Joseph Hicks, Con-way Freight, Named National Rookie of the Year
Pawtucket, RI – Rhode Island Trucking Association President John Atwood has announced that Joseph Hicks, a driver for Con-way Freight in Cranston, was named 2010 Rookie of the Year after competing in the Three-Axle division at the 73rd National Truck Driving Championship held in Ohio last month.
The American Trucking Association’s (ATA) annual “Super Bowl of Safety” tested the skills of the state champions in nine truck types from all 50 states. Collectively, the 451 entrants have driven 581,001,783 accident-free miles. Hicks competed against 35 other Rookies to win this prestigious award. “A first for any RI Driver,” said Atwood.
“The National Truck Driving Championships showcase the industry’s commitment to safety,” said ATA President & CEO Bill Graves.
In their respective classes, drivers tested their expertise in the driving skills they use daily. The competition course inside the Greater Columbus Convention Center challenged their knowledge of safety, equipment and the industry. The skills course tested drivers’ ability to judge distances, maneuver tight spaces, reverse, park, and position their vehicle exactly over scales, before barriers or around curves.
Hick lives in Johnston, has been in the industry for 7 years and started with Con-way Freight in May 2007. He has been 15 months accident free and has about 100k miles to his credit. His usual run is Lincoln, RI pick-up and delivery. Chris Maxwell, Chairman of Rhode Island Trucking Association commented, “Mr. Hick’s competed in the Rhode Island Trucking Association’s (RITA) Driving Championships which was held on June 19. He finished first in his class and earned a spot at the National event which was an accomplishment in itself. Winning Rookie of the Year at the National Championship is an honor that we, as an association and industry, are very proud of.”
