FedEx Corp. is sending 98 drivers from 42 states to compete in the National Truck Driving Championships
in Pittsburgh Aug. 18-22.

All the competing FedEx drivers qualified at state-level truck driving championships. The American Trucking Associations sponsors the NTDC, which is designed to recognize industry leadership in safety and to promote professionalism among truck drivers.

"The backbone of our company is made up of thousands of professional drivers and contractors who not only strive to deliver every shipment on time but also ensure that safety remains a fundamental priority in everything they do," said Frederick Smith, chairman, president and chief executive officer, FedEx Corp.

The 98 participants boast a combined 1,880 years of professional driving experience, including 96 million miles. Forty-eight of them have been driving for 20 years or more, and 41 have at least 1 million of safe driving individually. Eight of them have won five or more state championships.

During the NTDC, FedEx will compete along with 450 participants in nine different classes of vehicles and for the National Grand Champion title. The drivers earn points by demonstrating their driving skills and knowledge of the industry through a written exam, pre-trip inspection and field test.

John Smith Jr., a contractor for FedEx Ground based in Tupelo, Miss., will be competing for the fifth time. He is the reigning National Champion in the Tank Truck class and the National Flatbed Co-Champion in 2007. "Competing at the NTDC is like playing in the Super Bowl," said Smith. "The competitors at this event represent the safest and most professional drivers on the road today."