Conceived by FedEx Chairman of the Board Frederick W. Smith, the Chairman’s Challenge is a call to drivers from all operating companies to represent FedEx in the annual American Trucking Associations’ National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC). In 2025, the event will be held in Minneapolis, Minn., Aug. 20-23.

The key purpose of this corporate-wide initiative is to reinforce the FedEx commitment to the safety of its drivers, contracted service providers and couriers – and the motoring public. In addition, NTDC offers an excellent opportunity for our drivers to demonstrate their skills and professionalism while promoting the importance of safe driving at all FedEx companies.

With eight National Grand Champion, 76 National Champion and 11 National Rookie of the Year titles in the past 20 years, Team FedEx has established a reputation for excellence at the NTDC.

In 2003, the first year for the Chairman's Challenge, 902 drivers and contractors from FedEx operating companies competed in state-level competitions from which FedEx registered 58 state champions. In 2024, more than 150 professional drivers represented FedEx at the NTDC for the eighth consecutive year the championships have been competed. Each driver qualified by winning their respective state's competition and driving accident-free for at least one year.

A total of 3 drivers representing FedEx earned state titles at the truck driving championships (TDCs) held in Louisiana, Feb. 28-March 1.

The state champions have each earned an opportunity to compete at the American Trucking Associations’ National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships (NTDC & NSVDC) in Minneapolis, Minn., from Aug. 20-23.

The state TDCs along with NTDC and NSVDC provide professional truck drivers with an opportunity to demonstrate their driving skills and safety expertise. Championships encompass three parts—a challenging driving course, a pre-trip inspection, and a written examination that covers vehicle operation and knowledge of federal safety regulations.

Next up for Team FedEx is the Texas Regional TDC in San Antonio and the Idaho TDC, April 4-5.