Gentry truck driver wins first prize at Arkansas Trucking Championship

McKee technician earns runner-up

Submitted Photo Eric Rusk, of McKee Foods Transportation, poses with the plaques he earned as a top scorer in each competition category and his runner-up trophy for earning the second best score in the overall competition.
Submitted Photo Eric Rusk, of McKee Foods Transportation, poses with the plaques he earned as a top scorer in each competition category and his runner-up trophy for earning the second best score in the overall competition.

LITTLE ROCK -- Tyler Brown, a professional driver for FedEx Ground, won first place in the step van division at the Arkansas Truck Driving Championship competition held July 15--16 at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers. The event is hosted by the Arkansas Trucking Association.

Brown was among 156 drivers to compete in three categories of competition: pre-trip inspection, written examination and driving skills.

"Professional drivers today have a responsibility to increasingly complex machines that make safe transportation of goods possible. This competition is an opportunity to recognize their contribution to our communities and celebrate the safety skills and knowledge that they use every day on our highways," said Shannon Newton, president of the Arkansas Trucking Association. "This championship rewards drivers for continually working on their craft, driving accident-free and representing the industry professionally," Newton said.

This year's event attracted more than 650 contestants, judges, friends, family, colleagues and spectators.

Brown has been with FedEx Ground for 5 years and has served the industry for nine years. He resides in Gentry with his wife Mandi and two children, Isaiah and Isabella.

This was Brown's fourth time to compete in the Arkansas Truck Driving Championship. Last year, Brown placed fourth in the step-van class. In his spare time, he is a volunteer peewee football coach.

"First and foremost, this is a safety competition, but these drivers must be familiar with ever-changing technologies, regulations and requirements governing the industry and highways," said David O'Neal, the director of safety services for the Arkansas Trucking Association. "This year's competition was especially challenging, and the winners should be proud of this accomplishment."

Brown will be one of nine truck drivers representing Arkansas at the National Truck Driving Championships. The national competition showcases the safest and most professional drivers who work every day on our nation's highways. Brown and the rest of the Arkansas team will travel to Indianapolis, Ind., to compete for the national grand champion title August 10-13.

"Arkansas has a strong team with several past competitors heading to Indianapolis. I'm looking forward to seeing how they do at the highest level of competition," O'Neal said.

McKee Foods Transportation technician wins runner-up in statewide trucking competition

Eric Rusk, a technician for McKee Foods Transportation, won runner-up to the grand champion in the Arkansas Technician Championship held July 15 at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers. The event is hosted by the Arkansas Trucking Association.

Rusk is a seasoned winner at the annual competition. He has earned the top title of grand champion three times (2014, 2010 and 2007). Rusk's technical skills were tested in 12 challenging categories (including drive train, electrical and safety and environmental, steering and suspension and air systems and brakes) as well as a written exam. This year he was one of 41 technicians from across the state to compete in the truck division.

"Our highways are only as safe as the increasingly complex machines that travel them, and professional technicians take the responsibility of maintaining commercial trucks seriously," said Shannon Newton, president of the Arkansas Trucking Association. "Eric's performance represents our industry's continual commitment to safety, equipment knowledge and professionalism," Newton continued.

Rusk has worked for McKee Foods Transportation for more than 15 years. He resides in Colcord, Okla. with his wife Brandy.

The Arkansas Trucking Association's mission is to advance the Arkansas trucking industry's efficiency, productivity and safety. ATA's membership is made up of approximately 300 trucking companies, private carrier fleets and industry suppliers. Members range from self-employed owner operators to some of the nation's largest freight and logistics companies. The association provides a range of member services and represents the collective interests of the Arkansas trucking industry to members, state and federal government and regulatory agencies and the general public. The ATA has continuously served the Arkansas trucking industry in this capacity since its incorporation in 1932.

Community on 07/27/2016