PEMBROKE, N.H. – June 4, 2013 – Four drivers representing FedEx Express placed among the top finishers at the 2013 New Hampshire State Truck Driving Championship in Pembroke on June 1.
- Paul Robichaud, based in Manchester, earned his eighth state title with a first-place finish in the Flatbed class.
- Ed Gertz, the 2012 National Step Van champion, captured his second state title in the same class this year. He is based in Londonderry.
- Charles Putnam (Londonderry) finished second in the Step Van class.
- Norman Sullivan (Manchester) finished third in the Tank Truck class.
Robichaud and Gertz 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 New Hampshire state championship demonstrates the dedication to safety of our entire team.”
The New Hampshire 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.