PORTLAND, Maine — The Maine Professional Drivers Association has announced the winners of The Maine Professional Truck Driving Championship.
The drivers will represent their state at the National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) Aug. 16-19 in Indianapolis.
Winners are:
- Step-Van: Robert Cochran
- Straight Truck: Jeff Granholm (MPDA Member)
- 3-Axle: Alan Paradis (MPDA member) Alan also won Grand Champion this year.
- 4-Axel: Robert Fernald (MPDA member)
- 5-AXLE: Kenneth Duncan (MPDA member)
- Sleeper: Wayne Martin
- Tanker: Haleigh White (MPDA member)
- Flatbed: Johnathan Sawyer
- Twin-Trailer: Matthew Richardson
The NTDC is hosted each year by the American Trucking Associations (ATA).
The competition has a long history, dating back to 1937 when it was known as the National Truck Rodeo.
The NTDC competitors are made up of the winners in eight classes of competition from 50 State Trucking Associations’ Truck Driving Championships (TDC).
During the TDC and NTDC competitions, each driver has a chance to demonstrate his or her driving and inspection skills, knowledge and professionalism through a series of tests.
The drivers undergo a written examination, pre-trip inspection test and finally, the most visible — the skills test.
These annual competitions inspire tens of thousands of drivers to operate accident-free for the right to compete.
“When asked, professional drivers will tell you that they are drawn to the championships by the spirit of competition and by the prestige of being named the best of the best,” according to the ATA.
“It is described by drivers as being like the Olympics, where they come to win but revel in the camaraderie and excitement. In addition to first, second and third Place titles, drivers vie for the Professional Excellence Award, the Vehicle Condition Award, the Rookie of the Year Award and the ultimate designation: The Grand Champion award.”
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
