FedEx Freight’s Jackie Reed Named NTDC 2024 Grand Champion
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INDIANAPOLIS — Like many of the finalists at the 87th annual National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships, Jackie Reed reacted earnestly modest about his prospects for winning a national title.
However, guiding a tank truck through the tournament’s infamously intricate final course Aug. 24, Reed graced the arena brilliantly as he refused to succumb to fatigue and distractions. After an arduous week of competition, the Mississippi driver from FedEx Freight ultimately delivered an amplified performance to leave Indiana Convention Center as the best of the best at the “Super Bowl of Safety.”
2024 National Truck Driving Championships
Who: Winners from nine categories at the state level who have advanced to the national competition, where a Grand Champion will be crowned
What: Contestants are judged on a written exam, pre-trip inspection and driving skills
When: Aug. 21-24
Where: Indianapolis
Photo gallery: NTDC 2024 in pictures
Banquet gallery: Highlights from an evening of awards
Standing before a packed JW Marriott Grand Ball Room, Reed graciously expressed gratitude for having earned the celebrated Bendix Grand Champion Award. The accolade made him the 29th man to win NTDC’s blue ribbon since the prize debuted in 1987. FedEx’s Roland Bolduc of Connecticut, the sole former grand champion competing this week, did not advance to the finals’ runoff round.
"I'm overwhelmed," Reed said. "I had people telling me I might have a chance, but the competition is so fierce, and you never know until your name is called."
En route to the grand championship, Reed, competing in his third nationals, also took home the title in the tanker class. During the finals, he was among a class of nearly two dozen FedEx drivers competing for a national trophy.
Reacting to advancing to the contest’s final round, he said, “That’s a huge deal. … [I’m] excited; just overwhelmed, really.” Specific to the final round’s course layout, he observed, “It was good. It was tough. … But it was fun.”
Congratulations to Jackie Reed of @FedEx Freight, the #NTDC24 Bendix Grand Champion! pic.twitter.com/88giZcHWZa
— American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG) August 25, 2024
He further emphasized that competing at nationals has been an enjoyable experience.
The road to success entailed long hours studying NTDC’s requisite Facts for Drivers as well as dedicating himself to conducting in-depth pre-trips at all times throughout the year. With more than three decades of on-the-job experience, he credited his competitive mindset for helping him bring home the title. In 2022, Reed was the Magnolia State grand champion in the 3-axle class. He also qualified for nationals in 2019 in the 3-axle class. Two years ago, he told TT he would race his brothers to the mailbox growing up as well as challenge himself in other endeavors to hone that competitive spirit.
FedEx Freight tank truck driver Jackie Reed (right) from Mississippi accepts congratulations after he was announced as the NTDC 2024 grand champion at the JW Marriott Grand Ballroom in Indianapolis on Aug. 24. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
Runner-ups to Reed in the tanker division were Indiana’s Glen Kirk with Old Dominion Freight Line and Terry Covey of Kansas.
Texas’ Matthew Montandon with FedEx took gold in the step van class in his first time at nationals. “It’s an awesome feeling," he said. “I don’t really know how to describe it.”
Drivers representing Colorado claimed the team trophy. The Centennial State squad was led by FedEx Freight’s Paul Swan competing in the 4-axle. “It’s the best of the best,” he said. “I finally made it here, so I feel good about it.”
The team trophy is given to the state that records the highest average score. Last year, the Connecticut Trucking Association won its first NTDC state award. The vehicle condition award went to James Quarles with Walmart from South Carolina. He competed in the straight truck class. Rookie of the year was awarded to Nebraska’s Todd Gimpel from FedEx Freight, competing in the twin trailer division.
Jackie Reed of FedEx Freight accepts the Bendix NTDC Grand Champion award as outgoing Chairman Patti Gillette looks on at the NTDC 2024 Awards Banquet on Aug. 24. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
David Wiechers with ABF Freight was recognized with the Sam Gillette Lifetime Volunteer award for 11 years of service to NTDC. “We’re the ones [who] come first, and we stay until the lights go out,” he said, explaining the volunteer experience. “We got an experienced crew here … and they’re doing a wonderful job.”
American Trucking Associations President Chris Spear greeted the competitors ahead of the tournament’s final round.
“This is family. … celebrate your achievements,” he told the group. “You made it to the show — don’t ever forget it — and I’m going to see you all back here next year.”
Former ATA Chairman Kevin Burch said, “They’re all professional men and women who carry America’s goods on-time and safely. Every year, [NTDC] really shows the enthusiasm of the support team, their families, the mothers and dads. It’s really nice to see the excitement in their eyes.”
To qualify for nationals, drivers must win a vehicle class at a state tournament. They also must demonstrate an accident-free record for a year.
Neill Darmstadter Award
Sweeney
Massachusetts grand champion Richard Sweeney of XPO was named the Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award winner. The professional pedigree perfected by the award’s annual recipient is among the event’s highest honors. Sweeney explained that the Super Bowl of Safety is his opportunity to catch up with fellow safety soldiers industrywide, or as he put it, “seeing all the competitors, all your friends that you’ve made over the years. And, it’s a homecoming once a year.”
This week marked his 15th trip to the national stage. Earlier this year, Sweeney sought to capture the essence of what it takes to return to the event.
“Hard work, dedication,” he said. “I’m not just doing this from when the states are to the nationals … This is a year-round endeavor.”
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