Texas, Kentucky drivers compete at state championships

The winners from the Texas championship will represent the state at the national competition. Front row, left to right: Thomas Wilson, Christopher Flippin, Brent Dotts, Robert Svoboda and Juan Martinez. Back row, left to right: Rick Salazar, Bobby Tinsley, Todd Trahan and Phil Beck. (Image Courtesy of Texas Trucking Association)The winners from the Texas championship will represent the state at the national competition. Front row, left to right: Thomas Wilson, Christopher Flippin, Brent Dotts, Robert Svoboda and Juan Martinez. Back row, left to right: Rick Salazar, Bobby Tinsley, Todd Trahan and Phil Beck. (Image Courtesy of Texas Trucking Association)

FedEx Express driver Brent Dotts was named grand champion at the annual Texas Truck Driving Championship, held May 31 – June 1 in Waco. Dotts also won first place in the straight truck class.

At the Kentucky Truck Driving Championship, held May 17-18 in Sparta, UPS Parcel driver Jason Herko earned the grand champion title. He also won first place in the 3-axle class. Herko is a repeat competitor and also won first place in the 3-axle class in 2018, as well as that year’s award for having the highest score on the skills course.

Texas’ winners: 

  • Grand Champion: Brent Dotts, FedEx Express
  • 3-Axle: Rick Salazar, ABF Freight
  • 4-Axle: Christopher Flippin, FedEx Freight
  • 5-Axle: Bobby Tinsley, XPO Logistics
  • Straight Truck: Brent Dotts, FedEx Express
  • Tanker: Thomas Wilson, HEB
  • Flatbed: Juan Martinez, HEB
  • Twins: Phil Beck, YRC Freight
  • Sleeper Berth: Robert Svoboda, Walmart
  • Step Van: Todd Trahan, FedEx Express

Kentucky’s winners:

  • Grand Champion: Jason Herko, UPS Parcel

    UPS Parcel driver Jason Herko, left, accepts the first place award for the 3-axle class at the 2018 Kentucky Truck Driving Championship. Herko won the same award this year. (Image Courtesy of Kentucky Trucking Association)UPS Parcel driver Jason Herko, left, accepts the first place award for the 3-axle class at the 2018 Kentucky Truck Driving Championship. Herko won the same award this year. (Image Courtesy of Kentucky Trucking Association)

  • Rookie of the Year: Brian Orem, UPS Parcel
  • 3-Axle: Jason Herko, UPS Parcel
  • 4-Axle: John Willinger, FedEx Freight
  • 5-Axle: Jamie Dunn, Walmart
  • Straight Truck: James McNulty, FedEx Express
  • Tanker: Gerald Wrinkle, Walmart
  • Flatbed: Wayne Crowder, FedEx Freight
  • Twins: Derek Schwienhart, FedEx Freight
  • Sleeper Berth: John Wiley, Walmart
  • Step Van: Dustin Powell, UPS Parcel
  • Team Trophy: Walmart
  • Highest Pre-Trip Inspection Score: Jesse Benkert, FedEx Ground
  • Highest Written Test Score: Dale Brenaman, UPS Parcel
  • Highest Skills Course Score: James McNulty, FedEx Express