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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Farness and the other class champions have now qualified to compete in the prestigious National Truck Driving Championships, scheduled to take place from August 20–23 in Minneapolis.

The competition saw over 80 skilled drivers showcasing their expertise across various challenges. Participants were required to:

• Complete a written test assessing their knowledge of federal regulations.
• Perform a meticulous pre-trip inspection to identify hidden mechanical defects.
• Navigate a demanding obstacle course, designed to test their precision driving skills under pressure.

“This competition highlights the extraordinary talent and dedication of Minnesota’s professional truck drivers,” said John Hausladen, President of the Minnesota Trucking Association. “These men and women deliver for our communities every day with an unwavering commitment to safety. The Truck Driving Championships allow us to recognize and celebrate that excellence.”

2025 Class Champions

Here are the first-place winners from each competition class:

• Five-Axle: Gideon Slabaugh, UNFI
• Flatbed: Thomas Gummo, Walmart Transportation
• Four-Axle: Anthony Zvorak, FedEx Freight
• Sleeper Berth: Calvin Logan, UPS
• Step Van: Lindy Jackson, FedEx Corporation
• Straight Truck: Nathan Wick, FedEx Corporation
• Tank: Michael Hager, Wayne Transports
• Three-Axle: Matthew Simon, FedEx Freight
• Twin Trailer (and Grand Champion): Nicholas Farness, XPO

The Minnesota Trucking Association’s annual event not only celebrates exceptional skill but also underscores the commitment to safety and professionalism upheld by truck drivers across the state. Congratulations to all participants and winners!

Image Source: Minnesota Trucking Association
Source: Truckers News

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McLean not only secured the grand champion crown but also emerged victorious in the highly competitive three-axle class.

Special Award Winners Recognized

Several participants were honored for their exceptional performance in specific categories:

• Team Trophy: XPO
• Pre-trip Inspection Flatbed: Daren Hackney, Walmart Supply Chain
• Pre-trip Inspection Straight Truck: Davin Strong, FedEx Express
• Rookie of the Year: Graham Roger, Martin Brower Company
• Ray Dagostino Award: Jeffrey Nesci

Class Winners

The competition featured a wide range of vehicle categories, highlighting the drivers’ skills across different classes:

• Step Van: Robin Newton, FedEx
• Straight Truck: David May, XPO
• 3-Axle: Mark McLean, FedEx Freight
• 4-Axle: Randy Merle, FedEx Freight
• 5-Axle: Oliver Estevez, Martin Brower Company
• Flatbed: Raymond Waage, FedEx Freight
• Tank Truck: Zack Bourque, Wegmans Food Markets
• Twin Trailers: Francisco Caravajal, FedEx
• Sleeper Berth: James Kohr, FedEx

The event celebrated the dedication and expertise of New York’s trucking professionals while fostering a sense of camaraderie among industry participants. Mark McLean’s remarkable achievement underscores the skill and precision required to excel in the trucking industry.

Image Source: (Trucking Association of New York) Mark Mclean
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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The event celebrated excellence across various competition categories. Here are the top three winners in each class:

Step Van

• 1st Place: Ronald Harwood – FedEx Express
• 2nd Place: Luciano Amorim – FedEx Express
• 3rd Place: Elizabeth Landreth – FedEx Express

Twin

• 1st Place: Dan Istre – XPO
• 2nd Place: Beau Bonds – Old Dominion
• 3rd Place: Cody Tucker – FedEx Freight

Tank Truck

• 1st Place: Michael Heiner – Old Dominion
• 2nd Place: Drew Coulter – Oak Harbor
• 3rd Place: Craig Beaudin – XPO

Straight Truck

• 1st Place: William Nolan – Old Dominion
• 2nd Place: Randall Schwasinger – FedEx Freight
• 3rd Place: Joshua Jetton – XPO

Sleeper

• 1st Place: Tyler Hill – XPO
• 2nd Place: Scott Colwell – Simplot
• 3rd Place: Mark Tomasetti – Peninsula

Flatbed

• 1st Place: Adam Heim – FedEx Freight
• 2nd Place: William Hill – Old Dominion
• 3rd Place: Mike Young – Arlo G Lott

5 Axle

• 1st Place: Chad Aronhalt – Walmart
• 2nd Place: Darrik Fong – FedEx Freight
• 3rd Place: Deric Witt – Simplot

4 Axle

• 1st Place: Jeffery Halford – XPO
• 2nd Place: Scott Hansen – Old Dominion
• 3rd Place: Reuben Riddle – Old Dominion

3 Axle

• 1st Place: Ben Scholes – XPO
• 2nd Place: Matthew Housley – FedEx Freight
• 3rd Place: Mark VanBlaricom – Old Dominion

Following their impressive performances, Dan Istre and the winners of each competition category will advance to the National Truck Driving Championships, which will take place in Minneapolis from August 20 to 23. They will face off against more than 430 of the nation’s top professional drivers at this prestigious event.

