A Remarkable Victory for Old Dominion Freight Lines

Mike Markham, from Belpre, Ohio, and representing Old Dominion Freight Lines, emerged as the Grand Champion of this year’s competition. His outstanding performance also earned him a first-place victory in the Tank Truck category, cementing his reputation as one of the best in the field. Notably, this is not Markham’s first time in the spotlight; he previously won the Grand Champion title in 2023, showcasing consistent excellence.

Honoring the Best in the Industry

This year’s event also paid tribute to other remarkable individuals whose commitment to safety and professionalism continues to elevate the trucking industry.

• Nick Backes, a resident of Hurricane, West Virginia, and a driver for Pitt Ohio, was honored with the prestigious title of West Virginia Professional Driver of the Year.

• Jeremy Gray, another Old Dominion Freight Lines driver based in Williamstown, West Virginia, received the West Virginia Public Service Commission Driver of the Year Award.

• Mike Roberts, from Eleanor, West Virginia, and a dedicated XPO driver, claimed the Pre-Trip Inspection Award, showcasing his attention to detail.

• The Rookie of the Year title was awarded to David Roberts, representing Walmart Transportation and hailing from St. Albans, West Virginia.

Team Effort Shines

Beyond individual accolades, teamwork was celebrated as Pitt Ohio earned the Team Champion Award for their collective efforts and standout performance during the competition.

Highlights of Category Wins

Here’s a closer look at all the category champions who stood out with their extraordinary abilities in their respective fields:

• Straight Truck – Alexander Atkins, St. Albans, West Virginia, Pitt Ohio

• 3-Axle Tractor Semi-Trailer – Mike Roberts, Eleanor, West Virginia, XPO

• 4-Axle Tractor Semi-Trailer – Cole Miltenberger, Ridgeley, West Virginia, Pitt Ohio

• 5-Axle Van – Steve Looney, St. Albans, West Virginia, ABF Freight

• Tank Truck – Mike Markham, Belpre, Ohio, Old Dominion Freight Lines

• Flatbed – Justin Moody, Beckley, West Virginia, Walmart Transportation

• Twin Trailers – Vince May, Sitka, Kentucky, FedEx Freight

• Sleeper Berth – David Roberts, St. Albans, West Virginia, Walmart Transportation

• Step Van – Brandon Wuletich, Caldwell, Ohio, FedEx Freight

Eyes on the National Stage

Each first-place champion from the event will go on to represent West Virginia at the American Trucking Association’s National Truck Driving Championship in Minneapolis. Scheduled for August 20–23, the national competition provides an even larger platform for these skilled drivers to showcase their expertise and bring pride to their teams and communities.

Image Source: WVT
Source: Truckers News

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Since 2017, Fastport has teamed up with more than 300 organizations to build out apprenticeship programs that actually work. These aren’t just training checklists—they’re real-world, hands-on experiences that help people build careers in everything from trucking to railroads to maritime jobs.

Over time, the program has expanded to cover 35 different occupations, and it’s still growing. Behind every apprentice is a mix of structure, mentorship, and skill-building designed to open doors and get people hired.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Fastport’s exceeding 27,000 registered apprentices and acknowledge the great work of all of our great industry association partners, like the American Trucking Association, Truckload Carriers Association, The Trucking Alliance, Next Generation Trucking to name a few,” said Dave Harrison, executive director for Workforce Development, Government Programs, and Military Employment Issues at Fastport.

This milestone isn’t just a number—it’s a reminder of how impactful registered apprenticeships can be when done right. For Fastport, it’s another step forward in helping build a strong, reliable workforce in some of the country’s most vital industries.

(Image Source: Fastport ) Jacob Szabo, Garner Trucking Registered Apprentice
Source: Truckers News

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Introduced by U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the bill addresses a critical issue multi-state trucking companies face. Currently, these businesses must secure individual approvals in each state to allow veterans to apply their VA education benefits to their apprenticeship programs. This exhaustive process can serve as a deterrent for companies, some of which decide against offering apprenticeship opportunities to veterans due to the regulatory complexity. The new legislation, if passed, would allow companies to gain a single nationwide VA approval, significantly reducing administrative barriers.

