KLLM, VSI drivers vie in safety championship

Paul Brownlee of Calhoun LA won the grand championship in KLLM Inc's annual companywide safe-driving competition at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson MS recently. Drivers from around the nation represented KLLM and its Vernon Sawyer (VSI) dry van division. Winners then competed in the Mississippi Trucking Association's State Truck Driving Championships in Biloxi MS. This is the fourth year the combined team of KLLM and VSI has selected representatives for the state contest.

Trophies were given for the top four in the VSI division, top six in KLLM's temperature-controlled division, and overall grand champion. These drivers advanced to state competition:

VSI division:

• Fourth place — Terry Sanders, Olla LA

• Third place — Rick Sims, West Monroe LA

• Second place — Bill Fambro, Scottsville TX

• First place and overall grand champion — Brownlee

KLLM division:

• Sixth place — Maxie Coodie, Woodsboro TX

• Fifth place — Doyal Bickham, Jackson MS

• Fourth place — Richard Beauchamp, San Bernadino CA

• Third place — J W Smith, Lindale TX

• Second place — Todd Maestretti, Braxton MS

• First place — Eddie Hemphill, Weir MS