Con-way will send 89 of its drivers to the 72nd annual American Trucking Associations National Truck Driving Championships in Pittsburgh on Aug. 18-22
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From Con-way Freight, 88 drivers will participate, while one Con-way Truckload driver will compete. All drivers had to qualify by winning first place in any of nine equipment classes in state competition.

At the competition, drivers will be tested for their skills and knowledge of safe driving through written examinations, equipment safety inspection testing and formal driving tests. Since 1937, 11 Con-way Freight drivers have taken National Champion titles in their equipment classes, including 2006 National Grand Champion Dale Duncan of Chula Vista, Calif.

"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," said Bob Petrancosta, vice president of safety at Con-way Freight.

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 the title of "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.