National Truck Driving Championships Won by Walmart Driver
American Trucking Associations named Charles White, a driver for Walmart Transportation based out of Nineveh, Ind., as the Bendix Grand Champion of the 2016 National Truck Driving Championships.
Charles White Photo: ATA
American Trucking Associations named Charles White, a driver for Walmart Transportation based out of Nineveh, Ind., as the Bendix Grand Champion of the 2016 National Truck Driving Championships. This is the second consecutive year that a Walmart driver has won the award.
To receive the title of Bendix Grand Champion, White had to demonstrate driving skills and knowledge of transportation and truck safety that surpassed the 430 other truckers who competed in the competition. White also took home the 3-axle class title. The National Truck Driving Championships took place in Indianapolis.
“After an impressive showing throughout the week, Charles White emerged as the most skilled and knowledgeable truck driver in the country,” said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. “On behalf of the ATA and the trucking community, I want to congratulate Charles and thank the entire field of competitors for participating in these championships.”
ATA also recognized Richard Merich as the 2016 Rookie of the Year, taking home the honor after a strong performance in the flatbed division. The team of drivers from South Carolina produced the best collective score with an average of 278.13.
Champions of each of the nine classes and the top state delegation were also announced. Joining Charles White on the list of national champions are:
3-Axle: Charles White, Nineveh, Indiana, Walmart Transportation
4-Axle: Ronald Metternick, Lowell, Michigan, FedEx Freight
5-Axle: Toby Kort, Aurora, Nebraska, FedEx Freight
Flatbed: Jay Love, Davis, South Dakota, FedEx Freight
Sleeper Berth: Larry Breen, Bushnell, Florida, Walmart Transportation
Straight Truck: Charles Randolph, Belle, West Virginia, PITT OHIO
Tank Truck: Jeffrey Langenhahn, Plover, Wisconsin, XPO Logistics
Twins: Chris Poynor, Richland, Washington, XPO Logistics
Step Van: Frank Woods, Shawsville, Virginia, FedEx Express
Rookie of the Year: Richard Merich, Lochbuie, Colorado, FedEx Freight
Team Champions: South Carolina
Vehicle Condition: William Pudney, Minneapolis, Minnesota, FedEx Freight
Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence: Charles Woodland, Surprise, Arizona, FedEx Freight
Lifetime Volunteer Award: Chris Ignowski, CDS, FedEx Ground
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