Congratulations to all the winners for their exceptional skill and professionalism!

Source: Truckers News
Source: Idaho Trucking Association

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“I want to congratulate our 246 drivers who reached one million or more consecutive accident-free miles last year,” said Mario Harik, CEO of XPO. “I am grateful for everything they do to serve our customers and keep our roads safe, and I look forward to recognizing many more drivers in the coming year.”

Accumulating Over 308 Million Miles of Safe Driving

Collectively, these safety leaders have driven over 308 million accident-free miles—a distance equivalent to about 12,379 trips around the globe. These numbers truly reflect their dedication and skill on the roads.

Breaking Down the Safety Records:

• 199 drivers earned recognition for reaching one million consecutive accident-free miles.

• 35 drivers surpassed two million miles of safe driving.

• Nine drivers achieved a remarkable milestone of three million accident-free miles, including the 100th XPO driver in company history to accomplish this extraordinary feat.

Driving Excellence to the Next Level

Three exceptional drivers reached an astounding four million accident-free miles last year:

• Dale Williams, Knoxville, Tennessee

• Doug Phelps, Clearfield, Pennsylvania

• Darrell Thompson, Indianapolis, Indiana

Driving four million miles without any accidents is comparable to traveling to the moon and back more than eight times. Together, Dale, Doug, and Darrell bring a combined 116 years of flawless, accident-free driving to XPO—a testament to their commitment to safety and professionalism.

Source: The Trucker

Image: XPO

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Discovering a Career Beyond Expectations

Alyssa’s path to becoming a mechanic was not a direct one. After graduating high school, unsure of her next steps, she decided to enroll in a vocational school. Her stepfather, a CNC machinist, served as part of her inspiration to take that leap.

Looking for opportunities to grow, Alyssa selected courses in the following areas:

• CNC machining

• Welding

• Diesel mechanics

Surprisingly, diesel mechanics wasn’t her first choice—it was her third. When she received confirmation of her acceptance into the diesel mechanic program, she entered with no prior knowledge or background in the field. She didn’t know anything about mechanics. The closest she’d come was watching her stepfather change the oil in a car.

The challenges didn’t stop there. Alyssa was the only woman in her program—a fact that could have been isolating. Fortunately, her classmates created an inclusive environment, providing support, answering her questions, and helping her thrive. Soon, what began as uncharted waters evolved into a genuine passion.

Entering the Workforce

After graduating, Alyssa faced a critical decision. Though she had the training and knowledge to begin her career, she hesitated, feeling unsure about breaking into an industry with so few women mechanics.

“I felt like I didn’t have a chance in this industry,” said Briggs. “I wasn’t sure who would give a woman a chance, and it took a little more than a year of considering my options and a whole bunch of pep talks with my husband who finally convinced me to give it a try.”

Her search led her to XPO—a company that stood out due to its competitive pay, employee benefits, and flexible time-off policies. Despite her concerns, Alyssa took the leap and applied.

During the interview process, Alyssa voiced her concerns about whether the company had experience hiring women mechanics. Her interviewer reassured her, saying, “We actually have two other great women mechanics here.” This response gave Alyssa the encouragement she needed to move forward.

Shortly after, Alyssa officially joined XPO, marking the beginning of a successful career trajectory. “The amount of support and respect I’ve received here is unmatched,” she stated.

Breaking Barriers and Leading the Way

Since joining XPO, Alyssa has continued to grow her skills through on-the-job experiences, tackling challenges with unwavering determination. One of her most significant milestones came in November 2024 when she competed in XPO’s MasterTech competition—a prestigious event where the company’s top mechanics demonstrate their expertise through a series of demanding assessments.

