 National Grand Champion Truck Driver.

"The Truck Driving Championships represent the culmination of the industry's dedication to safety," said Idaho Trucking Association President Kathleen Fowers. "I congratulate all the contestants and I hope Idaho cheers for our drivers as they move on to Nationals in Columbus."

Idaho participants at National for each category include:

Paul Unser, YRC, Kuna, Idaho (Straight Truck)

Jeremy Alt, FedEx National LTL, Mountain Home, Idaho (Three-Axle)

Herb Sweeney, III, Con-way Freight, Pocatello, Idaho (Four-Axle)

Jeffrey Halford, Con-way Freight, Meridian, Idaho (Five-Axle)

Rick Sebring, FedEx National LTL, Mountain Home, Idaho (Five-Axle Sleeper)

Ray Sitton, Con-way Freight, Nampa, Idaho (Tankers)

Mike Burt, Kimberly, Idaho (Flatbed)

Tim Melody, ABF Freight System, Fruitland, Idaho (Twins)