Phoenix, Arizona — David Coffel of FedEx Express secured the grand champion title at the annual Arizona Trucking Association Truck Driving Championship hosted at Tempe Diablo Stadium. The event drew over 170 professional CDL-A drivers who put their precision, safety knowledge, and behind-the-wheel expertise to the test on a demanding course.
Coffel dominated the competition by taking first place in the four-axle division and earning the event's top score for the best driving course and overall skills. The annual tournament serves as a rigorous showcase of professional driving talent, highlighting the strict safety margins and advanced handling capabilities required of modern commercial motor vehicle operators on America's highways.
Several other standout professionals earned category victories and special recognition during the awards ceremony. Victor Cruz of FedEx Freight claimed the best pre-trip inspection award, demonstrating critical attention to safety compliance, while Harley Hornecker of UPS earned the David Messmer Rookie of the Year designation. Class winners spanning step vans, straight trucks, three-axle, four-axle, five-axle tractor-trailers, flatbeds, tankers, and sleepers featured drivers from major operations including Walmart Supply Chain, XPO Logistics, Old Dominion Freight Line, and Performance Food Service.
What This Means for Drivers
State driving championships highlight the high standard of precision required to excel as a professional CDL-A driver in daily freight operations. Participants navigate tight clearance tests, serpentine maneuvers, and exact stopping obstacles that mirror real-world tight dock locations and congested distribution centers. Success in these events reflects deep knowledge of defensive driving tactics and pre-trip mechanical checks that keep commercial motor vehicles running safely under FMCSA regulations.
Industry Reaction
Carriers and fleet management teams consistently support these competitive skills events to foster a culture of safety and operational excellence among OTR truck drivers. With trucking companies hiring qualified talent across the country, events like the Arizona championship prove that skilled craftsmanship behind the wheel remains the backbone of the American supply chain. Nine top drivers from the Arizona event will now advance to face over 430 elite competitors at the National Truck Driving Championships in Minneapolis.
Key Points
- David Coffel of FedEx Express won the Arizona Grand Champion title and best skills course award.
- Victor Cruz of FedEx Freight won the best pre-trip inspection category.
- Harley Hornecker of UPS was named the David Messmer Rookie of the Year.
- Nine class champions will represent Team Arizona at the National Truck Driving Championships in Minneapolis from August 20–23.
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