Old Dominion Freight Lines veteran driver Jeremy Kasitz is the first to admit that bringing home the State Grand Championship trophy was not on his Bingo Card when the Oregon TDC took place on May 16th. As he shares with us in this episode of the podcast, Jeremy was still walking on air after winning the 4-Axle Vehicle Division title and earning his trip to NTDC 2026 in Pittsburgh.

Over the course of the conversation, you’ll hear Jeremy discuss his road back to Nationals, having reached the NTDCs in 2024 prior to finishing in fourth place in 2025. He talks about the success of his Old Dominion teammates who brought home the Team Trophy and six individual awards that included three state championships.

Without a doubt, the highlight of this feature is hearing Jeremy’s reaction to having his name called as Oregon’s State Grand Champion. While Jeremy knows the 4-Axle NTDC field will be filled with tough competitors, he’s excited to build off his previous experience and looking to rise to the challenges ahead on the Road To Pittsburgh.

FRIEND OF THE PODCAST SPONSOR:  The Lutzie 43 Foundation is our Friend of the Podcast for this episode of the NTDC 2026 Series. Founded to honor the legacy of Philip Lutzenkirchen, the Lutzie 43 Foundation is dedicated to make sure that the tragedy that took his life would never have to be repeated. Philip was a standout athlete, a beloved teammate, and a man of tremendous character. Today, the foundation that carries his name is working to change the driving culture across the Southeast and beyond by tackling distracted driving, impaired driving, and unsafe habits behind the wheel. To learn more about the Lutzie 43 Foundation and how you can use 43 Key Seconds to run through an important safety checklist before starting your vehicle, visit Lutzie43.org.

The post Jeremy Kasitz Delivers Oregon Grand Championship For Old Dominion appeared first on PodWheels.

A Wisconsin State Grand Champion in 2024 who finished with a third-place trophy in 2025, Matthew Boenisch of FedEx Freight maintained a year-long drive to do his best to return to the Nationals in 2026. Matthew’s all-around performance in 5-Axle at the Wisconsin TDC in Appleton secured his third State Vehicle Division title in four years. Matthew’s mastery of all three disciplines was also strong enough to bring home the Wisconsin Grand Championship for the second time in three years.

As Matthew shares with us on this edition of the podcast, the hard work and dedication throughout the year paid off, and his victories were made even more memorable this year because they were part of a big day for the FedEx Freight Team. Matthew was one of four FedEx Freight drivers who secured their spots at NTDC 2026 with Vehicle Division State Crowns.

OUR FRIEND OF THE PODCAST SPONSOR: Founded in 2007, the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund is the only nationwide nonprofit that provides short-term relief to Class A OTR drivers suffering from an illness or injury that took them out of work within the last 365 days. The St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund also provides several free prevention health and wellness programs for OTR drivers in an effort to keep them on the road, including nicotine and smoking cessation, diabetes prevention, chronic disease management, at-home cancer screenings, and vaccine vouchers. To learn more about the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund and all of the offerings available from SCF, including how you can support their important work to help professional drivers and their families, visit TruckersFund.org.

The post Matthew Boenisch Returns To NTDCs As Wisconsin’s Grand Champion appeared first on PodWheels.

A former firefighter, Ryan Haag understands the importance of meeting the moment and how to perform under pressure. As a veteran professional driver with Old Dominion, Ryan deeply values the attention to detail that helps him stay safe on the road year after year. The ability to embrace the moment and his keen sense for detail are two of the leading reasons that Ryan has gone three-for-three in winning vehicle division State Championships in New Mexico.

As Ryan shares with us on this edition of the podcast, his success at the State TDC went to a new level when he earned his first New Mexico Grand Championship in Albuquerque on May 16. The announcement of the 2026 State Grand Championship took Ryan by surprise. For Ryan, it was a moment to celebrate and to give thanks for all those who had inspired and supported him on a journey that now includes three trips to the Nationals.

As you’ll hear during our conversation, Ryan credits Shane Ard, a fellow Old Dominion driver who had competed in the Nevada TDCs prior to moving to New Mexico and Ryan’s home terminal. Shane introduced the TDCs to his new friends in New Mexico and Ryan found immediate success with a state title. In addition to praising the support he has received from Old Dominion, Ryan also credits the encouragement he has received from his wife, Tessa, who has made countless new friends in her trips to the State TDCs and the Nationals.

