Here’s a roundup of the most memorable replies from drivers themselves—because when it comes to the trucking lifestyle, nobody knows it better than those who live it.

Cab Life Olympics

Bigg Redd would easily clinch gold in the “Making a Sandwich While Cruising Down the Highway” event and multitasking at its finest.

Kyle Yadon is all set for the “Brewing Coffee in the Sleeper” challenge, while John Combs dominates in the “Armchair Coffee Consumption” category.

Sean Haydn Williams proves his trucker kitchen skills in the “Cooking in the Cab at Speed” competition. That’s real trucker ingenuity.

Legendary Driving Skills

Bill Paddack nails it: “Twin Stick Shifting! That would eliminate half the competition!”

Trevor Farley would be the master of “Floating the Gears,” while Dale McPherson’s precision is unmatched when it comes to “Backing Up Wide Open in a Straight Line.”

James Straube adds, “Backing! I can put a trailer anywhere,” proving just how valuable that skill is.

Fuel Island Feats

Rodger Stout is ready to take home gold in the “30-Minute Break on the Fuel Island” event.

JJ Johnson is up for a triple threat: the “35-Point Straight Back,” the “Flip-Flop Sprint,” and the “Airline Stretch.”

Dave Clark reflects on a familiar scene: “Park at the pumps, take a shower, grab some food, and hope for the best.”

Scale & Speed Challenges

Robert Deitrich and Joshua Rojas are the undisputed champions of “Scale Dodging and Freightliner Passing.”

Mike Brooks clinches the title in “In the Left Lane, Passing for 85 Miles.”

Derek Unger and Otis Boggs go full throttle in the “24-Hour Cannonball Run.”

Unwritten Trucker Rules

Martin Torres nails a universal truth: “If whining about bad drivers were an event, we’d dominate the world.”

Jason Robinson enters with a solid “Being in the Wrong Lane for Exit During Rush Hour.”

Tracy Feltner perfects his form in the “Steering Wheel Toss” with the signature move: foot on the dash, hand at 8 o’clock.

Paul Barrow keeps it simple with a “Pie-Eating Contest”—because who doesn’t love pie?

The Real MVPs

Rex Rodgers is a true veteran, earning respect for “Keeping My Truck Clean and Making Friends for 50 Years.”

William Johnson stands tall with “Most Miles Driven in a Day.”

Joseph Kittilson brings precision to the table with “Stopping the Right Steer Tire in a 12″ Square Box 2 Times Out of 10.”

Do Truckers Really Have Their Own Olympics?

Some community members pointed out that events like the Truck Driving Championships and Trucker Rodeos do exist. Phil Warwick explained, “It consists of a written test, a pre-trip inspection, and a skills test.” Charles Kaulukukui added, “We do, but we call it a truck rodeo.”

While those events focus on safety and skills, the Truckers USA Olympics are all about celebrating the real-world skills truckers master daily.

What’s the Value in All This?

While this conversation is filled with humor, it shines a light on the adaptability, skill, and grit that truckers bring to the road. From perfecting shifting techniques to making coffee while cruising to handling the stress of fuel island management—these are the unsung skills that keep the industry rolling.

Now it’s your turn: What event would you dominate in the Truckers USA Olympics? Drop your answer on our Truck Drivers USA Facebook page and join the conversation.

The post If Truckers Had Their Own Olympics – Here’s What They’d Win Gold In appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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

The post FedEx Driver Crowned Champion at Louisiana Truck Driving Championships appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Understanding Floating Gears

Before we explore the techniques, let’s clarify what floating gears means. This shifting method involves changing gears without using the clutch, except when starting and stopping. Unlike double clutching, which requires engaging the clutch to shift between gears, floating relies on synchronizing engine and road speeds for seamless transitions. Many experienced drivers prefer this approach due to its ability to reduce knee strain and minimize clutch wear.

Technique #1: Mastering Throttle Control

Throttle control is paramount when floating gears. When shifting, applying or easing off the accelerator with precision is vital. The right amount of throttle adjustment allows the transmission to move smoothly into the next gear without jerks or force. Think of it as guiding the engine toward the next gear by adjusting RPMs to match road speed.

Pro Tip: Use gentle throttle adjustments. The aim is to harmonize engine RPMs with the transmission, facilitating a smooth gear shift.

Technique #2: Timing Your Shifts Accurately

In floating gears, timing is crucial. The key to successful shifts lies in matching engine speed with the transmission’s optimal range. When your engine revs reach the sweet spot, briefly release the throttle. This pause lets the engine speed drop just enough for an effortless shift into the next gear.

Each truck has its rhythm, so perfecting timing requires practice. Pay attention to your engine’s sound and monitor the RPM gauge to gauge the right moment to shift. With time, your instincts will guide you to make precise shifts.

Pro Tip: Difficulty shifting smoothly often indicates a timing issue. Be patient and learn your truck’s unique engine response and gear ratios.

Technique #3: Avoid Forcing the Gearshift

A common mistake among those new to floating gears is forcing the shifter. Proper floating should feel smooth and natural. If you’re struggling to engage a gear, it’s a sign that RPMs aren’t aligned. Forcing the shift can damage your transmission, so wait until everything syncs.

Instead of exerting pressure, use a light touch on the shifter. When the transmission is ready, the gear will naturally engage, preserving your transmission’s integrity.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to the gear’s natural engagement point. If it resists, ease off and adjust the throttle before trying again.

Floating Gears vs. Double Clutching

The choice between floating gears and double clutching depends on personal preference and driving style. Double clutching offers precision, especially helpful for newcomers who need confidence. It involves using the clutch for each shift, enhancing control and preventing transmission damage.

Floating gears, once mastered, reduce physical strain and minimize clutch wear. It’s favored by experienced drivers seeking a more fluid gear-shifting experience.

Why Mastering Floating Gears Still Matters

With the rise of automatic transmissions, manual shifting might seem outdated. However, manual transmissions remain prevalent in specific trucking sectors. Mastering floating gears enhances truck control and prepares you for diverse driving conditions.

For example, manual transmissions enable clutch “feathering” during challenging maneuvers like skid recovery or navigating adverse terrains. This control level can be a lifesaver, providing more command than an automatic transmission.

Learning to float gears can elevate your truck-driving skills. By mastering throttle control, timing, and avoiding forced shifts, you’ll achieve smoother transitions, reduce clutch wear, and extend your truck’s transmission life. While not the initial technique new drivers learn, floating gears are valuable for enhanced comfort and efficiency on the road.

By refining these skills, you’ll handle long hauls with ease, lessen clutch-related strain, and keep your truck in prime condition for years.

The post Mastering Gear Shifting Techniques for Semi-Trucks appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.