TIMONIUM, Md. – June 11, 2013 – Five drivers representing FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) operating companies placed among the top finishers at the 2013 Maryland State Truck Driving Championship in Timonium on June 8.
- FedEx Express driver Mike Forchetti (Gaithersburg) earned his fifth state title in the Step Van class.
- Duane Clever, owner of Clever Enterprises, Inc. based at the FedEx Ground hub in Hagerstown, took home the first-place trophy in the 5-Axle Sleeper class.
- Chester Masser, owner of Totgas Trucking, Inc. based at the Hagerstown FedEx Ground hub, finished second in the Straight Truck class.
- Dave Brown, owner of JD’s Deliveries, Inc. based at the FedEx Ground station in Cumberland, and Jay Hoover, a driver for JLH Transport Inc. based at the FedEx Ground hub in Hagerstown, finished third in the Step Van and 5-Axle Sleeper classes, respectively.
Forchetti and Clever will go on to compete at the American Trucking Associations’ 2013 National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC), known as the “Super Bowl of Safety,” August 20-24 in Salt Lake City. In addition, each state winner will be recognized by FedEx as part of its safe driving initiative, The Chairman’s Challenge.
“Our company is represented by professional drivers who not only strive daily to ensure shipments are delivered on time, but also that they remain safe on the road. It’s a fundamental priority in our company,” said Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president and CEO, FedEx Corp. “The performance of these participants at the Maryland state championship demonstrates the dedication to safety of our entire team.”
The Maryland State Truck Driving Championship is an opportunity for professional truck drivers to demonstrate their driving skills and safety expertise. The event includes a difficult driving-skills challenge, pre-trip inspection and written examination covering vehicle operation and knowledge of federal safety regulations.
In 2012, 137 driving professionals from 46 states representing FedEx Freight, FedEx Ground, FedEx Express and FedEx Custom Critical qualified to compete at the National Truck Driving Championships by winning their respective state’s competition and driving accident-free for at least one year. One FedEx competitor captured the National Grand Champion title. In addition, FedEx drivers captured National Champion titles in the Flatbed, 3-Axle and Step Van classes. Eight other FedEx drivers earned top-three finishes in their respective vehicle classes.