Roland Bolduc was crowned the 2017 Bendix Grand Champion at the National Truck Driving Championships. (Image Courtesy of Facebook/American Trucking Associations)FedEx Express driver Roland Bolduc, of Massachusetts, was crowned the 2017 Bendix Grand Champion at the National Truck Driving Championships over the weekend by the American Trucking Associations.
The championships were held in Orlando, Aug. 9-12, at the Orange County Convention Center.
Bloduc competed against more than 420 other truckers to win the award. He also won the Sleeper Berth class. Bolduc has been driving for over 36 years, 23 of which he’s spent with FedEx, and has more than 1.9 million safe driving miles.
“With an impressive showing this week, Roland Bolduc emerged as the leader of the field and is taking home our industry’s top prize,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear.
Bryce Neilson, from Montana, was named the 2017 Rookie of the Year. He drives for FedEx Freight.
Champions from each of the 9 classes and the top state delegation are as follows:
3-Axle: Glen Kirk, Franklin, Ind. – Old Dominion Freight Line
4-Axle: James Duffy, Marshall, Wis. – FedEx Freight
5-Axle: Michael Miltenberger, Cumberland, Md. – PITT OHIO
Flatbed: Wayne Crowder, Louisville, Ky. – FedEx Freight
Sleeper Berth: Roland Bolduc, East Longmeadow, Mass. – FedEx Express
Straight Truck: Richard Bailey, Macomb, Mich. – FedEx Freight
Tank Truck: Scott Woodrome, Middletown, Ohio – FedEx Freight
Twins: Chris Poyner, Richland, Wash. – XPO Logistics
Step Van: Michael Bills, Fuquay Varina, N.C. – FedEx Express
Other Awards
Rookie of the Year: Bryce Neilson, Anaconda, Mont. – FedEx Freight
Team Champions: Kentucky
Vehicle Condition: Bryan Wold, Reiles Acres, N.D. – XPO Logistics
Highest Written Exam Award: Paul Brandon, Oxford, Conn. – FedEx Freight; and Don Logan, Eskridge, Kan. – FedEx Freight
Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence: Daniel Shamrell, Battle Ground, Wash. – FedEx Freight
Lifetime Volunteer Award: Joe Smith, Kenco Management
