2023 State Championships

Flanked by a pair of state troopers, North Carolina's Michael Bills of FedEx Express shows off his trophies for winning grand champion and straight truck honors at the North Carolina Truck Driving Championships. (North Carolina Trucking Association)

Old Dominion Freight Line driver Mike Markham (center) was named grand champion of the West Virginia Trucking Association’s 65th Annual Truck Driving Championship, held April 29 in Parkersburg. Markham, who has been a professional truck driver for 27 years, won the flatbed division and took the Rookie of the Year award as well. Old Dominion Freight Line won the Team Champion Award. (West Virginia Trucking Association)

FedEx Freight driver Mindy Rathjens (left) hoists the grand champion trophy with help from Iowa Motor Truck Association CEO Brenda Neville. Rathjens captured the 3-axle title in the competition that was held in Altoona, Iowa, on June 22-23. (Iowa Motor Truck Association)

Attendees at the Iowa Truck Driving Championships banquet were in a celebratory mood. The event was held June 22-23 in Altoona, Iowa. (Iowa Motor Truck Association)

A driver executes a pre-check of his rig as a judge scores his performance at the Illinois Truck Driving Championships on June 9-10 in Tinley Park, Ill. (Gavin Blisset)

A Yellow truck pulls up alongside a yellow duck on the course at the Illinois Truck Driving Championships on June 9-10 in Tinley Park, Ill. (Gavin Blisset)

Measurements are taken on a step van during the Illinois Truck Driving Championships on June 9-10 in Tinley Park, Ill. (Gavin Blisset)

This truck spared these bowling pins from a strike during the Nebraska Truck Driving Championships in Grand Island, Neb., on June 1-3. (Nebraska Trucking Association)

Some of the 120 volunteers who worked the Nebraska Truck Driving Championships on June 1-3 in Grand Island, Neb. (Nebraska Trucking Association)

A truck navigates the course during the Nebraska Truck Driving Championships on June 1-3 in Grand Island, Neb. (Nebraska Trucking Association)

Fans and participants show their support at the Arkansas Truck Driving Championships. (Arkansas Trucking Association)

A competitor representing FedEx Freight in action at the Arkansas Truck Driving Championships. (Arkansas Trucking Association)

Indiana Motor Truck Association held its competition June 23-24 at Ameriplex Industrial Park in Indianapolis. Glen Kirk (center) of Old Dominion Freight Line was named grand champion. He also took first place in the flatbed competition. At left is Jennifer Piatt, vice president of the Indiana Motor Truck Association. At right is Greg Shipman, partner with Vertical Alliance Group. (Indiana Motor Truck Association)

Tents and sunglasses were in order as the Indiana Motor Truck Association held its competition June 23-24 at Ameriplex Industrial Park in Indianapolis. (Indiana Motor Truck Association)

Some of the action moved indoors for testing as the Indiana Motor Truck Association held its competition June 23-24 at Ameriplex Industrial Park in Indianapolis. (Indiana Motor Truck Association)

A FedEx Freight twin rig on the course at the Kansas Truck Driving Championships on June 16-17 in Topeka, Kan. (Kansas Motor Carriers Association)

ABF Freight driver Timothy Fore, the 4-axle class winner, displays his grand champion trophy at the Kansas Truck Driving Championships on June 16-17 in Topeka, Kan. (Kansas Motor Carriers Association)

A flatbed on the course at the Kansas Truck Driving Championships on June 16-17 in Topeka, Kan. (Kansas Motor Carriers Association)

Participants representing FedEx huddle up at the North Dakota Truck Driving Championships. Across the nine major categories, FedEx drivers took home five first-place finishes. (North Dakota Motor Carriers Association)

Competitors took a written examination as part of the North Dakota Truck Driving Championships. (North Dakota Motor Carriers Association)

Participants in the Missouri Truck Driving Championships got together for a group photo before competition began. (Missouri Trucking Association)

A competitor at the Missouri Truck Driving Championships sits in the driver's seat of a CFI truck. (Missouri Trucking Association)

Trucks take to the course to begin the New York Truck Driving Championships. (Trucking Association of New York)

Nobody takes a team photo like the truckers in Florida. Here's the Class of 2023. (Florida Trucking Association)

