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Printer-Friendly August 24, 2009 - We Are Champions, We Are FedEx!
“The City of Champions” proved to be a fitting location for Team FedEx at the National Truck Driving Championships.
Saturday morning began with the announcement of the top three finishers in each class. FedEx scored big with 10 finalists in six of the nine classes including sweeps of 3-Axle and Step Van.
The finalists took one last crack at mastering the course before the final order was announced.
FedEx walked away with four national champions: Don Logan-3-Axle, Mark McLean-Twins, Troy Swenson – 5-Axle Sleeper, David Thompson-Step Van.
Congratulations to all 98 Team FedEx competitors for proving their commitment to safety and once again delivering the Purple Promise.
August 21, 2009 - Safety Drives the NTDC
The drivers were firing on all cylinders on Day Two of the National Truck Driving Championships. An early morning “Breakfast of Champions” kicked off the day for all competitors – including the 98 drivers from Team FedEx. After breakfast, they made their way to the Convention Center to begin the first day of the skills portion of the event.
Drivers were then divided by class, with half competing in the pre-trip inspection and the other taking their turn on the driving course. On Friday, they’ll swap places.
The tension could definitely be felt throughout the group -- especially for the drivers who took their turn on the obstacle course. When asked, the competitors agreed that the course was a tough challenge this year.
Best of luck to all of the Team FedEx drivers on the final day of competition.
August 20, 2009 - We’re Off to a Great Start in Pittsburgh!
Day One of the National Truck Driving Championships began in Pittsburgh on August 19 with a big breakfast for the state champs and staff before the group photo session. Thanks go out to the champs for their congenial attitudes during the hustle of the "hurry up and wait" for the group photos. A spirited countdown began when the last 10 frames were announced.
After breakfast, the action moved over to the Convention Center for Contestant Registration and Equipment Selection Orientation. The drivers were brought in by class and given time to select the trucks they wanted to drive. While the drivers were participating in their first order of competition, the champs’ spouses and guests were treated to a luncheon at Macy's that included a special fashion show in which FedEx staff were the models!
After the drivers had the chance to choose their equipment, they viewed a virtual representation of the course and then had the chance physically walk through the course and make notes. It was interesting to watch the drivers studying the obstacles. Even though they only had a short time to walk through the course, they took advantage of every last minute to strategize. Brows were furrowed and concentration was heavy as they figured out how to avoid each obstacle.
Following the course walk through, the drivers headed back up to their rooms to complete the last – and most stressful –step of the day: the written exam.
The driving portion of the competition begins Thursday morning. Stay tuned for more details of the National Truck Driving Championships from Pittsburgh!
News Archive
07/13/2009 - Ninety-Eight FedEx Competitors Packing for Pittsburgh
06/27/2009 - Number of FedEx NTDC Competitors Nears Century Mark
06/22/2009 - Team FedEx Continues to Roll
06/15/2009 - Twenty-Two More Drivers Headed to Steel City
06/08/2009 - Two Dozen Drivers Advance to the NTDC!
06/01/2009 - And Two More Makes 34
05/18/2009 - Team FedEx Scores State Titles in Bunches!
05/11/2009 - A Big Weekend for FedEx!
05/04/2009 - Team FedEx Doubles Number of Champs in Stellar Weekend of Competition
04/20/2009 - Team FedEx Continues to Roll in Third Weekend of Competitions
04/06/2009 - Two States Down, Two More Wins in the Books
03/30/2009 - We’re Off to a Great Start in Arizona!