Prime Inc. takes two trophies at the 2006 MMCA State Truck Driving Championships

 

Joplin, Missouri — Prime Inc. had two drivers take home trophies at the 39 th Annual Missouri Motor Carriers Association’s (MMCA) State Truck Driving Championships held June 9-10 at the John Q. Hammonds Trade Center in Joplin, MO. Of the 191 total drivers competing in this event, 10 drivers represented Prime. Thomas Miller, a partner with Prime for seven years,took first place in the Sleeper Berth class and will go on to represent Prime and the state of Missouri at the 2006 National Truck Driving Championships this summer in New Orleans. Duane Grimme earned Prime a second place trophy in the Tank Truck class.

Thomas has competed in the MMCA State Truck Driving Championships for seven years, and in 2002 he took home a trophy for second place in the Sleeper Berth division. However, he says his 2006 victory is still sinking in. Barely recovered from a broken arm and wrist, Thomas couldn’t prepare for the event as much as he wanted to, and didn’t expect to win a trophy. He believes getting to participate in this year’s National Truck Driving Championships is a great honor. “When I go there to compete, I’ll go up against some of the best and safest drivers in North America,” he said.

To qualify for the MMCA State Truck Driving Championships, drivers must be accident-free for the previous year. The skills tests at the event are broken up into the following classes: Straight Truck, Three Axle, Four Axle, Five Axle, Tank Truck, Flatbed Truck, Sleeper Berth and Twin Trailers. Drivers are also judged (by law enforcers) on appearance, industry knowledge and attitude.

About Prime Inc.

Founded in 1970, Prime Inc. is a refrigerated, flatbed and tanker carrier serving an international client base. Professional drivers are encouraged to stop by Prime’s terminal at the intersection of Interstate 44 and Highway 65 in Springfield, Missouri. For more information about Prime, call (800) 348-8224 or visit www.primeinc.com.