FRIEND OF THE PODCAST SPONSOR:  The Lutzie 43 Foundation is our Friend of the Podcast for this episode of the NTDC 2026 Series. Founded to honor the legacy of Philip Lutzenkirchen, the Lutzie 43 Foundation is dedicated to make sure that the tragedy that took his life would never have to be repeated. Philip was a standout athlete, a beloved teammate, and a man of tremendous character. Today, the foundation that carries his name is working to change the driving culture across the Southeast and beyond by tackling distracted driving, impaired driving, and unsafe habits behind the wheel. To learn more about the Lutzie 43 Foundation and how you can use 43 Key Seconds to run through an important safety checklist before starting your vehicle, visit Lutzie43.org.

The post Old Dominion’s Ryan Haag Enjoys His ‘Grand’ New Mexico TDC Run appeared first on PodWheels.

In his previous four trips to the Nationals, David Comings of FedEx Freight did not have to carry the added pressure of being a reigning National Champion. After winning the 5-Axle National title and also earning the NTDC Grand Champion’s trophy in 2025, David knew that everyone who follows the NTDCs across the country would have their eyes on this May’s North Dakota State TDC.

As you will hear in this episode of the podcast, the challenge of carrying the extra weight of success achieved at the Nationals and the notoriety David has gained over the past year only provided added motivation when the State TDC took place in Fargo. While competing in 4-Axle, David punched his ticket to NTDC 2026 in Pittsburgh with a fifth consecutive state title. David also made it back-to-back State Grand Championships with his performance at the 2026 TDC.

NTDC Historian Eugene Mulero had a chance to catch up with David not long after the North Dakota event was in the books for 2026. Eugene has David look back at the past 12 months and they look ahead to Nationals. 

OUR FRIEND OF THE PODCAST SPONSOR: Founded in 2007, the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund is the only nationwide nonprofit that provides short-term relief to Class A OTR drivers suffering from an illness or injury that took them out of work within the last 365 days. The St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund also provides several free prevention health and wellness programs for OTR drivers in an effort to keep them on the road, including nicotine and smoking cessation, diabetes prevention, chronic disease management, at-home cancer screenings, and vaccine vouchers. To learn more about the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund and all of the offerings available from SCF, including how you can support their important work to help professional drivers and their families, visit TruckersFund.org.

The post David Comings Returns To NTDCs As North Dakota Grand Champion appeared first on PodWheels.

As the State TDC in Florida prepares to get underway in Daytona Beach this week, we want to share an interview that PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson did with Miguel Sanchez in mid-March during the Safety Drive For A Cure charity event. At the time, Miguel, who won the Florida Grand Championship last year, was just a few weeks removed from having been selected as one of the new Captains on America’s Road Team.

As you’ll hear in this episode, the Road Team selection and State Grand Championship was part of an incredible 12 months for the veteran UPS driver who had also won his first National Championship, claiming the Twins Division at NTDC 2025 last August. During his conversation with Greg, Miguel looks back at those experiences and he also shares how he is focused on the challenges ahead – including returning to the Florida State TDC as the reigning Twins Champ and Grand Champion title holder.

FRIEND OF THE PODCAST SPONSOR:  The Lutzie 43 Foundation is our Friend of the Podcast for this episode of the NTDC 2026 Series. Founded to honor the legacy of Philip Lutzenkirchen, the Lutzie 43 Foundation is dedicated to make sure that the tragedy that took his life would never have to be repeated. Philip was a standout athlete, a beloved teammate, and a man of tremendous character. Today, the foundation that carries his name is working to change the driving culture across the Southeast and beyond by tackling distracted driving, impaired driving, and unsafe habits behind the wheel. To learn more about the Lutzie 43 Foundation and how you can use 43 Key Seconds to run through an important safety checklist before starting your vehicle, visit Lutzie43.org.

The post Looking Back At An Amazing 12 Months With Miguel Sanchez of UPS appeared first on PodWheels.

It’s a milestone edition of the NTDC Podcast as we take some time to thank our listeners for inspiring us to reach 250 total episodes for our series. PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson is joined by NTDC Historian Eugene Mulero as they look back on the journey to 250, discussing what has made the series continue to grow at a remarkable pace over the past three-plus years. As you will hear, both Greg and Eugene note that our listeners, our guests and everyone who has been supportive of our efforts stand at the heart of the success this podcast series has achieved.

