FedEx Express driver Steve Ward has earned the prestigious title of Grand Champion at the South Carolina Trucking Association’s (SCTA) 2025 Truck Driving Championships. Not only did Ward take home the overall championship, but he also captured victory in the competitive three-axle class.
Celebrating New Talent
Michael Williams was awarded the Rookie of the Year accolade. With his impressive performance, Williams represented Walmart during the event.
Class-by-Class Highlights
Here are the other notable winners from this year’s championships, recognizing exceptional skills in different categories:
- M. Murray Knowledge of the Industry Award
- Winner: Kenneth Smith, Old Dominion Freight Lines
- Vehicle Condition Award
- Winner: Jimmy Islar, FedEx Express (achieving a flawless score)
- William C. Hallford Team Award (Best Team)
- Winners: Old Dominion Freight Lines team
- Team Members: Martin Pringle, Trent Curren, Kenneth Smith, Kevin Smith, Mark Putnam, Blake Taylor, JD Lynch
- Winners: Old Dominion Freight Lines team
Individual Class Champions
- Dump Truck
- Champion: Bradley Bates, Knight’s Trucking
- Runner-up: Michael Nirella, NW White & Co.
- Step Van
- Champion: Salena Ashbreck, FedEx Express
- Runner-up: Jamie Cashatt, FedEx Express
- Straight Truck
- Champion: Mark Putnam, Old Dominion Freight Lines
- Runner-up: William Jones, FedEx Freight
- Three-Axle
- Champion: Steve Ward, FedEx Express
- Runner-up: John Spanraft, FedEx Express
- Four-Axle
- Champion: David Fountain, FedEx Express
- Runner-up: Milom Williams, Walmart
- Five-Axle
- Champion: Gene Summers, ADUSA
- Runner-up: Casey Wyder, FedEx Express
- Tank Truck
- Champion: Kenneth Smith, Old Dominion Freight Lines
- Runner-up: Michael Williams, Walmart
- Flatbed
- Champion: Jeffery Wyder, FedEx Express
- Runner-up: Johnathan Cooper, New South Express
- Twins
- Champion: JB Quarles, Walmart
- Runner-up: Jason Owens, CVS Pharmacy
- Sleeper Berth
- Champion: Richard McCoy, ADUSA
- Runner-up: Timmy Allen, New South Express
State Transport Police Challenge Winners
The South Carolina State Transport Police also recognized exceptional talent during the event with these standout performances:
- Level 1 Challenge Champion – Chance Austin
- Motorcoach Champion – Mason Conley
- Hazardous Materials Champion – Chance Austin
- Grand Champion – Chance Austin
Looking Ahead to Nationals
Class champions from the SCTA event, including Steve Ward and other winners, now have the opportunity to showcase their driving prowess at the National Truck Driving Championships, which will be held from August 20 to August 23 in Minneapolis.
Congratulations to all the participants for their incredible achievements and skillful demonstrations of expertise in the trucking industry!
Source: Truckers News
Source: South Carolina Trucking Association
