The 2025 Arkansas Truck Driving Championship at Rogers Convention Center was a gathering of talented truck drivers from across the state, each one navigating challenging courses and showing what it takes to be part of the profession’s elite. The stakes were high, and over two days—June 27 and 28—drivers representing companies like FedEx Freight, ABF Freight, Tyson Foods, and Walmart Transportation demonstrated exceptional skill and a true commitment to safety.
Jeff Cochran, representing FedEx Freight, delivered another outstanding performance, making headlines as he earned his second Grand Championship trophy. On top of securing the overall win, Cochran also came out on top in the competitive three-axle division, solidifying his reputation as one of the Arkansas Truck Driving Championship’s most remarkable competitors.
Celebrating Standout Drivers
The list of winners this year tells the story of resilience, mastery, and teamwork in the Arkansas trucking community. Chaunce Umfleet, also from FedEx, earned the runner-up spot overall and was recognized for his outstanding attitude and professionalism with the event’s Sportsmanship Award.
FedEx Freight’s Ronnie Mahan nabbed the top pre-trip inspection score, earning respect for his attention to detail: a vital trait for safety on the road. Dave Hall from ABF Freight proved his expertise on paper as well, taking the top spot in the written portion of the competition.
For newcomers, the Arkansas Truck Driving Championship was an opportunity to shine. Chandler Compton, another FedEx driver, received accolades as this year’s Rookie of the Year, an honor that points to a promising future in the industry.
Team Achievements and Category Champions
In addition to outstanding individuals, team efforts were honored as well. ABF Freight took home the Small Team Award, while FedEx Freight’s group stood out among large teams, reflecting both determination and collective skill.
Drivers also competed across a range of vehicle classes. Those earning top positions not only brought pride to their employers but have also qualified to represent Arkansas at the national competition in Minneapolis this August. Here are this year’s category winners:
- 3 Axle: Jeff Cochran, FedEx Freight
- 4 Axle: Chaunce Umfleet, FedEx Corp.
- 5 Axle: Nathan Evans, Tyson Foods
- Flatbed: Phillip Thurner, Tyson Foods
- Sleeper: Gary Mars, Walmart Transportation
- Step Van: Eric Brockette, FedEx Freight
- Straight Truck: Jessie King, FedEx Freight
- Tanker: Marcus Rush, Walmart Transportation
- Twins: Dave Hall, ABF Freight
Looking Ahead: National Competition Bound
Each winner from the Arkansas Truck Driving Championship has now earned the privilege to advance to the highly anticipated national competition, scheduled for August 21-23 in Minneapolis. This next event puts state champions on the national stage, where they’ll compete with the best and further elevate the profile of Arkansas’s trucking professionals.
Image Source: Arkansas Trucking Association
Source: Truckers News
