A few years ago, ABF Freight veteran Darrin Kirby encountered some moments of doubt as he found himself falling back with his finishes in the Oklahoma TDC. At one point as Darrin shares with us in this episode of the podcast, he thought about stepping aside from the competition and the time it takes to prepare for the State TDC. That’s when Darrin’s wife, Kathy, spoke up. She believed in Darrin, asking him to stick with it and knowing the hard work would allow him to break through.

Darrin, who won his first state title in 2024 after competing at the TDC since 2014, had a good feeling coming into the 2026 Straight Truck competition. Not long after learning he would be returning to the Nationals as the Straight Truck title holder from Oklahoma, Darrin was next to Kathy when they both were stunned by the announcement that Darrin had won his first State Grand Championship. As Darrin tells us, it was an unforgettable moment with family, friends and ABF teammates.

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 Perseverance Pays Off At Oklahoma’s TDC For ABF’s Darrin Kirby appeared first on PodWheels.

Terry Covey from FedEx Freight seems to shift into a special competitive gear when the Kansas TDC is held in even-numbered years. The State Grand Championship trophy Terry earned during the 2026 TDC can now find a place in his house next to the Kansas Grand Championships he won in 2024 and 2022. Competing in the Sleeper berth class this year, Terry has also made trips to the Nationals in Tanker and Flatbed.

As he shares with us in this episode, Terry’s love for trucking comes from recalling the days as a seven-year-old when he began riding with his father, who was an owner-operator. A long-time veteran of FedEx Freight, Terry first got involved in the TDCs in 2016. As he tells us, Terry had a front-seat to watch the great Don Logan, an NTDC legend and past National Grand Champion, compete in Flatbed during the first two years he entered the Kansas TDC. Terry’s second-place finish to Don in 2017 served as a huge boost to his confidence that has now seen Terry win three state Grand Championships and take home a third-place Tanker finish at the Nationals in 2024.

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 FedEx Freight’s Terry Covey Shines Again As Kansas Grand Champion appeared first on PodWheels.

To say that Tom Congrove’s first Ohio TDC State Grand Championship was a surprise would be one of the biggest understatements of the 2026 State TDC Season. A 42-year veteran professional driver who has called UPS his home for the past seven years, Tom didn’t even think he would hear his name called in his 5-Axle Vehicle Division.

During the driving portion of the competition, Tom got caught up in the moment and forgot to take the truck out of reverse after completing a backing problem on the course. That oversight cost Tom a 25-point deduction and his bid to return to the Nationals after his first appearance at the NTDCs in 2024 felt like it had slipped away. However, as he shares with us in this episode, Tom rallied on the remainder of the course and that good work, combined with his back room scores, carried him to the 5-Axle crown. Next, as Tom notes in his conversation with us, his career-first State Grand Championship came as a total surprise. Tom even had to ask, “Did they really just call my name?”

For someone who started competing in the TDCs for the first time in 2024 after 40 years on the road, Tom has found the both the State and Nationals to be filled with lasting memories and a collection of positives will keep him connected to these celebrations of safety for years to come – even after he retires from the road.

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 Ohio’s Tom Congrove Of UPS Pleasantly Surprised By Return Trip To Nationals appeared first on PodWheels.

As one of six competitors from FedEx Freight to qualify for NTDC 2026 during the Missouri TDC, Mike Chatterton was not expecting to hear his name called as the Show-Me State’s Grand Champion. As he details to us in this episode of the podcast, Mike was still overwhelmed with the feeling of earning the 2026 Tanker title after finishing second to Walmart’s Mike Carpenter in 2025. This year, Chatterton, as he notes in this episode, edged out Carpenter, primarily on the strength of his backroom performance.

Chatterton, who won the Missouri State Grand Championship in 2022, credits the positive thinking of his wife, Tonya, as they waited through the late afternoon until the Championship banquet. As Mike shares with us, Toyna believed that Mike had a strong shot to return to Nationals and they were both blown away when the announcement was made that a second career State Grand Championship trophy would be coming home to the Chatterton house. Recorded as he was preparing to volunteer at the Arkansas TDCs, Mike shares what it means to him to be a part of the FedEx Freight Team as well as his approach to staying safe out on the roads in his daily work.

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 Grand Champion Mike Chatterton Tops Purple Wave At Missouri’s TDC appeared first on PodWheels.

First entering the Virginia TDC in 2017, Nick Saverino from ABF Freight thought it might be fun to compete while sharpening his skills to become a better driver. As he shares with us in this episode of the podcast, Nick viewed the accomplishment of staying safe all year in order to compete as a valued title of its own. So, following his initial trophy with a third place in 2025, Nick was optimistic that his return to the Straight Truck Division could allow him to climb to a higher finish. Yet, as he notes to us, Nick never expected to hear his name called as the 2026 Virginia State Grand Champion.

As you’ll hear in the episode, Nick credits the ABF Team in Virginia, noting the support and encouragement of the management at his terminal. He also has high praise for all the professionals who gather each year at the Virginia TDC. At the top of his support team, Nick lists his wife, Tricia, who is an elementary school art teacher. As he looks ahead to being part of the NTDC Community at his first Nationals in August, Nick tells how Tricia has made special arrangements with her school to be onsite in Pittsburgh to watch him compete at NTDC 2026.

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 ABF’s Nick Saverino Enjoys ‘Straight’ Sweep With First Grand Championship appeared first on PodWheels.