Also, as we continue to feature professional drivers who are on the Road To Pittsburgh, we will share an interview that Eugene recorded recently with XPO’s Jeremy Steger. Runner-up in the 4-Axle Class in Minneapolis at NTDC 2025, Jeremy joins us at the 25:49 mark of the episode, talking to us about returning to the Nationals as the 2026 4-Axle Champion from the state of Wisconsin.

OUR FRIEND OF THE PODCAST SPONSOR: Founded in 2007, the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund is the only nationwide nonprofit that provides short-term relief to Class A OTR drivers suffering from an illness or injury that took them out of work within the last 365 days. The St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund also provides several free prevention health and wellness programs for OTR drivers in an effort to keep them on the road, including nicotine and smoking cessation, diabetes prevention, chronic disease management, at-home cancer screenings, and vaccine vouchers. To learn more about the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund and all of the offerings available from SCF, including how you can support their important work to help professional drivers and their families, visit TruckersFund.org.

The post Thanking Listeners, Celebrating A Milestone and Chatting With Jeremy Steger appeared first on PodWheels.

On May 9th, Scott Meyers of FedEx Freight heard his name called as the Sleeper Class Champion at the North Dakota TDC. As Scott shares with us during this episode of the podcast, this moment at the North Dakota Championship banquet went beyond earning another state title and securing a spot at NTDC 2026 in Pittsburgh. For Scott, this year’s Sleeper Class TDC crown completed his quest to capture all eight CDL divisions at the North Dakota TDC.

In baseball terms with a single, double, triple and home run in the same game, Scott now owns a career “cycle” in TDC competition. Over the course of the interview, he tells us how winning the Sleeper Class was also a way to honor the man who inspired Scott to get behind the wheel as a professional driver. A three-time State Grand Champion in North Dakota, Scott talks to us about the importance of paying it forward, introducing interested drivers to try their hand at the TDCs.

As you will hear, one of the people Scott inspired to get involved in the State TDCs is none other than David Comings, the reigning National Grand Champion. David was unaware of the State and National competition until he pulled into the FedEx Freight Fargo facility some seven years ago and asked Scott why he had cones on the yard. Scott gave David a tour of his practice course for the Nationals in 2019 and David was ready to compete when the NTDC resumed in 2022 following the pandemic.

FRIEND OF THE PODCAST SPONSOR:  The Lutzie 43 Foundation is our Friend of the Podcast for this episode of the NTDC 2026 Series. Founded to honor the legacy of Philip Lutzenkirchen, the Lutzie 43 Foundation is dedicated to make sure that the tragedy that took his life would never have to be repeated. Philip was a standout athlete, a beloved teammate, and a man of tremendous character. Today, the foundation that carries his name is working to change the driving culture across the Southeast and beyond by tackling distracted driving, impaired driving, and unsafe habits behind the wheel. To learn more about the Lutzie 43 Foundation and how you can use 43 Key Seconds to run through an important safety checklist before starting your vehicle, visit Lutzie43.org.

The post North Dakota’s Scott Meyers Reflects On Achieving TDC Career ‘Cycle’ appeared first on PodWheels.

A veteran of State TDC competitions since 2007 who has brought home NTDC trophies in recent years, Adam Heim from FedEx Freight has established a standard of success that now includes multiple Grand Champion crowns from the state of Idaho. Adam followed up his second-place finish at NTDC 2025 in the Flatbed Division by winning his second Idaho Grand Championship in three years after earning the 2026 5-Axle Division title for the Gem State.

Joining us for his first-ever media interview, Adam recalls the encouragement he received from a co-worker during one of his first days at FedEx Freight. As he shares with us, the recommendation was for Adam to look into giving the TDCs a try. From that first TDC in 2007 when he placed ninth to the present day, Adam has never finished lower than ninth at both the state and national levels.

As you’ll hear, Adam credits his dedication to preparation, which includes his wife, Stephanie, quizzing him on Facts For Drivers and working with him on his Pre-Trip practices. Adam also notes that he’s taken much of the knowledge gained from getting ready for competition into his daily routine driving for FedEx Freight. For those starting out in competition or for veterans looking for tips on how to prepare, Adam shares a collection of valuable insights.

