Annual trucking championship returns to Rogers after hiatus
by June 20, 2022 2:11 pm 1,256 views
Jefferey Helmick, truck driver for J.B. Hunt Transport Services, completes a pre-trip inspection at the 2017 Arkansas Trucking Championship. Helmick competed in the tank division of the championship.
The Arkansas Trucking Association will host its annual Arkansas Trucking Championship in person for the first time since 2019.
The 2022 championship will take place Friday and Saturday (June 24-25) at the Rogers Convention Center. It will include 114 drivers and 51 technicians competing in written and hands-on competitions that demonstrate their safety knowledge and skill.
On June 23, technicians can attend a Technician Training Fair, and Arkansas Highway Police inspectors will participate in the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Competition. According to a news release, the driving skills portion of the event on June 25 is the highlight, attracting hundreds of cheering fans, family, colleagues and spectators.
“Truck drivers and technicians are always working to keep trucks safely delivering the things we need like groceries and medicine and the things we want like trampolines and new cars,” said Shannon Newton, president of the Arkansas Trucking Association. “We have all faced struggles over the past two years, but through it all, trucks have continued to roll. These professional men and women deserve to be celebrated not only for their professional achievements but for their unwavering commitment to deliver for their communities.”
Event participants must be accident-free for the past year. Winners from each technician and truck driving competition class and the Arkansas Highway Police will advance to a national competition. The 2022 National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships are set for Aug. 16-19 in Indianapolis. The championships will take place in person for the first time since 2019, according to the event website.
The following companies will participate in the Arkansas Trucking Championship:
ABF Freight, Arkansas Trucking Academy, CalArk International, Doggett Freightliner of Arkansas, FedEx Freight, FedEx Ground, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Maverick Transportation, MHC, P.A.M. Transportation Services, Rush Truck Centers, Stallion Transportation Group, Tyson Foods, Utility Tri-State Inc., Walmart Transportation LLC and Visit Rogers.