The 2026 Nebraska Trucking Association held its Truck Driving Championships June 5 and 6 at Fonner Park in Grand Island Nebraska.
The competition;’s grand champion was Paul Badgett of FedEx Freight, Inc., and 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).
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.
NTDC is proud of its close relationship with the Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement troopers. 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. This year, Garet Poland from Walmart Transportation took home the honor.
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.
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.
Winners of the individual classes were:
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Straight class: Clinton Rast, Omaha, Nebraska, ABF Freight System, Inc.
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Three-axle class: Garet Poland, Kenesaw, Nebraska, Walmart Transportation
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Four-axle class: Todd Gimpel, Aurora, Nebraska, FedEx Freight, Inc.
- Five-axle class: Tom Canning, Bellevue, Nebraska, Old Dominion Freight Line
- Five-axle sleeper class: John Putney, Blanchard, Oklahoma, Greater Omaha Express
- Tank truck class: Tim Dean, Griswold, Iowa, Werner Enterprises
- Flatbed class: George Chaney, Aurora, Nebraska, FedEx Freight, Inc.
- Twin-trailer class: Paul Badgett, Aurora, NE, FedEx Freight, Inc.
- Mixer truck class: Jacob Friederich, Papillion, Nebraska, Lyman-Richey Corporation
- Step van class: Korey Clifton, Plattsmouth, Nebraska, FedEx Express
- Team winners: Old Dominion Freight Line
The nine class winners will attend the American Trucking Association’s National Truck Driving Championships in Pittsburgh, Aug. 11-14.
The mixer truck class first-place winner advances to the National Mixer Driver Championship in Nashville in October.
The Nebraska State Patrol Inspector Championships are held alongside the NTDC competition each year and include a personal interview, a hazardous materials exercise, and various hands-on inspections.
Sergeant Matt Ramsey from Omaha, Nebraska, earned first-place honors, while Investigator Kris Hunzeker from Nebraska City, Nebraska, 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.
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