A Walmart Transportation truck driver from Yorkana, Pa. is the grand champion of the 2015 American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) National Truck Driving Championships held this past weekend (Aug. 11-15) in St. Louis.
Ronald Emenheiser, a driver for more than 25 years, also took top honors in the sleeper berth division. He won over 430 other drivers representing all 50 states and 85 different companies. This was his second trip to the driving championships. Emenheiser began competing in 2006 in his state truck driving championships.
“In earning this year’s Bendix National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion Award, Ronald Emenheiser exemplifies the highest level of talent, dedication, and professionalism showcased by all this year’s participants,” said Fred Andersky, Bendix director of government and industry affairs. This is the fifth year Bendix has sponsored the grand championship award.
The competition took place at the America’s Center Convention Complex and Edward Jones Dome, where drivers displayed their knowledge of the industry through a written exam, a pre-trip inspection test, and a skills-based driving competition course. Drivers were tested on their ability to handle a truck, judge distances, and maneuver through tight spaces. The obstacle course featured barriers, curves and scales.
“Each of the competitors deserves recognition not just for their performance this week, but for the long-standing commitment to highway safety they have displayed over many years and hundreds of millions of miles,” Andersky said. “Even as vehicle safety technology improves dramatically, nothing is more important to the safe operation of a commercial vehicle than a skilled, safe driver practicing safe driving habits, supported by proactive and comprehensive driver training.”
