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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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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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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