ABF Freight to Send 18 Drivers to 2018 National Truck Driving Championships

To qualify for the national competition, drivers must win first place in their respective class during state truck driving championships, and they must maintain an accident-free driving record for the preceding 12 months.

“These 18 drivers are excellent representatives for ABF Freight and the trucking industry,” said Tim Thorne, ABF Freight president. “I’m very proud of their professionalism and their strong commitment to safety. I wish them the best of luck at nationals.”

Drivers who will represent ABF Freight are: Gerald Benavidez, New Mexico, Flatbed; David Boyer, Virginia, Twin Trailers; James Fabian, Oklahoma, Straight Truck; Ralph Garcia, New Mexico, Sleeper; Kirk Haggard, Arkansas, Twin Trailers; A.J. Kelly, Wyoming, 3-Axle; Carl Marquez, New Mexico, Tanker; Tim McElwaney, Georgia, 5-Axle; Tim Melody, Idaho, Tanker; Don Nichols, Maryland, 4-Axle; Duane Oldfield, New Mexico, 5-Axle; Clint Rast, Nebraska, Straight Truck; Tony Spero, Connecticut, Tanker; Kirk Weis, New Mexico, Straight Truck; Todd Wilemon, Mississippi, Flatbed; Don Wood, New Mexico, 4-Axle; Ernie Wood, Vermont, 4-Axle; and Ronnie Worring, Arkansas, Straight Truck. Kelly, McElwaney and Melody also were grand champions in their respective states.

At the National Truck Driving Championships, drivers will take a written examination that tests their knowledge of trucking facts, rules, statistics and safety protocols, look for defects as part of their pre-trip inspection, and complete a difficult driving course. 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 a great incentive for professional truck drivers to operate safely.

The National Truck Driving Championships will be held Aug. 15-18 in Columbus, Ohio. More than 420 drivers will compete at the event.