“Veterans deserve support,” stated Senator Cassidy. “Many struggle to find work when they come home. Having a commercial driver’s license opens many doors for them.”

The proposal is backed by numerous Veterans Service Organizations, including the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the American Trucking Association (ATA). Senator Blumenthal also emphasized the bill’s mission: “Trucking apprenticeships offer meaningful employment and a fulfilling career pathway, and we owe it to our nation’s veterans to provide support as they seek next steps in their transition to civilian life. With the Veterans Transition to Trucking Act, we eliminate bureaucratic red tape hindering veterans from accessing trucking apprenticeships and ensure that veterans are able to access these programs through their VA education benefits.”

For many veterans, securing meaningful civilian employment can be a significant challenge. Trucking offers a viable pathway to stable, well-paid careers, particularly for those returning home with the skills and discipline honed through military service. ATA’s Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs, Henry Hanscom, underscored this point, noting, “Members of our military put their lives on the line to defend our nation and our freedom. When they return home, it is our responsibility to help them achieve the American Dream they fought to protect. By slashing bureaucratic red tape for VA education benefits, the Veterans’ Transition to Trucking Act would expand career paths in trucking and make it easier for veterans to find good-paying jobs behind the wheel.”

Addressing the Regulatory Hurdles in Trucking Apprenticeships

Under the current system, trucking companies operating across multiple states face significant hurdles. To allow veterans to use VA education benefits for apprenticeships, these companies must obtain individual program approvals from every state they operate in. Depending on the scale of operations, this can involve navigating over 20 separate applications and approval processes. Such compliance requirements not only complicate the process for companies but also limit opportunities for veterans interested in the logistics sector.

The proposed legislation removes the need for multi-state approvals by implementing a single program approval process for interstate trucking companies through the VA. This change would provide a smoother, faster path for veterans to access vital training and employment opportunities in the trucking industry.

Source: Truckers News

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Celebrating 25 Years of Dedication and Excellence

Over his 25-year tenure with Missouri-based Prime Inc., Miller has exemplified what it means to be a professional driver. He has amassed an incredible 3.5 million accident-free miles while driving for Prime and 3.8 million accident-free miles throughout his career.

Miller’s commitment to safety and professionalism has earned him numerous accolades over the years. These include the MOTA Professional Excellence Award in 2019, selection as the Missouri Trucking Association Driver of the Year in both 2016 and 2023, and serving as a member of ATA America’s Road Team Captains.

Sharing their excitement on Facebook, Prime Inc. wrote, “Thomas, your commitment to safety, professionalism, and excellence on the road inspires us all. Congratulations once again on this incredible honor!”

Other Driver of the Year Finalists

Thomas Miller wasn’t the only standout professional celebrated at this event. Other finalists recognized for their achievements in safety and service included:

• Jay Williams (TWCV Inc.)
• Rollie Fugate (Walmart)
• Michael Bortz (Sorenson Transport)
• Danny Tankersly (WEL Companies)

Recognizing Excellence Throughout the Industry

The conference also celebrated fleets and industry leaders significantly contributing to both roadway and workplace safety. ATA President and CEO Chris Spear underscored the importance of these efforts, remarking, “For trucking, safety isn’t just a box to check — it’s at the heart of what we do. These professionals lead by example, showing what real dedication and attention to detail look like day in and day out. Congratulations to the recipients of this award as well as to every nominee. They reflect the high standards and integrity that define our industry.”

Highlights of the Awards

President’s Trophy – Sponsored by Great West Casualty Company

• Over 100 Million Miles – Roehl Transport, Marshfield, Wisconsin
• Between 25–100 Million Miles – Bulkmatic, LLC, Griffith, Indiana
• Under 25 Million Miles – Talon Logistics, Harmony, Pennsylvania

2024 National Safety Director – Sponsored by DMC Insurance

• Ronnie Holland, TCW, Inc.

