FedEx drivers earn honors at state truck driving championship

Date: 7/20/2009

WORCESTER Nine drivers representing FedEx Corp. operating companies placed among the winners at the 2009 Massachusetts State Truck Driving Championship in Worcester on June 28.

William Oakes, a FedEx Freight driver based in Springfield, won the Twins class.

Bill Anthony, a driver for FedEx Express in East Boston, captured the top spot in the 5-Axle class. This marks his fourth state title. Anthony also posted the best score in the Pre-Trip Inspection portion of the competition.

Needham-based FedEx Express driver Joseph Brennan earned first place in the Step Van class.

FedEx Express drivers Karen Tierney (Franklin) and Mary Lewalski (East Boston) finished second and third, respectively, in the 5-Axle Sleeper class.

East Boston-based FedEx Express drivers Elliott Smith and Joseph Surette posted second-place finishes in the Tank Truck and Flatbed classes, respectively.

Timothy Schofield (West Yarmouth) and Michael Levicki (West Boylston) finished second and third, respectively, in the Step Van class. Both are drivers for FedEx Express.

In addition, Kathy Vantassell, a FedEx Express driver in East Boston, posted the highest score on the written exam among all competitors.

Anthony, Brennan and Oakes will go on to compete at the American Trucking Associations' 2009 National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC), known as the "Super Bowl of Safety," starting Aug. 18 in Pittsburgh, Pa. In addition, each state winner will be recognized by FedEx as part of its safe driving initiative, The Chairman's Challenge.

The Massachusetts State Truck Driving Championship is an opportunity for professional truck drivers to demonstrate their driving skills and commitment to safety. The event includes a difficult driving skills test, pre-trip inspection and written examination covering vehicle operation and knowledge of federal safety regulations.