Don Jepson, a driver account specialist from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was named Rookie of the Year at the 2005 National Truck Driving Championships. The award is given to the driver--a first-time competitor--who earns the highest collective score at the competition.
Jepson, a nine-year Roadway employee, competed in the sleeper berth class and received a second-place trophy.
Joining Jepson in receiving awards were four additional Roadway drivers:
Theodore Dunn, a shuttle driver from Chicago, Illinois, received second place in the straight truck class.
Mickey Rafeal, a driver account specialist/freight handling professional from Concord, New Hampshire, placed third in the twin trailers class.
Kurt Royer, a driver account specialist from Baltimore, Maryland, received the third-place trophy in the 5-axle class.
Tim Smith, a linehaul driver from Salt Lake City, Utah, placed third in the flatbed class.
The annual "Super Bowl of Safety" is sponsored by the American Trucking Associations (ATA).
