Tennessee Trucking Association
A FedEx Freight driver was the grand championship winner at the recent 2026 Tennessee Truck Driving Championships.
James Sowder took home the event's top award, and also won the flatbed class.
Other awards and the winners were:
- Rookie: Donnie Shelby, XPO Logistics
- Team Trophy: The Martin-Brower Company
- Inspector Challenge Winner: Trp. Dallas Lange
- Driver of the Year: Ed Hauhn, Martin-Brower
- Volunteer: Jack Hawkins, Thompson Machinery
The category winners included:
- Step Van: Roy Daniels, FedEx Corporation
- Straight Truck: Samuel Bryant, FedEx Freight
- 3-Axle: Brian Turner, Old Dominion
- 4-Axle: Brandon Gilpatrick, FedEx Freight
- 5-Axle: William Shepherd, Tranco Logistics
- Tank: Ray Shelton, FedEx Freight
- Twin-Trailers: Steve Marlow, ABF Freight
- Sleeper: Jeff Barton, FedEx Freight
"We are proud of all of this year's professional drivers who showcased their skills this past weekend," the association said in a social media post. "Thank you, participants, volunteers, and sponsors, for another great event!"
The event was held May 1 and 2 at the FedEx Freight facility in Antioch, Tennessee.
The National Truck Driving & Step Van Driving Championships are Aug. 11-14 in Pittsburgh.