OUR FRIEND OF THE PODCAST SPONSOR: Founded in 2007, the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund is the only nationwide nonprofit that provides short-term relief to Class A OTR drivers suffering from an illness or injury that took them out of work within the last 365 days. The St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund also provides several free prevention health and wellness programs for OTR drivers in an effort to keep them on the road, including nicotine and smoking cessation, diabetes prevention, chronic disease management, at-home cancer screenings, and vaccine vouchers. To learn more about the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund and all of the offerings available from SCF, including how you can support their important work to help professional drivers and their families, visit TruckersFund.org.

The post A True Gem: Adam Heim Talks About His Second Idaho Grand Championship appeared first on PodWheels.

Jamie Sowder from FedEx Freight was not expecting to hear his name called as the Grand Champion of the Tennessee State TDC. As Jamie shares with us in this edition of the podcast, he was thrilled to be returning to the NTDCs as Tennessee’s Flatbed Division title winner. For Jamie, the victory in Flatbed represented his third career trip to the Nationals. Jamie was last part of the NTDCs in 2023 when he claimed third place in the Flatbed Division

As Jamie tells us, the Grand Championship for the Volunteer State had never really been on his radar. After the Grand Champion announcement, the joy and the opportunity to celebrate another milestone could be traced back to 2014 when Jamie accepted the invitation of fellow FedEx driver Dave McGee, a long-time TDC competitor, to enter the Tennessee TDC. As he notes in our conversation, Jamie has continued to incorporate the training and lessons he’s learned through the TDC program into his daily work of being prepared and staying safe on the road with each mile. The attention to detail that success in the TDC often requires is the perfect mindset to take on the road.

Approaching his 20-year anniversary with FedEx Freight, Jamie is grateful for all the support he’s received over the years and the doors that have opened through participating in the TDC, including the opportunity to be a member of the Tennessee Trucking Association’s Road Team.

FRIEND OF THE PODCAST SPONSOR:  The Lutzie 43 Foundation is our Friend of the Podcast for this episode of the NTDC 2026 Series. Founded to honor the legacy of Philip Lutzenkirchen, the Lutzie 43 Foundation is dedicated to make sure that the tragedy that took his life would never have to be repeated. Philip was a standout athlete, a beloved teammate, and a man of tremendous character. Today, the foundation that carries his name is working to change the driving culture across the Southeast and beyond by tackling distracted driving, impaired driving, and unsafe habits behind the wheel. To learn more about the Lutzie 43 Foundation and how you can use 43 Key Seconds to run through an important safety checklist before starting your vehicle, visit Lutzie43.org.

The post Jamie Sowder Returns To Nationals As Tennessee’s Grand Champion appeared first on PodWheels.

In this episode of the podcast recorded on May 15th, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson and NTDC Historian Eugene Mulero open up their reporter’s notebooks to review the State TDC Results from the first completed event in Arizona through the State Championships in North Dakota and Kentucky in early May.

Greg and Eugene spend some time reviewing the results and what they have learned as the first 11 states have completed their TDCs. You’ll hear them discuss some familiar names who have become regulars at the NTDCs over the years and you’ll also hear them highlight some newcomers as well. You’ll learn who has completed the “TDC Cycle” of vehicle division championships over their careers and you’ll also find out about the most memorable storylines Greg and Eugene have seen thus far in 2026. And, as our podcast series is approaching the milestone of 250 episodes releases, Greg and Eugene take some time to reflect on this podcasting journey and they express their gratitude and thanks to all our listeners.

You can also access all the results from the TDCs that PodWheels has compiled to date from the State Associations that have held their championships. Just click on the names of the states in the following list: Arizona (March 28), Washington (April 11), Georgia (April 23-24), South Carolina (24-25), California (April 26), Mississippi (May 1-2), Tennessee (May 1-2), Idaho (May 2), Nevada (May 2) and North Dakota (May 9).

OUR FRIEND OF THE PODCAST SPONSOR: Founded in 2007, the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund is the only nationwide nonprofit that provides short-term relief to Class A OTR drivers suffering from an illness or injury that took them out of work within the last 365 days. The St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund also provides several free prevention health and wellness programs for OTR drivers in an effort to keep them on the road, including nicotine and smoking cessation, diabetes prevention, chronic disease management, at-home cancer screenings, and vaccine vouchers. To learn more about the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund and all of the offerings available from SCF, including how you can support their important work to help professional drivers and their families, visit TruckersFund.org.

The post Reporter’s Notebook: Looking Back At First Weeks of TDC Season appeared first on PodWheels.