ODFL driver Chad Williams wins MI driving competition for third time

2026 Grand Champion Chad Williams, Old Dominion Freight Line
2026 Grand Champion Chad Williams, Old Dominion Freight Line
Michigan Trucking Association

History was made -- not once, but twice -- during the Michigan Trucking Association's Truck Driving Championships held last weekend.

Not only did the event have only its second three-time grand champion, but the contest held at Lansing Community College June 5 and 6 also had its first ever woman winner of a division.

Chad Williams, who drives for. Old Dominion Freight Line, won the twin trailers division and had the highest score on the pre-trip inspection competition to take home the grand championship title.

The First Female TDC Division Winner: Step Van Winner Lisa Hamilton, Tailwinds II, Inc. -FedEx ExpressThe First Female TDC Division Winner: Step Van Winner Lisa Hamilton, Tailwinds II, Inc. -FedEx ExpressMichigan Trucking AssocuationStep Van Division Champion Lisa Hamilton of Tailwinds II, Inc.-FedEx Express became the first female driver to win a TDC division. Lisa drove to history over 15 other drivers -- and was a rookie.

Laurence Blanchard, who drives for Wamart was the event's rookie of the year. 

Spartan Nash was the competition's top small team and Old Dominion Freight Line won the large team trophy.

In addition, five Walmart drivers won division titles.

Division results:

  • 3-Axle Winner Douglas Callihan, ABF Freight

  • 4-Axle Winner Vadim Iusin, Walmart

  • 5-Axle Winner Wayne Gootee, Walmart

  • Sleeper Berth Winner Jeff Pike, Walmart

  • Step Van Winner Lisa Hamilton, Tailwinds II, Inc. -FedEx Express

  • Flatbed Winner Stephen Romska, Walmart

  • Twin Trailer Winner Chad Williams, Old Dominion Freight Line

  • Tanker Winner Laurence Blanchard, Walmart

  • Straight Truck Winner Ronald Looks, XPO

Winners in each division advance to the ATA National Trucking Driving Championship held in Pittsburgh, PA, August 11-14, 2026.