The Pennsylvania Truck Driving Championship (TDC) was held earlier this summer. It is the premier showcase of safety, skill, and professionalism in the Commonwealth's trucking industry. Hosted by the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association, this annual competition brings together Pennsylvania's top professional drivers to test their knowledge, precision, and expertise through written exams, pre-trip inspections, and challenging driving courses.

At the end of the competition, four Local 776 drivers stood out as the best of the best in PA:

Kraig Keller 1st Place- 3 axle (ABF)

Colt Seltzer 2nd Place- 4 axle (UPS); Colt also had the best written test

TJ Altland 1st Place- Step Van (UPS)

Bernie Wanyo 3rd Place- 3 axle (UPS)

(L-R): Kraig Keller, Colt Seltzer, TJ Altland, and Bernie Wanyo show off their hardware!

Congratulations on your accomplishments, gentlemen. Your victory shows the skill and professionalism you display daily while working.

Next up, the National Truck Driving Championship, where the best of the best from across the country gather. As state winners, TJ Altland (UPS) and Kraig Keller (ABF) will compete at the national championship in Pittsburgh, PA, from August 11-14. The competition will be tough; getting this far is the equivalent of an NFL team playing in the Super Bowl. The competitors will be judged in the following categories:

Written Examination: Tests rules, regulations, and safety facts.

Pre-Trip Inspection: Meticulous identification of hidden vehicle defects.

Skills Course: Precision driving maneuvers including serpentine, tight spaces, and accurate stopping under pressure.

When the wheels stop turning and the scores are tallied, the Major Awards will be awarded to :

First, Second, and Third Place in each vehicle class:

Rookie of the Year

Vehicle Condition Award

Professional Excellence Award

Overall NTDC Grand Champion

Commented Local 776 President Spencer Dearth: “On behalf of everyone at Local 776, I would like to congratulate all of our members who took home state honors. Your commitment to your professionalism is second to none.”

Spencer added: "Kraig and TJ work hard every day to be the best at what they do. Being the best of the best in the state is no small feat. Now they get to test their skills against the best of the best from across the country. While you’re in Pittsburgh competing, we will all be behind you, encouraging you to do your best. Best of luck, gentlemen; enjoy yourselves, and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow competitors while in Pittsburgh."

As part of a 5-day Economic Patriotism Tour across Pennsylvania, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) was welcomed by Local 776 President Spencer Dearth at the Teamsters Local 776 Union Hall in York, PA. 

Rep. Khanna began the event by outlining his vision for Economic Patriotism, which he described as a New Deal for our time. He has proposed creating a National Industrial Bank that would work with local communities to invest in projects across the country and bring modern factories, trade schools, and capital to places like York and Harrisburg, PA – not just to the billionaires in a few places. Rep. Khanna spoke about the need for a thousand trade schools, to invest in our manufacturing here at home, and to build up American industry. 

Rep. Khanna also took questions from the public on a range of issues, including the economy and AI. First, he believes that we need to stand with workers when it comes to having drivers in control of trucks and not automating away jobs. Second, the need to revise the tax code so that companies are incentivized to hire humans rather than use AI. Third, we need a federal jobs program that operates as a period of national service and training, akin to military service, offering a shared experience. 

Rep. Khanna ended by stressing that communities like York and Harrisburg should lead America's industrial revival and share in future prosperity, rather than having the nation’s wealth hoarded by billionaires. 

Representative Ro Khanna, center, along with Local 776 Business Agent Shane Weaver (L) and President Spencer Dearth.

For the first time in quite a while, the Local 776 Golf Tournament had to battle the elements, namely rain and wind. And it did rain all day, making conditions less than favorable and putting a damper on things. But the one thing the rain couldn't put a damper on was the enthusiasm of the Members who came out to play. With bragging rights on the line, the competition was tough as the foursomes made their way around the Eagles Crossing Golf Course in Carlisle, PA.

After running the tournament for over 20 years before retiring earlier this year, former Local 776 Secretary-Treasurer Ron Hicks was able to get in on the action and play.

Ron lines one up between the raindrops!

As is the custom at Local 776 events, a 50/50 raffle was held to raise money for the Local 776 Scholarship Fund. Due to the Members’ continuing support of the Scholarship Fund raffle, the Local awarded five scholarships this year. This year’s 50/50 winner was Drew Williams, from UPS Gettysburg.

At the conclusion of the tournament, the members enjoyed a steak dinner with all the sides while the scores were tallied up. The top three teams in each flight scored awards, along with individual awards in various categories.

Local 776 President Spencer Dearth was on hand throughout the day, offering congratulations to everyone as they received their awards. Spencer commented: “It’s not the ideal day to be outside, but the turnout today shows the drive and determination our Members put forth daily, at work or at play. Congratulations to everyone who helped make the tournament a success!”

Here’s how the hardware was awarded:

Championship Flight First Place:

Dustin Freyermuth UPS, Matt Moore UPS, Ben Houtz UPS. Ron Miller UPS, with Spencer

Championship Flight Second Place:

Steve Brudowsky Retired, Al Swope Retired, Wayne Mallow Retired, Dwayne Easter Retired 

Championship Flight Third Place:

Richard Patterson UPS, Chris Heistand UPS, Josh Denhoed UPS, Kody Poet UPS

Second Flight First Place:

Carlos Lugaro UNFI Harrisburg, Bill Cook Jr. ABF, Edwin Mowry ABF, Todd Barton ABF

Second Flight Second Place:

Mike Baten Retired, Ron Sgrignoli Retired, Robert Rife Retired, Lynn Whitesell Retired

Second Flight Third Place:

Alan Wagaman ABF, Michael Baia ABF, Daniel Shughart ABF, Abel Salazar ABF

Third Flight First Place:

Tom Bauer, Retired, Kenneth Geesey, Retired, Brad McIndoe, Retired, Robert Blake, UPS

Third Flight Second Place:

Brian Groebel, Retired, Ken Badger, Retired, Ron Madison, Retired, Joseph Painley, Retired

Third Flight Third Place:

Ryan Keaton, UPS, Kyle Smith, UPS, Ryan Burns, UPS, Ron Kreider, UPS

Next up are the individual honors:

Longest Drive Hole #18:

David Miller, ABF 

Longest Drive Hole #18 Senior Tees: 

Kevin Smith, Retired 

Closest to the pin Hole #3:

AL Swope, Retired

Closest to the pin #7:

 Doug Ebur, Retired

Closest to the pin #13: 

Mike Griffey, UPS

Closest to the pin Hole #16:

Abel Salazar, ABF

$500 pro shop gift card winner:

Ron Mangus, Retired

50/50 Winner:

Drew Williams, UPS Gettysburg

Do you think you’ve got what it takes to play with these guys? We’ll be teeing it up again next year. Mark your calendar for the first Sunday in August, get your foursome together, and come on out and play!