ABF drivers stand out for their skills and professionalism during state competitions
Every year, state trucking associations host truck driving championships (TDC) for drivers to showcase their industry knowledge, driving and inspection skills, and dedication to safety. ArcBest LTL carrier ABF Freight is known for having some of the best drivers on the road. Participating in TDCs is a unique way for them to demonstrate their expertise while having fun competing against peers. In 2024, 41 of our drivers won grand champion, first, second or third-place titles — we have 16 grand champion and first-place winners advancing to nationals. ABF Freight also won team trophies in Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, and city driver Shaun Roth won the Ronald E. Williams Rookie of the Year award in Kansas.
To be eligible to compete, participants must have at least one year of continuous employment with a motor carrier and, during that time, be accident-free with fewer than 30 days away from their regular duties. Competitions include a written exam, a pre-trip inspection and a skills test in one of the following classes: straight truck, 3-axle, 4-axle, 5-axle, tank, flatbed, sleeper cab or twin trailers. States present trophies to the winners, and ABF awards our winning drivers with cash prizes ranging from $750 to $2,500, as well as a congratulatory letter from ABF’s director of safety and compliance.
Congratulations to our 2024 state champions!
We’re incredibly proud of all our drivers who competed and represented ABF Freight well. We also appreciate the ABF Freight Safety team, who attended these events and cheered them on. Congrats to all who participated and to those who brought home a win!
First-place winners
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AJ Kelly |
James Fabian |
Mike Alpine |
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Alan Levy |
Jason Vanscoten |
Nate McCarty |
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Bob Bramwell |
Justin Gallant |
Ralph Garcia |
|
Bruce Hoyes |
Kirk Weis |
Robert Zamora |
|
Bryan Holewinski |
Loren Hatfield |
Tom Tweten |
Second-place winners
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Brendan Hennessy |
Donnie Pace |
Pete Vidovic |
|
Chuck Smetzer |
Felix Hernandez |
Shawn Hale |
|
Dave Podelco |
Matt Meadows |
|
|
David Weichers |
Mark Behr |
|
Third-place winners
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Allen McNeely |
Eric LaCourse |
Kent Jones |
|
Ben Atkinson |
Frank Leyba |
Kraig Keller |
|
Chuck Pearson |
Jim Emerick |
Melvin Martel |
|
Dave Hall |
Jim Emerick |
Steven Holewinski |
|
David Meineka |
John Hemmingson |
Tim Melody |
Next Up: 2024 National Truck Driving Championships
The American Trucking Associations will host the 2024 National Truck Driving Championships August 21-24 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Good luck to our 16 drivers headed to nationals — we’re excited to cheer you on as you compete among the best of the best!
