UPS drivers dominate competition

Local UPS freight drivers (from left to right) Steve Newsome, John Hummel, Dennis Martin, John Cook, Ronnie Luckadoo and Tim Cooley accept their awards during April's South Carolina Truck Driving Championships in Columbia. Newsome, Hummel, Martin and Cook will represent South Carolina at the National Truck Driving Championships this August in Houston, Texas. Gaffney is typically known for its prowess in high school athletics, but freight drivers from the local United Parcel Service (UPS) station proved to be formidable opponents by dominating during April's South Carolina Truck Driving Championship in Columbia sponsored by the American Trucking Association.

The team was able to claim top honors in four of the eight categories, with two more local competitors finishing in second place. Outlasting 86 opponents from several branches across the state, local UPS freight driver Dennis Martin said it is satisfying to do so well at the championships.

"It is an honor to be able to come back with an award," Martin said. "The competition is not just about being able to get into a truck and see how much damage you can do with it, there is so much more. The fact our group did so well is definitely something we are proud of."

Martin was one of the four local UPS truckers to win his area of specialty, bringing home top billing in the Twins class. Also heads above the rest was John Cook in the Three- Axle class, John Hummel in Sleepers and Steve Newsome in the Tanker division.

Each of the winners had previously taken home top honors at the championships. The truckers will participate in the national competition in Houston in August.

"I have been to the one in New Orleans and they really roll out the red carpet," Martin said. "I am definitely looking forward to this experience."

Last year's state truck driving grand champion and Gaffney UPS trucker Ronnie Luckadoo finished second in the Twins class, while another local freight driver, Tim Cooley, also brought home a second place trophy for his effort in the Tanker division.

While the competition focuses on the many physical aspects of the job, Martin said success in the tournament depends on how well drivers do during competitions off the highway.

"The truck driving championships requires you to be well-rounded, having knowledge of everything," Martin said. "It takes both physical and mental prowess for someone to place well in this competition."

Written tests on safety, health & first-aid and trucking are accompanied by a driving course and an interview with an ATA representative to tabulate the scores of participants.

"It is enjoyable, but also full of pressure," Martin said. "But in the end you are looking to win. That is why you stay up to date on everything, knowing it could be something that could help you in the end."

Only drivers with clean driving records for the past year can qualify for the state truck driving championships, according to rules set by the ATA.

"Winning awards like this are an honor, but in order to do it we must practice safety in all we do," Martin said. "It is a way for us to be more safety conscious and promote it to the public as well."