FedEx Freight Captain Smith Challenge
2026 TDC Schedule
2026 State Champions
See The FedEx Freight Aces
Past Years' Results
Driver Preparation
Frederick W. Smith, the founder, former executive chairman, and long-time chairman and CEO of FedEx 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 in 2026 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 55 National Champion titles, seven National Grand Champion honors, and seen nine drivers named National Rookie of the Year.
In 2026, 112 FedEx Freight drivers represented the company at the National Truck Driving Championships. For eight of the past nine 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 2027 championships will be held Aug. 11-14 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.
Two FedEx Freight Drivers Capture National Titles
FedEx Freight drivers Terry Covey and Andy Garcia came away with national titles at the 2026 National Truck Driving Championships, highlighting the company’s performance at the Aug. 11-14 event in Pittsburgh.
A 17-year professional driver who was competing in his sixth straight NTDC, Covey won the Sleeper Berth class at this year’s championships. This was the Wichita, Kansas, native’s second podium finish as he also placed third in the Tank Truck class at the 2024 NTDC. The 2026 Kansas Grand Champion, Covey has logged more than 1.5 million safe-driving miles.
Making his second NTDC appearance in three years, Garcia led a FedEx Freight sweep of the 5-Axle class at this year’s championship. Driving out of the company’s Harlingen, Texas, service center, Garcia has logged more than 600,000 safe-driving miles during his 12-year professional career with FedEx Freight.
Below is a list of other FedEx Freight drivers who were top finishers in their respective driving class:
- Matt Boenisch (Howards Grove, Wisconsin), 3rd Place, 5-Axle
- David Comings (Wahpeton, North Dakota), 3rd Place, 4-Axle
- Adam Heim (Rathdrum, Idaho), 2nd Place, 5-Axle
- Vlad Piatkovskyi (Joppa, Maryland), 2nd Place, Twins
- Kenny Rageth Jr. (Glenrock, Wyoming), 2nd Place, Flatbed
Several other FedEx Freight drivers were also recognized at this year’s championships. David Comings tied Todd Gimpel (Aurora, Nebraska) with the Highest Written exam Score while Ed Hill (Dover, Delaware) received the Vehicle Condition Award for the best pre-trip inspection. Additionally, Ritch Fundell (Tonica, Illinois) was a member of the Illinois team that won the State Team Trophy.
FedEx Freight was represented by 112 drivers at this year’s championships, nearly a quarter of the competition field. Drivers qualified for the NTDC by winning their state’s truck driving championship in one of nine classes. Qualifiers must also be accident-free for the past year.
At the championships, they earn points by showcasing their driving skills and knowledge of the industry through a written exam, pre-trip inspection, and driving skills challenge. Since 2003, FedEx Freight drivers have earned 55 National Championship titles.