Recognition and Awards

The Arkansas Trucking Association not only protects the interests of trucking, but also promotes the incredible work of the professionals from its 350-member companies. Individuals of ATA member companies earn recognition for their contributions to safety and our industry through the annual Corporate Fleet, Safety Professional, Maintenance Professional and Driver of the Year awards. Additionally, we recognize the men and women on the frontlines who make it all possible, celebrating the skills and safety records of the top maintenance professionals and drivers at the Arkansas Trucking Championship, and showing our thanks during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. 

ANNUAL SAFETY AWARDS

Arkansas’s safest carriers, top maintenance professional, safety professional and driver of the year are recognized at the Arkansas Trucking Association Conference. All Arkansas Trucking Association members in good standing are eligible to enter. Any person, including the nominee, who is employed by a member, may submit nominations. 

Driver of the Year

The Arkansas Trucking Association Driver of the Year Award is presented annually to a driver whose professional qualifications, experience and performance are noteworthy. Nominees must be based in Arkansas, or assigned to an Arkansas terminal, warehouse or plant as their regular place of work. Drivers may be nominated for an outstanding deed of heroism or highway courtesy; an outstanding contribution to highway safety and/or a long record of safe and courteous driving, or a combination of part or all of these.
Congratulations to the 2023 Driver of the Year,  Josh Fortner of Stallion Transportation Group.

Link to Press Release › 

Safety Professional of the Year

The Arkansas Trucking Association Safety Professional Award is presented annually to the motor carrier safety professional whose qualifications, safety program and safety achievements are noteworthy. The nominee should be an individual with decision making authority that affects his/her safety program through policy, and whose primary duty is the administration of the carrier’s safety program with day-to-day operational responsibilities.

Congratulations to the 2023 Safety Professional of the Year, Heath Arnold, director of safety and compliance at ABF Freight. 

Link to Press Release › 

Maintenance Professional of the Year

The Arkansas Trucking Association Maintenance Professional Award is presented annually to the maintenance professional whose qualifications, maintenance program and achievements are noteworthy. The nominee should be an individual with decision-making authority that affects his/her maintenance program through policy, and whose primary duty is the administration of the company’s maintenance program with day-to-day operational responsibilities. 

Congratulations to the 2023 Safety Professional of the Year, Kenneth Calhoun, fleet optimization manager for Altec.

Link to Press Release › 

Fleet Safety Awards

Carriers are recognized across six categories as well as an overall Grand Champion. All contestants must be current for-hire or private carrier members in good standing with the Arkansas Trucking Association. Awards will be based on DOT reportable accidents, one winner per division, per mileage category.

Congratulations to the 2023 Fleet Safety Award recipients.

Link to Press Release › 

ARKANSAS TRUCKING CHAMPIONSHIP

The Arkansas Trucking Championship is our largest event of the year. Hosted by the Maintenance & Technology and Safety Management Councils, this two-day competition is held to recognize and showcase the skills of the very best technicians and drivers. For more than 50 years for drivers and 15 years for techs, we’ve had the honor to recognize the professionals of our industry. With more than 1,000 drivers, techs, safety and maintenance directors, and their families in attendance, this is an event you cannot miss. 

TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP

Over the course of the two-day event, drivers test their skills in a pre-trip inspection competition, written exam and hands-on obstacle course. Saturday’s driving skills portion is the biggest event, attracting hundreds of cheering friends, family, colleagues and spectators. To qualify for the truck driving championship, contestants must be accident-free for the past year. 

Winners from each competition class advance to the National Truck Driving Championship.

Congratulations, 2024 Arkansas Truck Driving Championship winners!

View all Winners ›

2024 Arkansas Truck Driving Championship First Place Winners

View 2024 competition photos › 

TECHNICIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

The Arkansas Trucking Championship is an annual event that celebrates the skill and expertise of truck drivers in the state of Arkansas, showcasing their exceptional driving abilities and precision on the road. This highly anticipated competition brings together professional truck drivers from various trucking companies to compete in a series of challenging tests and obstacle courses designed to evaluate their knowledge, technique, and overall proficiency in the field.

At the conclusion of the competition, winners are announced in each category and division, recognizing their exceptional skills and accomplishments. The overall champion is often crowned based on an accumulation of points from multiple challenges, symbolizing their exceptional all-around abilities as a truck driver.

Both the Trailer and Truck Grand Champions qualify to advance to the National Technician Championship.

Congratulations, 2024 Arkansas Truck Driving Championship winners!

View All Winners ›

2024 Arkansas Trailer Technician Grand Champion Jordan Burris of Tyson Foods

2024 Arkansas Truck Technician Grand Champion Benjamin Kirtley of J.B. Hunt Transport

View 2024 competition photos › 

Patrons

Supporters