Grand Island, Nebraska — Mark Cole of Old Dominion Freight Line claimed the grand champion title at the 2025 Nebraska Truck Driving Championships, held last weekend at Fonner Park. Cole navigated the field to secure the top overall spot while simultaneously winning first place in the three-axle class, proving his precision in a high-stakes competitive environment.
The Nebraska Trucking Association hosted this two-day event to test the technical abilities of professional drivers. These competitions serve as more than just a trophy hunt; they emphasize the rigorous standards of safety and vehicle control required for any CDL-A driver operating on public highways. By highlighting the mastery of pre-trip inspections and complex maneuvering, the event reinforces the core competencies that keep the supply chain moving safely.
Competition was fierce across several specialized categories, with newcomers making a significant impact. Joe McDonnell from XPO Logistics and Garrett Campbell of FedEx shared the Rookie of the Year honors for achieving top marks in their debut appearance. Todd Gimpel of FedEx Freight earned the Professional Excellence Award for his performance on the written exam, while Jacob Friederich of Lyman-Richey Corporation walked away with the Bucky Buchholtz Top Driver Award for the highest score on the driving course, alongside a victory in the mixer truck category.
What This Means for Drivers
Participating in state-level championships allows professionals to sharpen their skills far beyond the requirements of standard FMCSA regulations. A top-tier CDL-A driver understands that every inch of space and every second spent on a pre-trip inspection directly correlates to career longevity and safety. For an owner-operator or fleet driver, maintaining this level of operational discipline is a tangible way to demonstrate industry value and distinguish oneself in a competitive labor market.
Industry Reaction
The success of drivers like Clinton Rast of ABF Freight System, Inc., who secured the Everett Vehicle Condition Award, reflects the broader industry's commitment to equipment maintenance. When companies invest in these events, they signal to the workforce that technical precision is the gold standard. As more trucking companies hiring across the country look for reliable talent, these championships provide a clear roadmap for what excellence looks like in the cab.
Key Points
- Mark Cole took the grand champion title and the three-axle class victory for Old Dominion Freight Line.
- The event was organized by the Nebraska Trucking Association at Fonner Park.
- Jacob Friederich dominated the mixer truck category and secured the top score on the driving course.
- Thomas Canning of Old Dominion Freight Line received the Jerry Wessel Award for his professionalism.
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