JOPLIN, Mo. – June 11, 2013 – Seven drivers representing FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) operating companies placed among the top finishers at the 2013 Missouri State Truck Driving Championship in Joplin on June 7.
- Michael Meyer, a driver for FedEx Express based in St. Louis, captured the top spot in the 3-Axle class. He also took home the Grand Champion title for achieving the highest score among the winners of all classes.
- Steven Campbell, a driver for Michael’s Messengers, Inc. based at the FedEx Ground station in Joplin, finished first in the Step Van class.
- FedEx Freight driver Jason Budd (Springfield) posted at the top of the Twins class.
- Andrew Hunt (Springfield) and Mike Hausner (St. Louis) finished second in the Flatbed and Tank Truck classes, respectively. Both are drivers for FedEx Freight.
- Jason Labart, a driver for FedEx Express based in Kansas City, and Nick Frazier, a driver for Michael’s Messengers, Inc. based at the FedEx Ground station in Joplin, completed the sweep in the Step Van class with their second- and third-place finishes, respectively.
Meyer, Campbell and Budd 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 Missouri state championship demonstrates the dedication to safety of our entire team.”
The Missouri 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.