Old Dominion Freight’s Donaldo Afonseca’s collection of hand-blown glass sailboats just got larger! The 2023 Rookie of the Year took first place in the 2024 Straight Truck Class and had the highest combined score in the written, pre-trip and driving course segments of the competition, which earned him the coveted blue glass sailboat that has become synonymous with RITA’s top honor.

It was Old Dominion’s day as fellow driver Mathew Burke took 2024 Rookie of the Year honors as the top overall scoring first-timer. Burke competed in and took second place in the Twin Trailers Class.

The first family-friendly event occurred at the FedEx facility in Windsor Locks. It included ATA road captains who emceed the day’s events, the Women in Trucking ‘WITney’ truck driving simulator, children’s activities and a full barbecue banquet.

Afonseca will advance to the ATA National Truck Driving Championships, which will be held from August 21 to 24 in Indianapolis. The other class winners will join him.

Rhode Island Truck Driving Championship Winners

• Straight Truck Class – Donaldo Afonseca, Old Dominion Freight
• 3-Axle Class – James Bergin, FedEx
• 4-Axle Class – Joseph Hicks, XPO Logistics
• 5-Axle Class – Eric Cornell, A. Duie Pyle
• Twin Trailer Class – Ray Nightingale, XPO Logistics

Event Video

Event Photos

Congratulations and best wishes to Rhode Island’s 2024 Class Champions at the National TDC August 24 in Indianapolis!