Edward Pennington of FedEx Freight shows off his trophy as Grand Champion of the Florida Truck Driving Championships for 2023. (Florida Trucking Association)

One of the best things about state truck driving championships is the camaraderie of the competitors that sometimes spills out into the public, as you see in this happy moment from Florida. (Florida Trucking Association)

A FedEx Express truck navigates the course during the New Hampshire and Vermont Truck Driving Championships on June 3. (New Hampshire Motor Transport Association)

A driver sits in his cab during the New Hampshire and Vermont Truck Driving Championships on June 3. (New Hampshire Motor Transport Association)

A truck is inspected during the New Hampshire and Vermont Truck Driving Championships on June 3. (New Hampshire Motor Transport Association)

Dan Shamrell of FedEx Freight, with President and CEO Jana Jarvis, captured Oregon's 4-Axle division as well as Grand Champion honors at Oregon's Truck Driving Championships. (Oregon Trucking Association)

Michael Owings of UPS, seen with President and CEO Jana Jarvis, earned Rookie of the Year honors at the Oregon Truck Driving Championships. He finished third in the 3-Axle competition. (Oregon Trucking Association)

Trucks lined up in preparation for the Wyoming Truck Driving Championships. (Wyoming Trucking Association)

Derek Gorrell (left) of ABF Freight accepted the award for the highest individual score on the written exam at the Wyoming Truck Driving Championships. (Wyoming Trucking Association)

A competitor and their child represented UPS at the Pennsylvania Truck Driving Championships. (Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association)

Competitors prepare for the Pennsylvania Truck Driving Championships to get underway. (Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association)

A competitor representing Sherwin Williams checks his tires during the Pennsylvania Truck Driving Championships. (Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association)

A scene from the awards banquet following the Montana Truck Driving Championships. Scott Lorio of FedEx Freight was this year's Grand Champion. (Montana Trucking Association)

The wide open expanse of the Montana Truck Driving Championships course. FedEx nearly swept the classification awards, capturing eight of the nine divisions. (Montana Trucking Association)

A driver competes on the course at the Montana Truck Driving Championships. Rookie of the Year honors went to Christopher Nelson of FedEx Freight. (Montana Trucking Association)

A truck navigates the course during the Rhode Island Truck Driving Championships on June 10. (Rhode Island Trucking Association)

Rhode Island Trucking Association CEO Chris Maxwell (left) shares a moment with grand champion Joe Hicks of XPO at the Rhode Island Truck Driving Championships on June 10. (Rhode Island Trucking Association)

Drivers test their knowledge during the written portion of the competition at the Rhode Island Truck Driving Championships on June 10. (Rhode Island Trucking Association)

Minnesota Grand Champion Bill Krouse of Yellow displays his award alongside (left to right) MTA President John Hausladen, FMCSA Division Administrator Matt Marrin and Capt. John Olsen of the Minnesota State Patrol. (Minnesota Trucking Association)

Inspectors go over a truck at the Oklahoma Truck Driving Championships on June 9-10. (Oklahoma Trucking Association)

Pylons line the course at the Oklahoma Truck Driving Championships on June 9-10. (Oklahoma Truck Driving Championships)

Two trucks glisten under blue skies at the Oklahoma Truck Driving Championships on June 9-10. (Oklahoma Trucking Association)

Chad Williams of Old Dominion Freight Line displays his award for being named grand champion of the Michigan Truck Driving Championships on June 9-10. (Michigan Trucking Association)

Competitors' knowledge is put to the test during the written portion of the Michigan Truck Driving Championships on June 9-10. (Michigan Trucking Association)

A boy gets a feel for the wheel at the Alabama Truck Driving Championships on June 9. (Alabama Trucking Association)

A truck is inspected during the Alabama Truck Driving Championships on June 9. (Alabama Trucking Association)

Grand champion Charlie Salter of FedEx Freight shows his award for winning the Alabama Truck Driving Championships on June 9. (Alabama Trucking Association)

Paul Swan of FedEx Freight took grand champion honors and finished first in 3-axle. Colorado held its Truck Driving Championships June 3 at the Adams Country Fairgrounds in Brighton. (Colorado Motor Carriers Association)

