18 Oregon Trucking Association, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch Repeat Grand Champion Dan Shamrell Takes Top Prize at 2024 Oregon Truck Driving Championships MORE THAN 90 drivers showed off their skills in front of family, friends, and colleagues at the Oregon Truck Driving Championships (TDC) on Saturday, April 27. The annual competition and celebration of Oregon’s truck drivers and their commitment to safety was held at FedEx Freight in Portland this year. Participating drivers must have had a clean, accident-free record for at least one year prior to the competition, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to safety. Drivers started the day with a written examination, followed by a pretrip inspection test and a driving skills test. They had the option to compete in one or more of the nine competition categories including Straight Truck, Three-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer, Twin Trailers, and Step Van. FedEx Freight’s Daniel Shamrell took home the top prize of the day, earning his second Grand Champion award in as many years. The repeat Grand Champion also took home the top prize in the Three- Axle category. Dan has said that he enjoys participating in TDC because it gives drivers an opportunity to celebrate safety with their family, friends, and coworkers. With a large number of rookies competing this year, Carlos Diaz Baltazar faced stiff competition from his fellow new drivers, but ultimately came away with the top title in the Rookie category. Spectators, attendees, and volunteers helped cheer on their favorite drivers, while celebrating the industry, and the important role it plays in moving Oregon’s economy. The Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board’s (SOWIB) truck driving simulator was on hand to give spectators a first-hand view from the (simulated) driver’s seat to see what drivers experience in their rigs every day, a highlight for some of the event’s youngest attendees! First place winners in each category at Oregon TDC will go on to represent the state at the National Truck Driving Championships in Indianapolis, IN at the end of August. 2024 Truck Driving Championships Winners Grand Champion Daniel Shamrell – FedEx Freight Rookie Carlos Diaz Baltazar – Old Dominion Three-Axle 1. Daniel Shamrell – FedEx Freight 2. Michael Owings – UPS 3. Elfego Delgado – Walmart Four-Axle 1. Kurt Kasitz – Old Dominion 2. Carlos Diaz Baltazar – Old Dominion 3. Juan Calvillo Rosas – Walmart 2024 Oregon Truck Driving Grand Champion Daniel Shamrell from FedEx Freight.
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