On Saturday, April 11, Pasco will host the Washington Truck Driving Championship at Gesa Stadium. The event brings together experienced drivers from across the state to compete in a series of challenges that focus on what matters most out on the road: safety, precision, and consistency.

Organized by the Washington Trucking Associations, the competition is designed to highlight drivers who have proven themselves behind the wheel and in the day-to-day demands of the job.

What drivers can expect at the competition?

This is not just a driving course. Competitors are tested across multiple areas that reflect real-world responsibilities.

Drivers will take part in:

• A written examination covering industry knowledge and safety
• A pre-trip inspection to demonstrate equipment awareness
• A skills course designed to test control, accuracy, and decision making

Each portion is built around the same standards drivers rely on every day, whether they are running local routes or long-haul miles.

A path to the national stage

Top performers in Pasco will move on to the national truck driving championship, often referred to as the Super Bowl of Safety within the industry.

“The Truck Driving Championship competitions inspire tens of thousands of drivers to operate accident-free for the right to compete,” said WTA President and CEO Sheri Call. “Safety is the paramount goal for our industry, both for drivers and the traveling public. These competitions are a testament to the thousands of truck drivers who operate safely on our roads every day and inspire their peers to operate accident-free.”

For many drivers, qualifying for nationals is not just about competition. It is recognition of years of safe driving and professional discipline.

Who can compete

To enter, drivers must meet strict requirements that reflect the standards behind the event.

• At least one year of continuous employment with a motor carrier fleet
• An accident-free record for that same period

Drivers will compete across nine different equipment classes, including Straight Truck and Sleeper Berth, allowing competitors from different types of operations to showcase their skills.

Why it matters across the industry

Events like this go beyond trophies. They reinforce the importance of safety and professionalism across trucking.

For drivers, it is a chance to measure their skills against some of the best in the state. For fleets and industry stakeholders, it highlights the value of training, consistency, and a strong safety culture.

At the end of the day, competitions like this reflect what the industry is built on. Drivers who take pride in doing the job right every mile.

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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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A Big Win for David Comings and FedEx Freight

Demonstrating exceptional driving skills and steady focus, David Comings not only topped the five-axle category but also earned the highest individual honor available at the competition as grand champion. His achievement brought pride not just to himself but also to the FedEx Freight team, reflecting the company’s emphasis on expertise and precision behind the wheel.

Celebrating Individual Excellence and Teamwork

The event didn’t just honor a grand champion. Standout performances came from drivers in every competitive class. Treasure Paskett, representing FedEx, impressed the judges by taking the top spot in the step van group, also earning the Rookie of the Year distinction for her debut efforts—a testament to her natural talent and potential.

Here’s a look at this year’s champions by category:

• 3-Axle: Christopher Scholand, FedEx Freight

• 4-Axle: Cameron Janousek, FedEx Freight

• 5-Axle: David Comings, FedEx Freight

• Flatbed: Thomas Opgrand, XPO

• Sleeper Berth: Audie Jaeger, EW Wylie

• Step Van: Treasure Paskett, FedEx (Rookie of the Year)

• Straight Truck: Jamie Ackerland, FedEx Freight

• Tank Truck: Drew Bartelson, Old Dominion Freight Line

• Twin Trailers: Brad Morrow, XPO

These individuals not only mastered their respective categories but now have the honor of advancing to the National Truck Driving Championship scheduled for August 20-23 in Minneapolis. Their victories serve as a gateway to compete on the national stage against the nation’s best.

Image Source: Truckers News
Source: Truckers News

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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

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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

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Jeremy Steger Shines at the Competition

Jeremy Steger, an XPO driver, earned the prestigious grand championship title as well as the top spot in the four-axle class. His outstanding performance solidifies XPO’s excellence in the industry.

Recognition for Rookie of the Year

Garo Boghossian, representing FedEx Freight, was honored as Rookie of the Year, showcasing impressive skill and promise as a new contender in the competition.

XPO Grabs Team Trophy

The team trophy was awarded to XPO, emphasizing the company’s strong presence at this year’s championship.

Event Results Breakdown

Here’s a quick look at all the winners from each category:

Step Van

• 1st: Matthew Callis, Old Dominion
• 2nd: Roland Bates, FedEx Freight
• 3rd: John Summerfeld, UPS

Straight Truck

• 1st: Brent Glasenapp, FedEx
• 2nd: Richard Truchon, XPO
• 3rd: Ben Messenger, XPO

3 Axle

• 1st: Andy Rynearson, XPO
• 2nd: Mike Dicosola, FedEx Freight
• 3rd: Doug Jawson, FedEx Freight

4 Axle

• 1st: Jeremy Steger, XPO
• 2nd: Garo Boghossian, FedEx Freight
• 3rd: Paul Smith, FedEx Freight

5 Axle

• 1st: Ryatt Hirschfeld, Old Dominion
• 2nd: Anthony Biarro, Walmart
• 3rd: Raj Deerpalsing, Kwik Trip

Sleeper

• 1st: Bill Minor, Walmart
• 2nd: Terry Tillen, Walmart
• 3rd: Don Knocke

Twins

• 1st: Connor Dent, FedEx Freight
• 2nd: Nick Jarntowski, Old Dominion
• 3rd: Richard Chalebois

Tank

• 1st: Jeff Langenhahn, XPO
• 2nd: Shawn Modaff, FedEx Freight
• 3rd: Matt Boenisch, FedEx Freight

Flatbed

• 1st: Codie Gadke, FedEx Freight
• 2nd: Anthony Angeli, McLane
• 3rd: Duane Staveness, FedEx Freight

National Championship Awaits

All first-place winners have qualified to compete in the National Truck Driving and Step Van Driving Championships, in Minneapolis from August 20-23. Best of luck to all competitors gearing up for the national stage!

Source: Truckers News
Image Source: Jen Koss Photos

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