A celebration of skill and precision took place in Waco this past weekend at the 2025 State Truck Driving Championship and Technician of the Year Contest, where FedEx Freight driver Christopher Flippin claimed the title of State Grand Champion. Flippin not only earned top honors as the Grand Champion but also triumphed in the Twin Trailers class, reflecting his expertise and dedication.
The competition drew participation from drivers representing leading organizations, including FedEx Freight, Walmart Transportation, and HEB, the San Antonio-based grocery chain with over 440 stores across Texas and Mexico. HEB drivers notably secured wins in six different vehicle classes, demonstrating their dominance in this year’s event.
Class Winners of the 2025 Texas Truck Driving Championship:
- State Grand Champion: Christopher Flippin, FedEx Freight
- Flatbed: Juan Martinez, HEB
- Step Van: Matthew Logan Montandon, FedEx Ground
- Sleeper Berth: Robert Svoboda, Walmart Transportation
- Straight Truck: Jason Salazar, HEB
- Tank Truck: David Sanchez, HEB
- Twin Trailers: Christopher Flippin, FedEx Freight
- 5-Axle Van: Christopher Pieper, HEB
- 4-Axle Van: Ruben Cortez, HEB
- 3-Axle Van: David Urrea IV, HEB
The competition brought together regional winners from Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, where drivers were evaluated on their ability to handle challenging maneuvering and control tests in various vehicle classes. The first-place winners in each category will now represent Texas at the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) National Truck Driving Championship, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, later this summer.
Recognizing Excellence in Maintenance
Beyond celebrating driver expertise, the event was also named the winner of the 2025 Technician of the Year Contest. After demonstrating exemplary written and technical skills, Corey Tegeler of Old Dominion Freight Line claimed victory. Tegeler will next compete in the ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council’s National Technician Skills Competition in Raleigh, North Carolina, this September.
Honoring the Professionals Behind the Wheel
“These championships highlight the exceptional skill and precision it takes to operate and maintain commercial trucks on our roads safely,” said John D. Esparza, President and CEO of the Texas Trucking Association (TXTA). “We’re proud to recognize these dedicated professionals who keep our economy moving each and every day.”
The championships are preceded by three regional contests held in the spring, where drivers secure their place in the state championship by finishing in the top three. National qualifiers, including these top drivers, will gather in Minneapolis this August to showcase their skills on the national stage.
The 2025 Texas Truck Driving Championship was a testament to the expertise and dedication of professional truck drivers and technicians, celebrating the individuals who play a crucial role in keeping the economy moving safely and efficiently.
Image & Source: Truckers News
