Rogers, Arkansas — Chris Moore, a Walmart Transportation driver, secured the Grand Champion title at the 2026 Arkansas Trucking Association Truck Driving Championships held at the Rogers Convention Center on July 10.

Moore’s win follows a career spanning almost three decades behind the wheel and a flawless record of more than 3.5 million miles. The Arkansas contest tested drivers in vehicle inspection, written knowledge and on‑road performance before advancing the winners to the National Truck Driving Championships in Pittsburgh. Walmart Transportation finished with the top two overall honors, as teammate Keith Anderson earned Grand Champion Runner‑Up and the sleeper berth division title.

The event drew competitors from carriers across the state, including FedEx Freight, Old Dominion Freight Line and J.B. Hunt Transport. FedEx Freight topped the individual class winners chart with four division titles, while Walmart Transportation claimed both overall championships. Division champions included Chris Swanson (3‑Axle, FedEx Freight), Daniel Workman (4‑Axle, FedEx Freight), Jason Casalicchio (5‑Axle, Old Dominion Freight Line), Eric Brockette (Step Van, J.B. Hunt Transport), Jessie King (Straight Truck, FedEx Freight), Marcus Rush (Tank Truck, FedEx Freight) and Bart Fowler (Twins, Walmart Transportation).

What This Means for Drivers

Winning the state championship grants Moore and his fellow division champions entry to the National Truck Driving Championships, scheduled for August 11‑14 in Pittsburgh. The national event offers exposure to top trucking companies hiring, and presents opportunities for CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators to showcase their skills to recruiters. The competition also reinforces FMCSA safety standards, as all participants must pass rigorous vehicle inspection and written tests.

For fleet managers, the results highlight the importance of investing in driver training and safety programs. The Arkansas contest demonstrated that a focus on accident‑free mileage and continuous skill development can translate into championship titles and increased marketability for drivers seeking truck driver jobs.

Owner‑operators benefit from the visibility that comes with state and national titles, often translating into higher pay rates and better contract terms. The championships also serve as a benchmark for OTR truck drivers to measure their performance against peers across the industry.

Industry Reaction

Walmart Transportation’s dual victory underscores the company’s commitment to safety and driver excellence. FedEx Freight’s success in securing the most individual class titles reflects its robust driver development program. Industry observers note that such competitions raise the overall standard for truck driving, encouraging carriers to prioritize ongoing training and adherence to FMCSA regulations.

Carriers attending the event expressed optimism about the quality of talent showcased, with several recruiters announcing plans to engage with championship winners for upcoming hiring cycles. The championships also serve as a reminder that safety, skill, and experience remain key criteria for trucking companies hiring.

Key Points

• Chris Moore wins Grand Champion with 3.5 million accident‑free miles.
• Walmart Transportation earns top two overall honors; FedEx Freight tops individual class winners.
• All division champions qualify for National Truck Driving Championships, August 11‑14 in Pittsburgh.
• Event emphasizes FMCSA safety standards and offers exposure to trucking companies hiring.

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