INDIANAPOLIS – June 25, 2013 – Six drivers representing FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) operating companies placed among the top finishers at the 2013 Indiana State Truck Driving Championship in Indianapolis on June 21-22.
- Rob Book, a driver for Seven Springs Enterprises, Inc. based at the FedEx Ground station in Louisville, Ky., captured the state title in the Step Van class.
- FedEx Freight driver Steven Shepler (Muncie) earned the top spot in the 5-Axle Sleeper class.
- Troy Davis, a driver for FedEx Express based in Michigan City, won the Straight Truck class.
- Dave Tomasch, owner of Dave Tomasch, Inc. based at the FedEx Ground hub in Indianapolis, placed second in the 3-Axle class.
- Nick Papandria, a driver for Gonzo Delivery, Inc. based at the FedEx Ground station in Indianapolis, and Charles King, a driver for S C Sapp, Inc. based at the FedEx Home Delivery station in Evansville, completed the sweep in the Step Van class with their second- and third-place finishes, respectively.
Book, Shepler and Davis 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 Indiana state championship demonstrates the dedication to safety of our entire team.”
The Indiana 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.