Colorado held its Truck Driving Championships June 3 at the Adams Country Fairgrounds in Brighton. Three inches of rain fell, but the competition went on! (Colorado Motor Carriers Association)

Colorado held its Truck Driving Championships June 3 at the Adams Country Fairgrounds in Brighton. Three inches of rain fell, but the competition went on! (Colorado Motor Carriers Association)

JB Hunt Transport Services drivers prepare for competition at the California Truck Driving Championships. (California Trucking Association)

A color guard ceremony is held before the kickoff of the New Mexico Truck Driving Championships. (New Mexico Trucking Association)

Texas Trucking Association held its State Championship June 2-3 in Waco. Winners are, Top Row L-R: Charles Ragland, Olamide Olayiwola, Ricardo Molina and Zane Harrison. Bottom Row L-R: Julio Pineda, Jr., Ruben Cortez, grand champion Ronald Ramon and Edward Camacho. (Texas Trucking Association)

Texas Trucking Association held its State Championship June 2-3 in Waco.
(Texas Trucking Association)

Texas Trucking Association held its State Championship June 2-3 in Waco.
(Texas Trucking Association)

Virginia Trucking Association held its competition June 2-3 at Richard Bland College in Petersburg. Front row, left to right: Michael Weeks, Old Dominion Freight Line, Straight Truck; Willie Mizelle, ABF Freight, 5-Axle Tank; Robert Lilly, FedEx Freight, 5-Axle Flatbed; Kenny Sage, Frito-Lay, Sleeper Berth; Michael Daughtridge, Walmart Transportation, 3-Axle; Michael Martin, Walmart Transportation, 5-Axle Van; Clifford Jewell, FedEx Freight, 4-Axle; Second Row: Kristin Walker, FedEx Ground, Step Van; Vincent Williams, FedEx Freight, Twin Trailers. (Virginia Trucking Association)

Drivers take the written test as the Virginia Trucking Association held its competition June 2-3 at Richard Bland College in Petersburg. (Virginia Trucking Association)

Drivers do the course walk-through before the competition starts. The Virginia Trucking Association held its competition June 2-3 at Richard Bland College in Petersburg. (Virginia Trucking Association)

A course judge measures the effectiveness of a driver's backing exercise during the Maryland Truck Driving Championships. Michael Miltenberger of Pitt Ohio was grand champion. (Maryland Motor Truck Association)

An inspection is conducted during the Maryland Truck Driving Championships. Pitt Ohio captured team honors at this year's event. (Maryland Motor Truck Association)

A driver checks the mirrors while competing in the Maryland Truck Driving Championships. Michael Nichols of Ruan was rookie of the year. (Maryland Motor Truck Association)

John Willinger (center) of FedEx Freight poses with his Kentucky Grand Champion hardware along with TDC co-chairs Marcus Potter of UPS (left) and Matt McHendry of FedEx Freight. (Kentucky Trucking Association)

High score winner Dale Brenaman of UPS (right) is congratulated by Kentucky Trucking Association President Rick Taylor after posting a perfect score of 80 on his test. (Kentucky Trucking Association)

Kentucky team champions from Old Dominion Freight Line celebrate their victory at the Kentucky Truck Driving Championships. (Kentucky Trucking Association)

Let's go to the tape. Alaska Trucking Association held its truck driving championships May 20 in Anchorage. (Alaska Trucking Association)

Trucking wasn't the only competition going on! Alaska Trucking Association held its truck driving championships May 20 in Anchorage. (Alaska Trucking Association)

Alaska Trucking Association held its truck driving championships May 20 in Anchorage. (Alaska Trucking Association)

There's no mistaking which state truck driving championship event you're at when branding is this visible. (Maine Motor Transport Association)

A driver on the course at the Maine Truck Driving Championships cuts a corner. Ron Round of Pottle's Transportation was this year's Grand Champion. (Maine Motor Transport Association)

It may look like it, but no, Maine did not have a golf carts competition during its truck driving championships. It did see a robust 92 participants. (Maine Motor Transport Association)

Competitors stand as the national anthem is played before competition kicks off at the Mississippi Truck Driving Championship on May 6. (Mississippi Trucking Association)

Competitors and supporters take shelter from the rain in a tent at the Mississippi Truck Driving Championship on May 6. (Mississippi Trucking Association)