2024 Excellence in Safety – Sponsored by Great West Casualty Company

• Illinois Trucking Association

Jacob Pierce, Executive Director of the Safety Management Council, praised the honorees, saying, “We’re really proud to celebrate this year’s honorees – each one of them is helping shape a stronger, safer culture all across our industry. From motor carriers to state association leaders and the drivers on the road, their efforts are essential to advancing safety, and we’re grateful for their dedication.”

The Legacy of Leaders Like Miller

Thomas Miller’s recognition as the 2024 Driver of the Year is more than just a personal accomplishment; it’s a testament to the exceptional standards upheld by professionals across the trucking industry. Like every honoree and nominee celebrated at the event, his dedication and achievements continue to inspire others and reinforce a culture of safety, professionalism, and integrity.

Source: Truckers News

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Source: LMTA Foundation

The annual event saw 80 skilled drivers competing in three key challenges, each designed to showcase their expertise in the trucking profession. To qualify, participants were required to maintain an impeccable safety record, including no accidents over the past year.

The three areas of the competition included:

• Written Examination: A comprehensive test assessing industry knowledge, safety protocols, first aid, and firefighting skills.
• Pre-Trip Inspection: Drivers had to identify hidden defects on a test vehicle under strict time constraints, showcasing their vehicle inspection skills based on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines.
• Field Test Course: Participants navigated a specially crafted course designed to mimic real-world challenges encountered during daily driving duties.

Meet the Grand Champion

Chad Rudesill, a FedEx driver, emerged as the competition’s grand champion. Beyond clinching the overall title, Rudesill also took first place in the 3-Axle Van division.

Other Top Honors

• Rookie of the Year: Darrin Lemoine (Walmart)

• Team Trophy Winner: XPO

• Mechanic’s Award: Corey Mitchell (FedEx Freight)

Division Champions

Several drivers stood out for their exceptional skills and performances across various vehicle categories. Below are the winners in each division:

Step Van

1. Nicholas Burgess (Walmart)

1. Michael Brian (FedEx)

1. Mario Powell (FedEx)

Straight Truck

1. Leroy Williams (XPO)

1. Darrin Lemoine (Walmart)

1. Corey Mitchell (FedEx)

3-Axle Van

1. Chad Rudesill (FedEx)

1. David Jowers (Old Dominion Freight Line)

1. Damien Hebert (XPO)

4-Axle Van

1. Larry Peltier (Martin Brower)

1. Wallace Simien (Walmart)

1. Shelton Winn (Old Dominion Freight Line)

5-Axle Van

1. Eric Courville (FedEx)

1. Christopher Colomb (Walmart)

1. John McLean (Walmart)

5-Axle Tank Truck

1. Curtis McMellon (XPO)

1. Johnnie Long (Walmart)

1. Patrick Rudesill (FedEx)

5-Axle Flatbed

1. Mark Collins (Walmart)

1. Joseph Vital (FedEx)

1. Warren Little (FedEx)

5-Axle Sleeper Cab

1. Patrick Bonvillian (Old Dominion Freight Line)

1. Malcolm Taylor (FedEx)

1. Joseph Guidry (Walmart)

Twin Truck

1. Wilbur Sansom (FedEx)

1. Eddie Bonnet (Old Dominion Freight Line)

1. Michael Greene (Ergon Trucking)

Heading to Nationals

Each first-place driver has earned the honor of representing the LMTA Foundation and Louisiana at the 2025 American Trucking Association (ATA) National Truck Driving Championships. The national event will take place in Minneapolis from August 20 to 23, where drivers will compete on a larger stage against the best in the country.

Recognizing Skill and Excellence

This year’s competition not only celebrated safe driving but also served as a platform to highlight the expertise and dedication required in the trucking industry. With rigorous tests like the written exam, pre-trip inspection, and field driving course, the event underscored the importance of safety, knowledge, and precision behind the wheel.

Congratulations to all the winners, and best of luck to Louisiana’s top drivers as they prepare for the national stage in Minneapolis!

Source: Truckers News

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