Like so many TDC veterans with vehicle division titles to their credit, Curt McMellon from XPO had found the Grand Championship of his home state of Louisiana quite elusive over the years. Prior to 2026, Curt had won 10 Vehicle Class crowns and, as he shares with us in this episode, last year Curt thought he might finally have earned the Grand Champions’ trophy – only to once again hear a fellow competitor’s name called.

This year, after winning the Tanker Division and taking his State Title career total to 11 that also provided him with 11 trips to Nationals, Curt didn’t really give the Grand Champions’ crown a first thought. In fact, as he notes during our conversation, he was chatting with some XPO teammates when he heard his name called for the trophy that had always escaped his grasp. It was at that moment of disbelief and shock that Curt did a complete double take.

A State Grand Champion for the first time, Curt talks to us about his experience during TDC week and the atmosphere around the Louisiana State Championships, which were held inside at the Cajundome and Convention Center in Lafayette. As you’ll hear, Curt compared the energy and enthusiasm inside the Cajundome on a level that approached the fan intensity similar to what you would find at a college football game.

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 He Now Goes To 11: Latest State Title For XPO’s Curt McMellon Is Grand appeared first on PodWheels.

Like so many TDC veterans with vehicle division titles to their credit, Curt McMellon from XPO had found the Grand Championship of his home state of Louisiana quite elusive over the years. Prior to 2026, Curt had won 10 Vehicle Class crowns and, as he shares with us in this episode, last year Curt thought he might finally have earned the Grand Champions’ trophy – only to once again hear a fellow competitor’s name called.

This year, after winning the Tanker Division and taking his State Title career total to 11 gold trophies that have delivered 11 trips to the Nationals, Curt didn’t really give the Grand Champions’ crown a first thought. In fact, as he notes during our conversation, he was in the middle of chatting with some XPO teammates when he actually heard his name called as the 2026 State TDC Grand Champion of Louisiana. In that moment of shock and disbelief, Curt did a complete double take.

Now a State Grand Champion for the first time, Curt talks to us his experience and the atmosphere around the Louisiana TDC, which was held inside at the Cajundome and Convention Center in Lafayette. As you’ll hear, Curt compared the energy and enthusiasm inside the Cajundome on a level that approached what you would experience at a college football game.

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 He Now Goes To 11: Latest State Title For XPO’s Curt McMellon Is Grand appeared first on PodWheels.

As one of six competitors from FedEx Freight to qualify for NTDC 2026 during the Missouri TDC, Mike Chatterton was not expecting to hear his name called as the Show-Me State’s Grand Champion. As he details to us in this episode of the podcast, Mike was still overwhelmed with the feeling of earning the 2026 Tanker title after finishing second to Walmart’s Mike Carpenter in 2025. This year, Chatterton, as he notes in this episode, edged out Carpenter, primarily on the strength of his backroom performance.

Chatterton, who won the Missouri State Grand Championship in 2022, credits the positive thinking of his wife, Tonya, as they waited through the late afternoon until the Championship banquet. As Mike shares with us, Toyna believed that Mike had a strong shot to return to Nationals and they were both blown away when the announcement was made that a second career State Grand Championship trophy would be coming home to the Chatterton house. Recorded as he was preparing to volunteer at the Arkansas TDCs, Mike shares what it means to him to be a part of the FedEx Freight Team as well as his approach to staying safe out on the roads in his daily work.

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 Mike Chatterton’s Grand Championship Tops Purple Wave At Missouri’s TDC appeared first on PodWheels.

A two-time State Grand Champion with multiple vehicle division titles, Old Dominion veteran driver Chad Williams had been counting the days until the 2026 Michigan TDC. Chad missed time with a medical issue that kept him on the sidelines during the 2025 Michigan competition. As Chad shares with our podcast, he found an opportunity to serve as a volunteer at last year’s TDC, and he also took advantage of the opportunity to learn through observing the competitors on the course and in the pre-trip phase.

In early June, Chad returned to the competition in Lansing and he immediately made his presence felt with a good written test performance and earning the top score on the pre-trip portion of the competition. On Day 2, Chad was the first person in the Twins Class to hit the course and his overall work in the three phases of the competition would ultimately send him back to the Nationals as a State title holder. Earning the third State Grand Championship of his career put an exclamation mark on his return to the TDCs.

As you will hear, Chad is following in the footsteps of his father who was not only an accomplished professional driver, but he also competed at the State TDC during his career. These days, Chad and his father share time on the water in their home state fishing for Walleye.

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 Old Dominion’s Chad Williams Earns State Grand Championship In Return To Michigan TDC appeared first on PodWheels.

A two-time State Grand Champion with multiple vehicle division titles, Old Dominion veteran driver Chad Williams had been counting the days until the 2026 Michigan TDC. Chad missed time with a medical issue that kept him on the sidelines during the 2025 Michigan competition. As Chad shares with our podcast, he found an opportunity to serve as a volunteer at last year’s TDC, and he also took advantage of the opportunity to learn through observing the competitors on the course and in the pre-trip phase.

In early June, Chad returned to the competition in Lansing and he immediately made his presence felt with a good written test performance and earning the top score on the pre-trip portion of the competition. On Day 2, Chad was the first person in the Twins Class to hit the course and his overall work in the three phases of the competition would ultimately send him back to the Nationals as a State title holder. Earning the third State Grand Championship of his career put an exclamation mark on his return to the TDCs.

As you will hear, Chad is following in the footsteps of his father, who was not only an accomplished professional driver, but he also competed at the State TDC during his career. These days, Chad and his father share time on the water in their home state fishing for Walleye.

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 Old Dominion’s Chad Williams Earns State Grand Championship In Return To Michigan TDC appeared first on PodWheels.