Arizona’s Best Truck Drivers Compete at 2026 Truck Driving Championships in Tempe

Tempe, AZ — On March 28, 2026, the Arizona Trucking Association (ATA) hosted its annual Arizona Truck Driving Championship (TDC) at Tempe Diablo Stadium, bringing together the state’s top professional drivers for a day of elite competition focused on safety, skill, and professionalism.

More than 142 drivers participated in this year’s event—many with millions of accident-free miles—demonstrating the highest standards of safety in Arizona’s trucking industry.

“The Truck Driving Championships showcase the very best our industry has to offer,” said Tony Bradley, President and CEO of the Arizona Trucking Association. “These drivers represent professionalism, precision, and an unwavering commitment to safety on our roads.”

A True Test of Professional Excellence

Competitors were evaluated across three rigorous disciplines:

• Written Examination — Testing knowledge of industry regulations, first aid, health and wellness, fire safety, and security
• Pre-Trip Inspection — Assessing detailed knowledge of vehicle equipment and safety checks
• Skills/Driving Course — A six-part course simulating real-world driving challenges requiring precision and control

2026 Grand Champion and Top Honors

Nathan Voss (UPS) was named the 2026 Grand Champion, earning the highest overall score in the competition.

Additional top honors included:

• Best Skills/Driving Course Score: Luis Santa Cruz – Shamrock Foods Co.
• Best Pre-Trip Inspection: Victor Cruz – FedEx Freight
• David Messmer Rookie of the Year Award: Ivan Pina – Shamrock Foods Co.

Team Arizona Heads to Nationals

Mr. Voss and eight class champions will represent Team Arizona at the National Truck Driving Championships in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August 11–14, 2026. They will compete against more than 430 of the nation’s top drivers for the title of national champion.

2026 Class Winners

Step Van / Package Car

1. Pedro Flores – FedEx Corporation
2. Manuel Rodriguez – FedEx Corporation
3. Robert A. Carchedi – FedEx Corporation

Straight Truck

1. Joseph Esposito – UPS
2. Victor Cruz – FedEx Freight
3. Rodney Pence – FedEx Freight

3 Axle

1. Luis Santa Cruz – Shamrock Foods Co.
2. Wendi Dodson – UPS
3. Harley Eugene Hornecker – UPS

4 Axle

1. Andres Orozco – XPO
2. Ivan Pina – Shamrock Foods Co.
3. Steven Garner II – Shamrock Foods Co.

5 Axle Tractor Trailer

1. Nathan Voss – UPS
2. Cody Carroll – Shamrock Foods Co.
3. Gregory Ryan – Walmart Supply Chain

Flatbeds

1. Duane Donner – Walmart Supply Chain
2. Glenn Lougheed – Walmart Supply Chain
3. Michael Porter – Swift Transportation Co. of AZ, LLC

Tankers

1. Eric Ramsdell – Walmart Supply Chain
2. William Hastings – Walmart Supply Chain
3. Rogelio Bahena – Circle K

5 Axle Sleeper

1. Keli Ange – Walmart Supply Chain
2. Luis A. Blancas – Swift Transportation Co. of AZ, LLC
3. Ina Daly – XPO

Tractor Trailer – Twins

1. Roy Hindson – Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
2. Vaughn Anthony Coronado Duarte – UPS
3. Mohammed Khan – FedEx Freight

A Celebration of Safety and Industry Excellence

The Arizona Trucking Association extends its sincere appreciation to all competitors, sponsors, and volunteers who made this year’s event a success. Events like the TDC highlight the critical role professional drivers play in keeping Arizona’s economy moving safely and efficiently.

2026-ALL-WINNERS

About the Arizona Trucking Association
The Arizona Trucking Association is the leading voice for the state’s trucking industry, representing companies that deliver goods essential to Arizona’s economy and way of life. ATA is committed to promoting safety, professionalism, and advocacy for the trucking industry.