James Kroschel, a professional truck driver for US Foodservice in Eagan, was crowned the 2006 Grand Champion at the Minnesota Truck Driving Championships on June 10 and 11, at YRC Worldwide in Burnsville.

Kroschel was also the recipient of the Howie Johnson Memorial Award. The Howie Johnson award is given to an individual who best exemplifies all professional trucking employees as evidenced by their ongoing record in regard to attitude and continued involvement in the industry.

Kroschel, who resides in North Branch, garnered the top score among 105 professional truck drivers from across the state.

Kroschel (who competed in the three-axle truck division, one of eight classes in the contest) bested all others in four elements of the competition: Written test, personal interview, driving skills course and a pre-trip inspection where they must identify planted safety defects on a tractor-trailer.