The Tennessee Trucking Association’s 2025 Truck Driving Championships (TDC) were an unforgettable event, bringing together 153 of the state’s finest drivers to compete for top honors in a variety of categories.
Despite challenging weather, including a heavy rainstorm and hail during Friday’s pre-trip inspection, the participants showed incredible resilience and determination. Their focus and drive were on full display as they persevered through the conditions to demonstrate the skill and professionalism that defines Tennessee’s truck drivers.
Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to everyone who made this event possible!
TDC Championship Winners 2025
Inspector ChallengeÂ
Runner Up: Trp. John-Mark Tarr
Winner: Trp. Jacob Edwards
Pre-Trip Inspection:Â Tim Blair, FedEx Freight, Inc.
Rookie of the Year:Â Raymond Hudson, Southeastern Freight Lines
Team Trophy:Â ABF
Fred Thayer Grand Champion:Â Samuel Bryant, FedEx Freight, Inc.
Step Van
1st: Ethan Thennes – FedEx
2nd: Chase Dickens – FedEx
3rd: Jason Flowers – FedEx
Straight Truck
1st: Samuel Bryant – FedEx Freight
2nd: Christopher Massingill – ABF
3rd: Jeffrey Johnson – Old Dominion
Three-Axle Van
1st: Gary Luster – FedEx Freight
2nd: Danny Ewell – Walmart
3rd: Raymond Hudson – Southeastern Freight Lines
Four-Axle Van
1st: Hobie Eirich – FedEx Freight
2nd: Brandon Gilpatrick – FedEx Freight
3rd: Paula Harper – FedEx Freight
Five-Axle Van
1st: Juan Nava – Huff & Puff Trucking, Inc.
2nd: John Lemmons – UPS
3rd: Terry Williams – Walmart
Tank
1st: Covey Thompson – The Martin-Brower Company
2nd: Michael Bowman – FedEx Freight
3rd: Marvin Humphries – Old Dominion
Flatbed
1st: Josh Arwood – Old Dominion
2nd: Daniel Huffine – FedEx Freight
3rd: Brandon Knight – Huff & Puff Trucking, Inc.
Twin-Trailers
1st: Tim Blair – FedEx Freight
2nd: Jimmy Duncan – FedEx Freight
3rd: Chad Skeen – Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
Sleeper
1st: Michael Andrews – Walmart
2nd: Dean Hiles – Walmart
3rd: Ray Shelton – FedEx Freight
Looking Ahead to Nationals
We are excited to send our first-place winners on to the National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) and Step Van Driving Championships this fall in Minneapolis, Minnesota from August 20-23, 2025. The NTDC is the "Super Bowl" of truck-driving safety and one of the most prestigious events in the trucking industry.
Thanks to Our Volunteers and Organizers
A heartfelt thank you to the state troopers, participants, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure this event was a success. We could not have done it without you! Also, a big thank you to our steering committee for all the hard work behind the scenes organizing this event. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!