Fourteen Roadway drivers placed first in their respective state driving championships to qualify for the 2007 National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC). They join the eleven Roadway drivers who have already qualified for the NTDC to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 21-25, 2007. This brings Team Roadway to 25--so far--with more state competitions yet to come.
Jeff Mefford, a Roadway driver and freight handling professional based in Cincinnati, OH, won the "State Grand Champion" and "Highest Off-Road Score" awards, in addition to placing first in the twins class in the Ohio competition.
Mickey Rafeal, a Roadway driver and freight handling professional based in Concord, NH, won the "State Grand Champion" award, in addition to placing first in the 3-Axle class in the New Hampshire competition. He has been a Roadway employee since 1984 and resides in Pittsfield, NH.
Roadway Team New Hampshire, including seven of our finest drivers, was awarded the Team Trophy for best average team score with five out of seven of the drivers receiving individual awards. Mike Coakley (Twins) and Mickey Rafeal (3-Axle) placed first in their respective categories. Steve Lawson (Straight Truck) and Larry Dumont (5-Axle) placed second in their respective categories. Bob Przybyla placed third in the Twins category.
Each year the Safety & Loss Prevention Management Council of the American Trucking Associations hosts the NTDC, known to many as the "Super Bowl of Safety." The 2007 competition will be the 70th year for the event, held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN with the Hilton Minneapolis as the primary NTDC hotel.
New state champions joining Team Roadway at the NTDC include:
| Name | Domicile | Class | Special Recognition |
| Chris Bates | Pasco, WA | 4-Axle | First Place |
| Mike Bortnick | Cheshire, CT | Tanker | First Place** |
| Dan Chaves | Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN | 4-Axle | First Place** |
| Mike Coakley | Concord, NH | Twins | First Place |
| Kurt Royer | Baltimore, MD | 5-Axle | First Place** |
| Ron Dunlap | Akron, OH | 5-Axle | First Place |
| Ralph Eisenschenk | St. Cloud, MN | Twins | First Place** |
| Steven Kislia | Libertyville, IL | 3-Axle | First Place |
| Al Evans | Akron, OH | Tanker | First Place** |
| Mark Hewitt | Cleveland, OH | Flatbed | First Place |
| Will Holter | West Chester, PA | 3-Axle | First Place** |
| Mitch Stegner | Columbia, MO | Flatbed | First Place |
| Jeff Mefford | Cincinnati, OH | Twins | State Grand Champion/Highest Off-Road Score** |
| Mickey Rafeal | Concord, NH | 3-Axle | State Grand Champion** |
** previous winner
Competitions include a personal interview, challenging maneuvering tests, vehicle inspection procedures, and a written examination covering vehicle operation and federal safety regulations.
These drivers merit the highest recognition for their dedication to safety, professionalism, and driving skill.
Find out more.
