Mike White Named Grand Champion at 2016 National Truck Driving Championships

The American Trucking Associations has announced Mike White as the Bendix Grand Champion of the 2016 National Truck Driving Championships in Indianapolis.

To clinch the prestigious title of 2016 Bendix Grand Champion, White’s driving skills and knowledge of transportation and truck safety surpassed the over 430 other professional truck drivers competing in Indianapolis this week.

White, who also took home the 3-axle class title, lives in nearby Nineveh, Indiana and drives professionally for Walmart Transportation.

ATA also recognized Richard Merich as the 2016 Rookie of the Year. Merich took home the honor after a strong performance in the flatbed division. The team of drivers from South Carolina produced the best collective score, with an average of 278.13, and were honored as the top state delegation.

Collectively, the week’s competitors have accumulated more than 600 million safe-driving miles during their careers as professional truck drivers.

Champions from each of the 9 classes and the top state delegation were also announced. Joining Mike White on the list of national champions are:

3-Axle: Mike White, Nineveh, Indiana, Walmart Transportation

4-Axle: Ronald Metternick, Lowell, Michigan, FedEx Freight

5-Axle: Toby Kort, Aurora, Nebraska, FedEx Freight

Flatbed: Jay Love, Davis, South Dakota, FedEx Freight

Sleeper Berth: Larry Breen, Bushnell, Florida, Walmart Transportation

Straight Truck: Charles Randolph, Belle, West Virginia, PITT OHIO

Tank Truck: Jeffrey Langenhahn, Plover, Wisconsin, XPO Logistics

Twins: Chris Poynor, Richland, Washington, XPO Logistics

Step Van: Frank Woods, Shawsville, Virginia, FedEx Express

Other Awards
Rookie of the Year: Richard Merich, Lochbuie, Colorado, FedEx Freight

Team Champions: South Carolina

Vehicle Condition: William Pudney, Minneapolis, Minnesota, FedEx Express

Category: Featured