To qualify, entrants had to undergo a rigorous selection process, including an entrance exam, interview, and a comprehensive evaluation of their work. Alyssa earned her spot and traveled to Orlando, Florida, to compete. The competition tested participant skills across 27 stations, covering everything from electrical systems and preventative maintenance to brakes and more.

Alyssa became the first woman to win this competition, shattering barriers and setting an inspiring precedent. Reflecting on her historic victory, she said, “This accomplishment will motivate me to become an even better technician and inspire other women to take chances and pursue their careers fearlessly. I hope women mechanics—both those in the field and those considering entering it—see this and know we are just as capable in a male-dominated industry.”

Inspiring Future Generations

By earning this honor, Alyssa Briggs has emerged as a role model for women aspiring to join the trucking and automotive sectors. Her unwavering dedication proves that perseverance, passion, and hard work can break down stereotypes and pave the way for future generations.

Congratulations to Alyssa Briggs, WIT’s January 2025 Member of the Month! Her inspiring story is a testament to the changing face of the industry, where women are not only thriving but leading the way toward a more inclusive future.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Alyssa Briggs, Truckers News

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During Socktober, XPO employees embraced a nationwide call to action, using their collective compassion to help those in most need of it, especially as temperatures drop as winter begins. Employees banded together and donated over 61,000 pairs of socks to various homeless shelters across the United States. This also helps to address the nationwide issue of homelessness, according to a news release from XPO.

“In the face of an ongoing homelessness crisis affecting approximately 582,000 Americans in 2022, Socktober addresses the lack of socks in homeless shelters, especially as the colder months approach,” the news release stated.

This endeavor traces its roots back to 2011 when Socktober was started by Brad Montague, a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator. Montague’s vision aimed to make a tangible difference in the lives of the homeless by tackling the often-overlooked need for donated socks in shelters.

XPO’s involvement in Socktober has been steadfast since then, with employees from more than 200 locations actively participating. Surpassing their initial goal of donating 50,000 socks, the XPO team’s dedication resulted in an impressive contribution of 61,000 pairs of socks, blowing past the previous year’s donation of 42,000 socks.

This heartwarming initiative not only exemplifies XPO’s commitment to corporate social responsibility but also highlights the power of individuals coming together to make a positive impact on their communities.

Source: The Trucker

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With over 30 years of experience in commercial driving, Dean had an outstanding drive on the skills course as well as excellent performance in the written examination of rules and regulations. He also got to show off proficiency in pre-trip inspections, a particular passion of his.

Dean credits his success to his support system, which includes his employer, XPO, his spouse, Joanna, his friends and colleagues, and his training partner and mentor, Chris Poynor, an XPO driver and a consistent qualifier at the NTDC for the past several years.

Dean emphasizes the importance of prioritizing training for significant events such as state and national transportation safety competitions. He plans to resume intense training routines with Poynor to prepare for the national competition in Columbus, Ohio, featuring over 400 professional drivers from across the U.S.

“My strategy is, when, right before I practice, I take the courses that I have seen and my cousin [Poynor] has seen. And we put them together and we try to guess what problems they [will] throw at us,” Dean said recently when asked to explain his comprehensive method of training. “And we practice those,” he concluded.

Dean finds training with Poynor highly motivating, and it inspires him to improve his performance on the flatbed. This training is not only beneficial for his skills behind the wheel but also helps him adapt to high-pressure situations – a skill that is essential during nationals.

“Both him and I have won multiple times at our state level in our class and gone to nationals. So, he won last year. I won last year. So, we both went to nationals. And it’s kind of ironic we both win this year and then I win grand champion, and now we’re going to nationals together again,” Dean observed.

Dean’s secret weapon for competitions is maintaining a positive attitude and visualizing successful maneuvers and outcomes. This mental training boosts his confidence and helps him prepare for NTDC.

“I feel good going to nationals,” the driver said.

Other class champions from Washington include:

• 3-Axle: Chris Poynor, XPO
• 4-Axle: Andrey Grishchuk, XPO
• 5-Axle: Michael Dickinson, USF Reddaway
• Sleeper Berth: Joe Ryles, Walmart
• Step Van: Jaime Bautista, FedEx Express
• Straight Truck: Carl Gibson, The Boeing Co.
• Tank Truck: Aleksandr Dragonchuk, Walmart
• Twins: Josh Jenkin, Peninsula Truck Lines

Source: Transport Topics

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