FedEx Freight Captain Smith Challenge

Frederick W. Smith, the founder, executive chairman, and longtime chairman and CEO of Federal Express Corporation, conceived a program encouraging drivers to represent FedEx at state truck driving championships and ultimately at the American Trucking Associations' National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC). That legacy continues at FedEx Freight with the launch of the Captain Smith Challenge.

The Captain Smith Challenge affirms FedEx Freight's unwavering commitment to safety–for our drivers, our team members, and everyone on the road. It also provides a platform for our drivers to demonstrate their skills and professionalism while championing the importance of safe driving across the industry.

Since 2003 when Mr. Smith first issued his challenge, Team FedEx Freight has earned 53 National Champion titles, seven National Grand Champion honors, and seen 10 drivers named National Rookie of the Year.

In 2025, 112 FedEx Freight drivers represented the company at the National Truck Driving Championships. For seven of the past eight years the event has been held, more than 100 of our professional drivers have competed at the NTDC. Each driver qualified by winning their state's championship and driving accident-free for at least the past year.

The 2026 championships will be held Aug. 11-14 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

FedEx Freight Drivers Earn 5 State Truck Driving Championship Titles

Team FedEx Freight had five drivers capture state titles at Truck Driving Championships (TDCs) held in Kentucky and North Dakota, May 8-9. The state champions have each earned an opportunity to compete at the American Trucking Associations' National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) in Pittsburgh, Aug. 11-14.

The state TDCs along with the NTDC provide professional truck drivers with an opportunity to demonstrate their driving skills and safety expertise. Championships encompass three parts: a challenging driving course, a pre-trip inspection, and a written examination that covers vehicle operation and knowledge of federal safety regulations.

Next up for Team FedEx Freight are state TDCs May 15-16 for Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin.