Smooth run for Chaney truck drivers

Friday, July 3, 2009

Click here to enlarge this photo Submitted photo Mike Jordahl, a Chaney Enterprises concrete delivery truck driver, took first place in the concrete mixer/dump truck division of the Maryland State Truck Driving Championships in Timonium last month. Also the recipient of the Leo Curtis Award, he will represent Maryland at the National Ready Mix Concrete Association's national mixer driver championship in October in Indiana. E-Mail This Article | Print This Story

Truck drivers from Chaney Enterprises showed they have the right stuff on June 13, winning top awards at the Maryland State Truck Driving Championships in Timonium.

Chaney Enterprises aggregate delivery drivers swept the dump truck division, taking all three top spots. Eduardo Morris came in first place; Susan O'Steen, second place; and Chris Pikolycky placed third.

All three are stationed in Waldorf.

Coming in first place in the concrete mixer division was Mike Jordahl, who competed against seven other drivers. He has worked for Chaney Enterprises since 2007 and is stationed at the company's Hollywood concrete mixing plant.

Jordahl also received the Leo Curtis Award for receiving the highest overall score in the concrete mixer and dump truck classes. The award is named for Chaney Enterprises Ralph "Leo" Curtis, whose commitment to education, safety and professionalism established him as the role model for all drivers in the industry, according to a Chaney press release.

He was the first volunteer for the company's mentor driver program, and instilled in his peers a love of education and truck driving safety. During his 12-year career at Chaney Enterprises, Curtis shared his enthusiasm for his profession with children and youth in the community. He also served as a national ambassador for the truck driving industry and appeared on national television. Curtis died in November 1999.

"Leo Curtis would be as proud of our delivery professionals as I am," said William F. Childs IV, president of Chaney Enterprises in the release. "This championship represents the best of the best in our industry, and this team surely demonstrates the level of excellence we at Chaney Enterprises strive for."

The truck driving competition consists of three phases. Drivers must execute driving maneuvers along a complicated field course that simulates conditions frequently encountered on highways across the country. Next the drivers must successfully complete a pre-trip inspection on a specified vehicle; last, drivers are tested on their knowledge of safety regulations.