Pictured l to r: Dean Soucek, Ray Harris, Rafael Guerrero, Dean Filmer, Ben Eby, Teo Dorado

The 2018 Iowa Truck Driving Championships were held at Prairie Meadows Hotel and Conference Center in Altoona, Iowa on June 14 and 15, 2018.  Approximately 103 professional truck drivers participated in the two-day event.  All the drivers were tested in four areas: pre-trip vehicle inspection, written exam, personal interview, and driving skills. There were eight classes of competition: Three-Axle Van, Four-Axle Van, Five-Axle Van, Flatbed, Tank, Twin Trailers, Straight Truck, and Sleeper Berth.

To participate in the event, a driver must have an accident-free record during the 12 months prior to the event, been employed by the same company for one year prior, and been actively performing the duties of a professional truck driver for the 12 months prior to the event. The driver must also have illustrated a commitment and dedication to safety and possess an outstanding attitude.

This year, six Decker Professional Drivers were selected to participate in the competition. Teo Dorado and Ray Harris competed in the Five-Axle Sleeper Class, Dean Soucek and Dean Filmer competed in the Five-Axle Van Class, Rafael Guerrero competed in the Five-Axle Tank Class, and Ben Eby competed in the Straight Truck Class. Dean Filmer took third place in the Five-Axle Van Class. All the Decker Professional Drivers competed well and enjoyed the experience, and we are very proud of all of them!

The truck driving championships are sponsored by the Iowa Motor Truck Association and the Iowa Council of Safety Management. This is the only competition that is held for professional truck drivers, and the caliber of participants is outstanding. The Iowa Motor Truck Association is a trade association located in Des Moines representing the interests of the trucking industry in Iowa.  The trucking industry is very important to the state of Iowa, and the foundation of the industry is the professional truck driver.