Mississippi Tank Truck Driver Triumphs in National Championship
“I had people telling me I might have a chance, but the competition is so fierce, and you never know until your name is called,” says Jackie Reed, the FedEx Freight tank truck driver from Mississippi.
Jackie Reed, representing FedEx Freight, has achieved the ultimate recognition at the 87th National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) in Indianapolis, securing the prestigious title of 2024 Grand Champion. Despite the fierce competition, Reed’s impressive performance during the final round on August 24 solidified his place as one of the industry’s elite drivers. This annual event, often dubbed the “Super Bowl of Safety,” draws the nation’s top truck drivers, all competing for the coveted title.
The Journey to the Top
Reed’s victory didn’t come easy. The NTDC is a grueling competition that tests drivers on a written exam, pre-trip inspections, and their driving skills through a challenging course. This year’s competition ran from August 21-24, and Reed’s skillful navigation of the notoriously intricate final course was a key factor in his win.
Standing before a packed audience at the JW Marriott Grand Ballroom, Reed humbly accepted the Bendix Grand Champion Award, becoming the 29th individual to claim this honor since its inception in 1987. Reflecting on his achievement, Reed said, “I’m overwhelmed. I had people telling me I might have a chance, but the competition is so fierce, and you never know until your name is called.”
Reed’s Path to Victory
This marked Reed’s third appearance at the national level, where he also claimed the title in the tanker class. Competing against nearly two dozen fellow FedEx drivers, Reed’s victory was the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. His success is attributed to his unwavering commitment to the competition, which included long hours of studying and conducting meticulous pre-trip inspections throughout the year.
In his own words, Reed expressed the significance of advancing to the finals: “That’s a huge deal. … [I’m] excited; just overwhelmed, really.” He acknowledged the difficulty of the final round’s course, stating, “It was good. It was tough. … But it was fun.”
Reed’s competitive nature has been a driving force throughout his career. With over 30 years of experience behind the wheel, he has consistently demonstrated a passion for excellence. In 2022, he was named the Magnolia State Grand Champion in the 3-axle class and qualified for nationals in the same category in 2019. Reflecting on his competitive spirit, Reed once shared how he would race his brothers to the mailbox growing up, always pushing himself to be the best.
Recognizing Excellence Across the Board
Reed wasn’t the only driver to shine at this year’s NTDC. In the tanker division, Indiana’s Glen Kirk with Old Dominion Freight Line and Kansas’ Terry Covey were recognized as runner-ups. In the step van class, Texas’ Matthew Montandon of FedEx emerged victorious in his first national competition, sharing his excitement: “It’s an awesome feeling. I don’t really know how to describe it.”
Colorado’s team, led by FedEx Freight’s Paul Swan competing in the 4-axle category, claimed the team trophy, awarded to the state with the highest average score. Last year’s winner, the Connecticut Trucking Association, was unable to defend their title. The vehicle condition award went to Walmart’s James Quarles from South Carolina, competing in the straight truck class. The Rookie of the Year honor was awarded to Nebraska’s Todd Gimpel from FedEx Freight, who competed in the twin trailer division.
A Celebration of Dedication and Excellence
This year’s event also recognized the dedicated service of volunteers like David Wiechers from ABF Freight, who was honored with the Sam Gillette Lifetime Volunteer Award for his 11 years of service to NTDC. Wiechers reflected on the experience, saying, “We’re the ones [who] come first, and we stay until the lights go out. We got an experienced crew here … and they’re doing a wonderful job.”
American Trucking Associations (ATA) President Chris Spear addressed the competitors ahead of the final round, emphasizing the importance of their achievements. “This is family. … celebrate your achievements,” he told the group. “You made it to the show — don’t ever forget it — and I’m going to see you all back here next year.”
Former ATA Chairman Kevin Burch echoed these sentiments, highlighting the professionalism and dedication of the participants. “They’re all professional men and women who carry America’s goods on-time and safely. Every year, [NTDC] really shows the enthusiasm of the support team, their families, the mothers and dads. It’s really nice to see the excitement in their eyes.”
Honoring the Best in the Industry
To qualify for the national championships, drivers must first win a vehicle class at a state-level competition and maintain an accident-free record for the year. This rigorous selection process ensures that only the most skilled and safety-conscious drivers compete at the national level.
Massachusetts grand champion Richard Sweeney of XPO was honored with the Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award, one of the event’s highest accolades. Sweeney, making his 15th appearance at the national competition, spoke to the importance of dedication and hard work in achieving success. “Hard work, dedication,” he said. “I’m not just doing this from when the states are to the nationals … This is a year-round endeavor.”
Source: Transport Topics
Image: Transport Topics
