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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Boasting 22 years on the road, with 18 of those at Big G Express, Chelette has accumulated numerous accolades. His impressive list of recognitions includes awards from Big G Express, the Tennessee Trucking Association, Pilot Flying J Travel Centers, and DMC Insurance. Additionally, he served as a Captain for the American Trucking Association’s America’s Road Team in 2019-2020.

Chelette’s path in the trucking industry didn’t start behind the wheel, as he shared with Truckload Authority.

“I used to work in a distribution center, over the inventory department and unloading department, and drivers kept telling me how much they really love driving,” he explained.

Reflecting on his unexpected career shift, Chelette remarked, “I never thought that I would ever become a trucker,” adding his affection for the job. “I tell people all the time that when I get tired of being ‘on vacation,’ I’ll quit my job.”

Chelette pursued driving by enrolling in a CDL school in Lebanon, Tennessee, where the depth of knowledge required surprised him.

“I never had so much stuff crammed into my mind in that many days,” he exclaimed. “It was unbelievable!”

From the moment he walked up to the truck, the prospect of a trucking career became tangible.

“It was a great experience, from the minute I walked up to that truck in the school,” he reminisced. “I’m thinking, ‘My goodness, you see these things on the highway!’”

Despite seeing countless trucks on the roads, Chelette had never considered the intricacies of freight transportation, noting that the public often lacks understanding about the trucking industry.

“That’s the beauty of getting to be part of trucking associations — we get to educate the American people about following distance, stopping distance, how to pass a semi-truck,” he said. “They just don’t know about it.”

Having covered nearly 2 million miles, Chelette has explored every state except Hawaii, whether through his role as a truck driver or while vacationing.

“I just came back from Alaska, so now I got 49 states,” he proudly mentioned.

While Chelette appreciates the recognition from various trucking awards, his true passion lies beyond accolades.

“People see the passion and the love that I have for trucking. I really love it,” he stated. “I love mentoring other drivers.”

Recalling his past enthusiasm for motorcycles, Chelette noted, “I’ve ridden motorcycles all my life” but acknowledged those days have ended. “I just gave up motorcycles, and I’m getting back to my roots again.”

His love for motorcycles also fueled his philanthropic endeavors, organizing charity rides to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.

“I did it for six years, and the last year I did it, I had 187 motorcycles. It was growing about 50 motorcycles every year. It was getting to the point where we would have had to split it into two rides,” he shared. “Since the goal was that 100% of the money raised would go to St. Jude’s, we didn’t want to take anything out of that.”

With the rides expanding, Chelette shifted focus to his personal interests.

“I grew up doing a lot of hunting and fishing. I wanted to get back into fishing again, so I’ve been doing that a lot,” he said. “I have a two-car garage on my house, but I built me a nice two-car garage in my backyard — and I just bought me a brand-new boat that goes in that garage.”

Additionally, Chelette embarked on a personal health journey, shedding 130 pounds through dietary changes, leading to a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Throughout the interviews about his achievements, Chelette’s message remains consistent.

“When I get behind the wheel, I feel like it’s my job not just to make sure I get home safely to my family; it’s my job to make sure you get home to your family,” he emphasized.

For Chelette, promoting safe driving and mentoring others may hold more significance than any award.

Tim Chelette continues to be committed to ensuring everyone arrives home safely.

Source: The Trucker

Image: TCA

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