GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Paul Badgett of FedEx Freight Inc, took home the grand champion award at the 2026 Nebraska Truck Driving Championships (NTDC).
“The Nebraska Trucking Association (NTA) organized the event at Fonner Park to highlight the industry’s commitment to skill and safety in Nebraska,” NTA said. “Competitors demonstrated knowledge, talent and skills, while focusing on what it takes to be a safe driver on our roads and highways. Along with the demanding driving course, the drivers competed in pre-trip inspections, written exams and oral interviews with the Nebraska State Patrol.”
Drivers represented every type and size of trucking company, ranging from competitors with decades of experience at NTDC to brand-new “rookies.” 10 truck classifications navigated difficult driving challenges, with the winning drivers literally inching out their closest competitors.
The Road to Victory
The competitors faced six problems on a course designed to challenge the skills they use in the industry that delivers more than 88% of the nation’s goods. In cooperation with the Nebraska Concrete & Aggregates Association, mixer truck drivers faced two problems unique to their class.
Awards were presented based on scores in the four test areas:
- Written examination.
- Personal interview.
- Pre-trip inspection.
- Driving test.
Companies with three or more drivers competed for team awards, given to the company whose drivers scored the highest overall average.
Rookie of the Year
Logan Booker of Walmart Transportation LLC. earned the Rookie of the Year Award (first-time participants with the highest overall score in all four parts of the competition).
Professional Excellence Award
For the second straight year, the Professional Excellence Award, given to the driver with the highest written test, was earned by Todd Gimpel with FedEx Freight.
Bucky Buchholtz Top Driver Award
“NTDC is proud of its close relationship with the Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement troopers,” NTDC said. “The Bucky Buchholtz Top Driver Award, named in honor of Buchholtz, a former Trooper and long-time championship committee member, goes to the driver with the highest score on the driving course.”
Garet Poland from Walmart Transportation took home the honor for 2026.
Kurt Everett Vehicle Condition Award
Logan Booker of Walmart Transportation continued his winning ways by earning the Kurt Everett Vehicle Condition Award. The award, named in honor of a long-time Championships committee member, goes to the driver with the highest score on the pre-trip inspection.
Jerry Wessel Award
Drivers who have competed or volunteered at the Championships for at least five years compete for the Jerry Wessel Award. Named after a long-time NTDC leader, this award honors the driver who receives the highest rating for professionalism, industry knowledge and attitude exhibited during the event. This year’s winner was Joseph Busch, representing ABF Freight Systems Inc.
A Chance for National Recognition
The first-place winner in each class advances to a national competition. Nine class winners will attend the American Trucking Association’s National Truck Driving Championships in Pittsburgh, Penn August 11-14.
The mixer truck class first-place winner advances to the National Mixer Driver Championship in Nashville, Tenn., in October.
The Nebraska State Patrol Inspector Championships are held alongside the NTDC competition each year and include a personal interview, a hazardous materials exercis, and various hands-on inspections. Sergeant Matt Ramsey from Omaha, Neb., earned first-place honors, while Investigator Kris Hunzeker from Nebraska City, Neb., received runner-up honors.
Sergeant Ramsey will now represent Nebraska in the North American Inspector Championships held in conjunction with the ATA’s National Truck Driving Championships.
2026 NTDC Class Winners
Straight class:
1. Clinton Rast, Omaha, Neb.— ABF Freight System Inc.
2. Michael Lemay, Ralston, Neb.— Greater Omaha Express
3. Gary Earl, Versailles, Mo. — Crete Carrier Corporation
Three-axle class:
1. Garet Poland, Kenesaw, Neb. — Walmart Transportation
2. Dustin Daniel, North Platte, Neb. — FedEx Freight Inc.
3. Nathan Cude, Omaha, Neb. — ABF Freight Systems Inc.
Four-axle class:
1. Todd Gimpel, Aurora, Neb. —FedEx Freight Inc.
2. Rob Jensen, Spencer, Neb. — Fremont Contract Carriers Inc.
3. Kevin Zelasney, Papillion, Neb. — ABF Freight Systems Inc.
Five-axle class:
1. Tom Canning, Bellevue, Neb. — Old Dominion Freight Line
2. Logan Booker, North Platte, Neb. — Walmart Transportation LLC
3. Joseph Busch, Neola, Iowa — ABF Freight Systems Inc.
Five-axle sleeper class:
1. John Putney, Blanchard, Okla. — Greater Omaha Express
2. Anthony Manning, Grand Island, Neb. — America’s Service Line LLC
3. William Lynds, Kiowa, Colo. — America’s Service Line LLC
Tank truck class:
1. Tim Dean, Griswold, Iowa — Werner Enterprises
2. Ronnie Davis, Bassett, Neb. — ABF Freight Systems Inc.
3. Craig Daniels, Hephzibah, Ga. — Crete Carrier Corporation
Flatbed class:
1. George Chaney, Aurora, Neb. — FedEx Freight Inc.
2. Michael Douthitt, Aurora, Neb. — Chief Carriers Inc.
3. Tommy Inzauro, Omaha, Neb. — Lyman-Richey Corporation
Twin-trailer class:
1. Paul Badgett, Aurora, Ned. — FedEx Freight Inc.
2. Dennis McAlevy, Grand Island, Neb. — Old Dominion Freight Line
3. Sam Wilson, Grand Island, Neb. — XPO Logistics
Mixer truck class:
1. Jacob Friederich, Papillion, Neb. — Lyman-Richey Corporation
2. John Brezina, Schuyler, Neb. — Lyman-Richey Corporation
3. Steve Nardi, Rochester, NY — Lyman-Richey Corporation
Step van class:
1. Korey Clifton, Plattsmouth, Neb. —FedEx Express
2. Robert Ronshaugen, Grand Island, Neb. — FedEx Express
3. Rick Rueda, Omaha, Neb. — FedEx Express
Team winners:
1. Old Dominion Freight Line
2. FedEx Freight Inc.
3. ABF Freight Systems Inc.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
