Scott Woodrome of FedEx Freight as the Bendix Grand Champion took home the title of Bendix Grand Champion at the American Trucking Associations’ 2018 National Truck Driving Championships in Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 18.

Woodrome, a longtime competitor in truck driving championships with more than 1.8 million lifetime safe driving miles, competed in the Tank Truck division. He has been in the trucking industry for 25 years, spending 12 of those years with his current employer, FedEx Freight. This is the first Bendix Grand Champion award for Woodrome, who has won his state championship a perfect 12 times in 12 attempts.  The America’s Road Team Captain, who’s from Middletown, Ohio, also took home the Tank Truck class national title.

ATA also recognized Ronald Zieser as the 2018 Rookie of the Year. Zeiser claimed the title after an outstanding performance in the 3-Axle division. To be a “rookie,” drivers must be first-time competitors at the state level who advanced to nationals. This year, there were 28 rookies competing at the National Truck Driving Championships.

In addition to the individual awards, the team of drivers from Nevada won the Team Championship. The state of Pennsylvania took second place honors, with Colorado coming in third. 

Several individuals excelled outside the driving course throughout this week’s competition, demonstrating their professionalism, knowledge and dedication to the trucking industry. Professional truck driver Neil Nogues of YRC Freight was recognized with the Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence award. Michael Flippin and Eric Courville of FedEx Freight and Tony Spero of ABF Freight achieved perfect scores on the written exam phase of the championships and are receiving the Highest Written Exam Award. Michael Whitehead of FedEx Freight is taking home the Vehicle Condition Award for his performance during the pre-trip inspections. 

And among the team of volunteers putting on the event, this year’s Sam Gillette Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Jerry Waddell of Cargo Transporters.