Penske Logistics Associate Ranked Among Top Drivers
READING, Pa., September 17, 2007 - Leonard Cross of Standish, Mich., a Penske Logistics Truck Driver, finished 18th in the four-axle tractor with trailer class at the 2007 National Truck Driving Championships in Minneapolis last month. He is employed at Penske's Saginaw, Mich. facility.
The American Trucking Association sponsored the 70th annual event, known as the "Super Bowl of Safety." A total of 378 drivers competed. The driver's skill levels were put to the test in several categories, which included: navigating challenging curves, safety knowledge, approximating distances, while reversing and parking their rigs in a variety of scenarios.
Cross made his maiden appearance in the national competition after capturing his first-ever state title in his class at the 2007 Michigan State Truck Driving Championships held in June.
Cross, 48, has been a Penske Logistics associate for nearly 11 years, and serves as a Smith System instructor to fellow company drivers. A truck driver for 27 years, he first competed at the state championships in 2005, placing 13th. In 2006, he improved with a fifth place finish.
Cross comes from a proud trucking family. Now both retired, his mother drove a school bus, and his father commanded an oil tanker. Four of his brothers are truck drivers, one of whom narrowly missed competing in the national championships this year.
Cross has three children: Mark Gifford, 29; John Gifford, 25; and Brandi Cross, 23. He also has two grandsons. An avid outdoorsman, Cross enjoys hunting, fishing and boating. He once competed in worldclass archery competition.
"Finishing 18th, for my first time, was tremendous," Cross stated of his Minneapolis experience. "All the drivers were really talented, and there is a lot of room for me to advance. It was a real honor and privilege to compete against the caliber of drivers I met there."
"We are proud of Leonard's top 20 finish at the 2007 National Truck Driving Championships," said Vince Hartnett, President - Penske Logistics. "He is a very professional, dependable and dedicated associate."
About Penske Logistics Penske Logistics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penske Truck Leasing, a joint venture of Penske Corporation and General Electric. Penske Logistics provides supply chain management and logistics services to major industrial and consumer companies throughout the world. The company has offices and operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. Penske Logistics delivers value through design, planning and execution in transportation, warehousing, international forwarding and carrier management. Visit www.PenskeLogistics.com to learn more about the company and its services.