Nebraska Trucking Association’s truck driving championship winners announced

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — The Nebraska Trucking Association (NTA) recently hosted its annual Nebraska Truck Driving Championships (NTDC), which featured professional drivers showcasing their talents in and outside of their trucks.

The NTDC is a qualifying event for the National Truck Driving Champions.

The competition begins with a written exam, a pre-trip inspection, an oral interview with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) and is concluded after a driving course, according to a news release.

The driving course is designed fresh for each championship. It includes six challenges that drivers may face on the road, testing their abilities.

In the final activity, the team award is given to the team with the highest overall average score.

This year’s competitors included 32 rookies, a record-setting 13 women, along with returning veterans, totaling 98 drivers and 10 truck classes.

The 2024 Grand Champion and Professional Excellence awards went to Eric Stein of Werner Enterprises.

The Rookie of the Year is Todd Gimpel of FedEx Freight.

There were three special awards given out. These are named in honor of people who made a difference in Nebraska trucking over the years.

The Bucky Buchholtz Top Driver Award was given to Rob Jensen from Fremont Contract Carriers.

Bucky Buchholtz was a Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) trooper and member of the championship committee. The award goes to the driver who achieved the highest score on the driving score.

“The NSP is a highly respected partner of the NTA,” the news release states. “NSP Carrier Enforcement Troopers are integral to the success of the NTDC), where the Bucky Buchholtz Top Driver Award plays a significant role. Named after a notable NSP Trooper and dedicated member of the championship committee, the award honors the driver who achieves the highest score on the driving course.

Kurt Everett, a respected member of the championship committee, is commemorated through the Kurt Everett Vehicle Condition Award, which honors the driver with the top pre-trip inspection score. The Kurt Everett Vehicle Condition Award was given to Eric Stein from Werner Enterprises.

The Jerry Wessel Award was given to Rob Jensen of Fremont Contract Carriers. The Jerry Wessel Award is named after the esteemed long-time NTDC committee leader and is awarded to drivers who have either competed or volunteered at the championships for a minimum of five years and have exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, industry knowledge and conduct.

The top performer in each category progresses to a national contest.

Nine category champions will participate in the American Trucking Association’s National Truck Driving Championships Aug. 21-24 in Indianapolis.

Additionally, the top contender in the mixer truck division will move on to the 18th annual National Mixer Driver Championship scheduled for Oct. 10-14.

2024 NTDC Class Winners

Straight Class
1^st Christina Gaines, FedEx Express
2^nd Sam Wilson, XPO Logistics
3^rd Steven Hayes, Grand Island Express

Three-Axle Class
1^st Eric Stein, Werner Enterprises
2^nd Jeffery Reed, Old Dominion Freight Line
3^rd Joseph Bush, ABF Freight Systems

Four-Axle Class
1^st Garet Poland, Walmart Transportation
2^nd Izet Kantarevic, Werner Enterprises
3^rd James Dotson, FedEx Freight

Five-Axle Class
1^st Chauncy Hunter, Greater Omaha Express
2^nd Justine September Baldwin, FedEx Ground
3^rd Paul Johnson, Old Dominion Freight Line

Five-Axle Sleeper Class
1^st David Strandring, Hill Brothers Transportation
2^nd John Putney, Greater Omaha Express
3^rd Tim Dean, Werner Enterprises

Tank Truck Class
1^st Mark Cole, Old Dominion Freight Line
2^nd Ray Peterson, Wynne Transport Services
3^rd Philip DeLauder, Werner Enterprises

Flatbed Class
1^st Guy Courtney, Crete Carrier Corporation
2^nd Larry Derr, Werner Enterprises
3^rd Tommy Inzauro Lyman, Richey Corporation

Twin-Trailers Class
1^st Todd Gimpel, FedEx Freight
2^nd Dave Podelco, ABF Freight Systems
3^rd Chris Dotson, FedEx Freight

Mixer Truck Class
1^st Linda Pawlenty, Ready Mixed Concrete Co.
2^nd Jacob Freiderich Lyman, Richy Corporation
3^rd Greg Burroughs, Ready Mixed Concrete Co.

Step Van Class
1^st Rob Jensen, Fremont Contract Carriers
2^nd Theresea Trively, FedEx Freight
3^rd Andy Wire, XPO Logistics

Team Winners
1^st Werner Enterprises
2^nd Greater Omaha Express
3^rd Fremont Contract Carriers

Erica N. Guy

Born and raised in Little Rock, AR, Erica N. Guy decided to stay in her hometown to begin her professional career in journalism. Since obtaining her bachelor’s degree from UAPB, Erica has professionally written for several publications about several topics ranging from lifestyle, tech, culture, and entertainment, just to name a few. Continuing her love for her hometown, she joined our team in June 2023, where she is currently a staff writer. Her career goals include continuing storytelling through her writing by being the best professional writer she can be. In her spare time, Erica enjoys trying new foods, cozying up with a good book, spending time with family and friends, and establishing herself as a future businesswoman.