By month’s end, the three less-than-truckload operating companies of Con-Way Transportation Services Inc., will have collectively sent 256 drivers to the American Trucking Assn.'s
(ATA) National Truck Driving Championships during the past five years.
This is more than any other transportation company in America, according to Con-Way. This year the companies will send 54 drivers to the competition during Aug. 19-23, in Columbus, Ohio.
"Each Con-Way driver sales representative is a leader and true professional," said Gerald L. Detter, president and chief executive officer of Con-Way. "Their knowledge of highway laws, equipment and safety procedures sets the right example. They not only operate safely on the road but are also highly dedicated to quality customer service and on-time performance."
The company regularly receives safety awards from ATA and service awards from customers.
More than 360 state champions from across the country will compete in nine equipment classes with the ultimate goal of winning the event's Grand Champion and National Champion titles. One driver will win Grand Champion honors and receive a championship ring and plaque. The title of National Champion will be awarded to the top point earners in each of the nine competing classes. Each class winner receives a cash award, plaque and a national champion belt buckle from the ATA.
Since 1999 Con-Way, as standard practice, has awarded any Con-Way driver who wins a national championship a new Ford F150 4x4 stretch cab pickup truck valued at more than $30,000. To date the company has given away three trucks.
The ATA sponsors the annual event to promote highway safety. Drivers qualify for the national competition by winning at the state level in one of nine equipment classes. Competition is based on driving skill and knowledge of the trucking industry, equipment, safety policies and safety regulations. The driving skills competition will take place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Testing and other events are scheduled at the Columbus Hyatt Regency and Crowne Plaza (downtown).
The event precedes National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, a nationwide salute to safe, professional truck drivers scheduled for August 18-24.