Participants and fans pause for a food break during the Mississippi Truck Driving Championships in Gulfport May 5-6, 2023. (Mississippi Trucking Association)

A Yellow Corp. truck maneuvers the course during the Nevada Truck Driving Championships in Reno on May 20. (Nevada Trucking Association)

A truck is reviewed during the inspectors challenge, held in conjunction with the Nevada Truck Driving Championships in Reno on May 20. (Nevada Trucking Association)

Awards were on display at the Nevada Truck Driving Championships in Reno on May 20. (Nevada Trucking Association)

Neal LeClaire from Duplainville Transport (Quad Graphics) was the grand champion, and won the Sleeper category. Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association held its Truck Driving Championship May 19-20 at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton. (Jenn Koss Photos)

Who needs a rubber duck when Wisconsin specializes in cheese? Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association held its Truck Driving Championship May 19-20 at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton. (Jenn Koss Photos)

Kids and dinosaurs get in on the fun. Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association held its Truck Driving Championship May 19-20 at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton. (Jenn Koss Photos)

Seth Sigafoos of FedEx Freight won the grand champion and 5-Axle categories. South Dakota Trucking Association held its Truck Driving Championships May 20 at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls. (South Dakota Trucking Association)

A flatbed truck on the course during the Idaho Truck Driving Championships on May 5-6 in Meridian, Idaho. (Dave Shattuck)

Competitors in the Idaho Truck Driving Championships gather away from the course. (Dave Shattuck)

A truck is inspected as part of the Idaho Truck Driving Championships on May 5-6 in Meridian, Idaho. (Dave Shattuck)

The Georgia Motor Carrier Compliance Honor Guard plays at the Opening Ceremony.
Georgia Motor Trucking Association held its Truck Driving Championship May 11-12 in Lake Lanier Islands, Buford, Ga. (Georgia Motor Trucking Association)

UPS driver Blair Baker. Georgia Motor Trucking Association held its Truck Driving Championship May 11-12 in Lake Lanier Islands, Buford, Ga. (Georgia Motor Trucking Association)

One of the more challenging problems on the course was the diminishing alley. Georgia Motor Trucking Association held its Truck Driving Championship May 11-12 in Lake Lanier Islands, Buford, Ga. (Georgia Motor Trucking Association)

A FedEx truck on the course during the Tennessee Truck Driving Championships on April 28-30 in Antioch, Tenn. (Catherine Nicole Copas)

Members from Old Dominion Freight Line's team look on during the Tennessee Truck Driving Championships on April 28-30 in Antioch, Tenn. (Catherine Nicole Copas)

Old Dominion Freight Line driver Brian Turner displays his trophy after winning the Tennessee Truck Driving Championships on April 28-30 in Antioch, Tenn. (Ramon Guzman)

Drivers competed in nine categories at the South Carolina Truck Driving Championships April 28-29 in Columbia. (South Carolina Trucking Association)

TCW drivers James Cook (flatbed) and Bennie Yearty (tank) won their divisions at the South Carolina Truck Driving Championships April 28-29 in Columbia. (South Carolina Trucking Association)

Drivers competed in nine categories at the South Carolina Truck Driving Championships April 28-29 in Columbia. (South Carolina Trucking Association)

Robert Dean of XPO shows off his plaques for winning the flatbed division and grand champion honors at the Washington Truck Driving Championships. (XPO)

Winners from the Washington Truck Driving Championships pose with their hardware after winning their divisions April 15 in Pasco, Wash. (Washington Trucking Associations)

A scene from the Washington truck driving championships, where Robert Dean of XPO was named grand champion for 2023. (Washington Trucking Associations)

Arizona's Ina Daly (center) was once again the center of attention as she was named Grand Champion at Arizona's TDC and qualified for nationals for the 16th time. (Arizona Trucking Association)

A driver's performance is scored during the Louisiana truck driving championships in Baton Rouge, La., March 3-4. (John Ballance Photography)

It's not just about the course. Drivers have to excel on an examination and pre-trip inspection in order to win their classification. (John Ballance Photography)

A drone captures the majestic scene of the course for the Louisiana truck driving championships. (John Ballance Photography)