Roland Bolduc, a driver for FedEx Express from East Longmeadow, Massachusetts is the Bendix Grand Champion of the 2017 National Truck Driving Championships, which were staged by the American Trucking Associations in Orlando last weekend.
FedEx Express driver Roland Bolduc (right) receives a congratulatory kiss from colleague Scott Mugno after being named the 2017 Bendix Grand Champion at the 2017 National Truck Driving Championships and Step Van Driving Championships in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by John Sommers II)Bolduc, who also took home the Sleeper Berth class title, has more than 1.9 million safe driving miles in his career and has worked in the trucking industry for more than 36 years, spending the last 23 years with FedEx Express. Bolduc was named an America’s Road Team Captain in 2000.
ATA also recognized Bryce Neilson as the 2017 Rookie of the Year. Neilson, who is from Anaconda, Montana and drives for FedEx Freight, claimed the title after performing well in the Flatbed division.
The team of drivers from Kentucky produced the best collective score, with an average of 307.13, and were honored as the top state delegation. (See the various state winners.)
“On behalf of ATA and the entire trucking community, I want to thank the strong field of competitors for participating in these championships and practicing safety every day on our nation’s highways,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “Your commitment to excellence makes us proud to be in the trucking industry.”
Champions from each of the nine vehicle classes were also announced. They include:
- 3-Axle: Glen Kirk, Franklin, Indiana, Old Dominion Freight Line
- 4-Axle: James Duffy, Marshall, Wisconsin, FedEx Freight
- 5-Axle: Michael Miltenberger, Cumberland, Maryland, PITT OHIO
- Flatbed: Wayne Crowder, Louisville, Kentucky, FedEx Freight
- Sleeper Berth: Roland Bolduc, East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, FedEx Express
- Straight Truck: Richard Bailey, Macomb, Michigan, FedEx Freight
- Tank Truck: Scott Woodrome, Middletown, Ohio, FedEx Freight
- Twins: Chris Poyner, Richland, Washington, XPO Logistics
- Step Van: Michael Bills, Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, FedEx Express
- Other Awards
- Rookie of the Year: Bryce Neilson, Anaconda, Montana, FedEx Freight
- Team Champions: Kentucky
- Vehicle Condition: Bryan Wold, Reiles Acres, North Dakota, XPO Logistics
- Highest Written Exam Award: Paul Brandon, Oxford, Connecticut, FedEx Freight and Don Logan, Eskridge, Kansas, FedEx Freight
- Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence: Daniel Shamrell, Battle Ground, Washington, FedEx Freight
- Lifetime Volunteer Award: Joe Smith, Kenco Management
