David Eickhoff, who drives for XPO Logistics, was named the 2016 grand champion at the annual Minnesota Truck Driving Championships Held June 11 and 12 in Minneapolis.
The grand champion award is presented to the driver with the largest spread of points over the average of their class competitors after two days of competition. Throughout those two days, drivers must navigate through a six-problem obstacle course, complete a written knowledge test and perform a pre-trip inspection where they identify safety defects planted on a tractor-trailer.
Eickhoff has been attending the championships since 2004. He was grand champion in 2012 along with first place in the triple-axle class and has been to the National Truck Driving Championships four times.
“It feels good to have another year as grand champion,” says Eickhoff.
His wife, Margaret, is equally proud, “He works hard and he has been very devoted. He is a great role model for his family and community.”
The American Trucking Associations’ 2016 National Truck Driving Championships will be held on Aug. 10-13 in Indianapolis.
Class winners included:
- Five-Axle: Daniel Whiteford, J & B Group
- Flatbed: Bill Krouse, YRC Freight
- Four-Axle: Robert Janke, FedEx Express
- Sleeper Berth: Jeff Rider, FedEx Ground
- Step Van: Steve Orr, FedEx Express
- Straight Truck: Bill Pudney, FedEx Express
- Tank: William Schroeder, Transport America
- Three-Axle: Reginald Copeland, FedEx Freight
- Twin Trailer: David Eickhoff, XPO Logistics