Nine Drivers Continue on to National Competition This Week
David McGranaghan, of Milton, was named the best professional truck driver in Vermont after winning the three-axle competition and receiving the highest overall score in the nine competing categories at the 2011 Vermont Truck Driving Championships. The annual event is sponsored by Vermont Truck & Bus Association.
McGranaghan, who drives for Con-way Freight, now qualifies to compete in the American Trucking Associations' National Truck Driving Championships August 9-13, 2011 in Orlando, Fla. — also known as the "Super Bowl of Safety." The winners from each of the eight other categories are also eligible to compete in the national championship.
Nearly 400 drivers from all 50 states will compete in Orlando for four days, challenging their driving skills, and knowledge of safety, equipment and the industry. From 18-wheeler five axle sleepers to tank trucks to twin trailers—they will drive a course that recreates situations truck drivers face daily. These maneuvers may include: an alley dock, a rear line stop, a side park, a scale stop, a right turn, a front line stop, and straight line driving through a diminishing clearance.
On Saturday night, August 13, one contestant will drive away as the 2011 National Grand Champion Truck Driver.
"The Truck Driving Championships represent the culmination of the industry's passion and dedication to safety," said Vermont Truck & Bus Association Executive Director Bob Sculley. "I congratulate all the contestants and I hope Vermont roots for our drivers as they move on to Nationals in Orlando."
Vermont participants at Nationals for each category include:
David McGranaghan, Con-way Freight, Milton, Vt. (Three-Axle)
Marshall Goodell, FedEx Custom Critical, Wilmington, Vt. (Straight Truck)
John Foran, UPS, St. Albans, Vt. (Four-Axle)
Chris Goddard, FedEx Express, Burlington, Vt. (Five-Axle)
Leonard Trifaro, Con-way Freight, Williston, Vt. (Tankers)
Christopher Novak, FedEx Express, Williston, Vt. (Flatbed)
Jerry Charron, Con-way Freight, Danville, Vt. (Twins)
William Bresette, FedEx Custom Critical, Barre, Vt. (Five-Axle Sleeper)
Bruce Kennedy, FedEx Express, Williston, Vt. (Step Van)
The American Trucking Associations, including Vermont Truck & Bus Association, leads the effort for safer highways, focusing on greater education, enforcement and enhancement of traffic safety laws for all drivers.
