Con-way Inc. announced that it will send 89 drivers – one-third more than ever before – to the 72nd annual American Trucking Associations National Truck Driving Championships in Pittsburgh, set for Aug. 18-22. A total of 88 Con-way Freight drivers and one Con-way Truckload driver will participate, after qualifying by winning first place in any of nine equipment classes in state competition.
Last year, 67 Con-way Freight driver sales representatives took part in the nationals, where judges evaluate drivers on their skills and knowledge of safe driving through written examinations, equipment safety inspection testing and formal driving tests.
“Con-way Freight’s driver sales representatives represent the highest levels of skill, safety and professionalism in the industry, and we are fortunate to have them as the face of Con-way Freight at our customers’ facilities, on the highways and in our service centers,” says Bob Petrancosta, vice president of safety for Con-way Freight. “Their unprecedented success in this year’s state driving championships is even further evidence of their talent and dedication, and I wish them the best of luck in Pittsburgh next month.”
ATA will award the National Champion in each equipment class a check for $1,000, as well as a plaque and gold belt buckle. The organization honors the event’s overall Grand Champion with a plaque and commemorative diamond ring, as well as industrywide recognition as “The Best Truck Driver in America.”
Since 1999, Con-way Freight has recognized each of its equipment class National Champions with a new Ford F-150 pickup truck, along with the use of a customized commercial tractor displaying the driver’s name and championship title. The company also awards any of its drivers named Grand Champion a $7,500 prize.
