PITT OHIO, an industry-leading transportation and logistics company, announced they will be sending two of its drivers to compete at the American Trucking Associations National Truck & Step Driving Championships.  The competition, recognizing the safest drivers in the country, will take place August 9-12 in Orlando, Florida. 

PITT OHIO’s safety program is highly regarded within the industry.  A recipient of the President’s Trophy 6 times and multiple awards in states covering the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions, the company’s commitment to safety both on and off the road has prepared these drivers well for the qualifying state competition and the National Championship.  24 PITT OHIO drivers competed at the state level to qualify for nationals.    

In Ohio on May 19 and 20, the PITT OHIO team of drivers took home a record 6 trophies and for the first time ever, received the large team trophy.   In addition to the 6 trophies in Ohio, Columbus Driver Jeff Pentrack placed 1st in the 4-Axle Class and will represent PITT OHIO at the National Competition.  This is Jeff’s first time competing at Nationals.

“I take great pride in working for a company that puts safety of their drivers and equipment as a top priority,” Driver Jeff Pentrack, said.  “Year after year we’re recognized and rewarded for the personal safety measures we maintain on a daily basis.”

“I’m excited and proud to represent PITT OHIO in the Four-Axle Class at the National Truck Driving Competition,” Pentrack continued.  “I feel the competitions are highly beneficial because it challenges me to utilize the tools I’ve learned while competing to improve my safe driving skill set.”

In Maryland on June 3, Mike Miltenberger from our Cumberland terminal took first place in the 5-Axle Class and accumulated the highest score out of any other competitor in the state earning him the highest award of the day, Grand Champion.  This is Mike’s third time competing at Nationals.   

“I love my job at PITT OHIO and I am honored to represent this great company at the National Truck Driving Championships,” Driver Mike Miltenberger said.  “The trucking industry is full of challenges, the greatest being a safe driving record.  Safety does not take a break and it doesn’t just happen on this job.  It takes commitment every time you get behind the wheel.” 

“I would like to congratulate Mike and Jeff for making it to the most prestigious event in the trucking industry, The ATA National Truck Driving Championships,” said Jeff Mercadante, PITT OHIO’s Vice President of Safety.  “Mike and Jeff’s dedication and commitment to safety is why they have reached this level of competition. I wish them great success while competing against the other state champions from the other states. Good Luck!”

“I’m excited for this year's competition for many reasons; mainly, because the best of the best will be in Orlando, Florida competing for the 2017 National Truck Driving Championship!” said Dean Yockey, PITT OHIO’s Manager of Training & Development. 

The Truck Driving Championships, a 3-day competition, is an opportunity for professional truck drivers to demonstrate their driving skills and safety expertise. The event includes a difficult driving-skills challenge, pre-trip inspection and written examination covering vehicle operation and knowledge of federal safety regulations.

"The drivers representing PITT OHIO, Mike Miltenberger and Jeff Pentrack, are well prepared for all the skill challenges that they will face,” Yockey continued.  “Both Mike and Jeff scored well at their State competitions and it will be great to see them show their exceptional skills at this premier event.  I wish them great success in Orlando for 2017.  Go Team PITT OHIO!”

ABOUT PITT OHIO
In adhering to their “We’re Always There For You” signature commitment, PITT OHIO is dedicated to providing their customers with the best value in its SUPPLY CHAIN, GROUND, Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and TRUCKLOAD services.  Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, PITT OHIO services the entire Mid-Atlantic and Mid-West regions and the remainder of the United States and Canada with North American service providers. To contact PITT OHIO, please visit their website at www.pittohio.com.

ABOUT AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS
American Trucking Associations (ATA) is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight.

ABOUT NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
The National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) is a competition of professional truck drivers hosted each year by American Trucking Associations. This competition has a long history – dating back to 1937 when it was known as the National Truck Rodeo.  The NTDC competitors are made up of the winners in eight classes of competition from 50 State Trucking Associations’ Truck Driving Championships, as well as the winners of the auto transporters class at the regional TDCs. 

For more information, please contact
Candi Cybator, Manager Marketing/Public Relations
1-800-366-7488, extension 6313
[email protected]