Tennessee’s Best Behind the Wheel
April 16–17, 2027
The Tennessee Truck Driving Championships bring professional drivers together to demonstrate the knowledge, precision and safety skills that keep our industry moving.
Open to eligible drivers from TTA member companies, the state competition offers an opportunity to advance to the American Trucking Associations’ National Truck Driving Championships.
A competition built around skill and safety
Drivers complete challenges that test practical vehicle inspection, driving ability and industry knowledge. From first-time competitors to seasoned champions, the TDC recognizes drivers who hold themselves to the highest standards of professionalism.
The 2027 event will include skills testing and the driving competition, followed by the Awards Banquet recognizing Tennessee’s top professional drivers.
Registration will open soon. Additional event details will be shared as they are confirmed.
Congratulations to our 2026 champions
Thank you to every driver, employer, volunteer and sponsor who helped make the 2026 competition possible. We're proud to recognize the professionals who represented Tennessee so well.
Grand Champion
James Sowder
FedEx Freight
Rookie of the Year
Donnie Shelby
XPO Logistics
Team Trophy
The Martin-Brower Company
2026 winning team
View all 2026 class winners and Inspector Challenge results
| Class | 1st place | 2nd place | 3rd place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step Van | Roy Daniels — FedEx Corporation | Ethan Thennes — FedEx Corporation | Derek Snoderly — FedEx Freight |
| Straight Truck | Samuel Bryant — FedEx Freight | Jeffrey Johnson — Old Dominion Freight Lines | Christopher Massingill — ABF Freight System Inc. |
| 3-Axle | Brian Turner — Old Dominion Freight Lines | Nathaniel Meadows — FedEx Freight | John Turner — FedEx Corp. |
| 4-Axle | Brandon Gilpatrick — FedEx Freight | Michael Cole — FedEx Freight | Donald Walker — FedEx Freight |
| 5-Axle | William Shepherd — Tranco Logistics | Juan Nava — Huff and Puff Trucking, Inc. | John Lemmons — UPS |
| Tank | Ray Shelton — FedEx Freight | Ed Hauhn — The Martin Brower Company | Robert Pardee — Old Dominion Freight Line |
| Flatbed | James Sowder — FedEx Freight | Covey Thompson — The Martin-Brower Company | Josh Arwood — Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. |
| Twin-Trailers | Steve Marlow — ABF Freight System | Timothy Blair — FedEx Freight | Michael Young — FedEx Freight |
| Sleeper | Jeff Barton — FedEx Freight | Robert Moxley — Titan Transfer | Michael Andrews — Walmart Transportation |
Inspector Challenge: Winner — Trooper Dallas Lange. Runner-up — Trooper Will Whitson.
2027 competition locations
The competition returns to the Nashville area, with activities at FedEx Freight and Embassy Suites Murfreesboro.
Driving Competition
FedEx Freight
3960 Logistics Way
Antioch, TN 37013
Driving course and competition activities.
View location on Google Maps →Hotel, Skills Testing & Awards Banquet
Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville SE Murfreesboro
1200 Conference Center Blvd.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
The 2027 hotel room block and booking information will be announced later.
See hotel photos and amenities →Become a TDC sponsor
Show your support for Tennessee’s professional drivers by sponsoring the 2027 Truck Driving Championships. Sponsorship helps celebrate safety and skill while connecting your company with TTA members and industry leaders.
See additional sponsorship options
$500 sponsorship options
Championship Judges Lunch, Pre-Trip Event, Written Test, Golf Cart, Trophy, PortaPotty, Kids Tent, Balloon Artist.
Sponsorships are available. Visit the 2027 event page for registration options or contact TTA to secure your preferred opportunity.
Nominate a Driver of the Year
Know a professional driver who goes above and beyond for safety, service and our industry? TTA welcomes nominations recognizing the drivers who set the standard for professionalism on Tennessee’s roads.
Member companies can submit nominations through TTA’s Driver of the Year application. Review the form for the required information and supporting documentation.
For questions about nomination requirements and the current award year, contact Marty Pollock.
Registration will open soon
We look forward to welcoming drivers back April 16–17, 2027. Registration details, fees, deadlines and competition information will be shared as they are announced.
For questions about competing or volunteering, contact Marty Pollock at TTA.
Scenes from the 2026 championships
Take a look at the drivers, volunteers, course challenges and celebrations that make the Tennessee Truck Driving Championships a standout industry event.
We look forward to seeing you April 16–17, 2027.
Stay connected to TTA for final entry details and announcements about the 2027 Tennessee Truck Driving Championships.