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TEAMSTER DRIVERS ARE TOPS

By RICK HICKS, Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer
(June 25, 2008) The Teamsters Union has the most professional drivers in the Trucking Industry. Local 174 has the best skilled of that group. That was proven again June 14 in the American Trucking Association's 2008 Washington State Truck Driving Championships at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma. There were 159 drivers, Union and non-union alike, from some 25 different trucking companies competing.

Teamster drivers won first place in six of the eight different qualifying events and Local 174 Teamsters placed first in four of those six, including the Grand Champion who is from the Boeing Company, Dan Poole. Dan also finished first in the Straight Truck Classification and had the highest score overall. Joining Dan in the Local 174 winners circle were Mike Mygatt from USF Reddaway competing in Twins, Robert Ness of Safeway competing in Four Axle, and Dana Moore from the Boeing Company competing in the Tanker Division.

They have all qualified for and will now move on to the 2008 National Truck Driving Championships in Houston, Texas August 18-22.

The Washington State Championships event has been taking place for some 30 years now. This year Local 174 rented a tent, grilled steak, chicken and hotdogs, and supplied refreshments for those stopping by. We passed out Teamster gear and cheered for our competing Sisters and Brothers.

Special thanks to Dave O’Hara (Yellow Freight), his wife Ranae, Aaron Tomaras, and their crew who did a phenomenal job on the grill. Several Local 174 staff members are also deserving of special recognition for their hard work in making this a successful occasion. They are Business Agents Dave Jacobsen, Brian Davis, Bill Byington and Carl Gasca who helped with tent, food and drink logistics — and Senior Business Agent Erv Lemon, a past Champion competitor who now as a volunteer coordinator helps make sure the event runs smoothly, fairly and impartially.

This is a tremendous event that showcases the talent of Teamster Drivers each year and is well worth attending in the future. We will be more active next year and encourage all to join us. Whether as a participant or a spectator you will have a fun family time. We will keep you informed of future activities.

Again, congratulations to the 2008 winners and non-winners alike. And good luck in the Nationals to our four allstars. You have the full support of this Administration and Local 174’s membership.