Landstar business capacity owner (BCO) Rebecca Heck is on her way to compete in a national truck driving competition after an impressive victory in the Illinois Truck Driving Championship. In June, she took first place in the 5-axle division.

According to the Illinois Trucking Association (ITA), which hosts the event, “The ITA Professional Truck Driving Championship (TDC) is an annual event that showcases the ‘Best of the Best’ in our trucking industry.” Professional truck drivers come from all over Illinois to compete in three tests: a written exam, a pre-trip vehicle inspection and a driving course to assess their precision and safety on the road. 

Heck says she began preparing for the June competition in mid-February, studying in her free time and navigating a self-made obstacle course with fellow BCOs Paul Blessing and Keith Breeding, who also took part in the competition. 

“I was kind of shocked that I won. You know, when you go to the state level, you're competing against some of the biggest carriers and the best of the best,” says Heck. “I went in there and just did everything I practiced, and it paid off.”

The quality of other competitors, however, is not the only reason she was surprised to have won. Drivers in the 5-axle division were required to traverse the obstacle course in a day cab — but Heck had only ever driven a 5-axle sleeper cab. 

“The two have the same wheelbase,” she explains, “but the day cab pivots a lot quicker, and the handling characteristics are different."

Heck’s victory was clearly achieved through hard work, dedication and a commitment to safety. Next, she will tackle the national competition slated for August 21-24, 2024, and hosted by the American Trucking Association (ATA) in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

“I feel as though it is a really bright light on Landstar and its BCOs. My fingers are crossed for nationals." 

Congratulations, Rebecca!

You can also read Landstar’s blog post about having the drive to compete to learn more about truck competitions and how Landstar BCOs prepare to compete with their colleagues.