Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, June 10, 2026:
New York prepping motor carriers for World Cup
The upcoming FIFA World Cup is prompting the regional trucking industry to brace for severe disruptions, leading a New York trade group to launch a centralized planning hub to keep freight moving.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to the New York/New Jersey area (at MetLife Stadium) for eight matches, starting with the first match on June 13 and culminating in the final on July 19. The Trucking Association of New York (TANY) announced the rollout of its World Cup Resource Hub, aimed at helping motor carriers and drivers navigate anticipated road closures, restricted access zones, and heavy congestion across the metropolitan area during the tournament.
Industry officials warn that the massive influx of visitors for one of the world's largest sporting events could significantly delay deliveries and complicate logistics throughout the greater New York region.
"The resource hub is designed to help the industry stay ahead of these challenges and keep freight moving efficiently," TANY said in a statement.
The online platform consolidates real-time traffic updates, operational details, and alternative delivery routes. It also features educational materials from Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) to train drivers on how to identify and report suspected human trafficking, an illicit activity that officials note often spikes around major international sporting events.
FedEx Freight driver wins top driver in Nebraska title
The 2026 grand champion was Paul Badgett of FedEx Freight.
FedEx Freight (CCJ Top 250, No. 1) driver Paul Badgett took home the title of 2026 Grand Champion at the Nebraska Trucking Association's 2026 Nebraska Truck Driving Championships in this weekend.
Competitors across 10 vehicle classifications faced a rigorous four-part evaluation that included a written exam, personal interviews, a pre-trip inspection, and a challenging driving course designed to simulate real-world highway obstacles.
First-place winners from nine of the standard classes will advance to the American Trucking Associations' National Truck Driving Championships in Pittsburgh, scheduled for Aug. 11-14. The winner of the mixer truck class will advance to the National Mixer Driver Championship in Nashville, Tennessee, this October.
Specialty award winners
- Grand Champion: Paul Badgett, FedEx Freight, Inc.
- Rookie of the Year: Logan Booker, Walmart Transportation, LLC
- Professional Excellence Award (highest written score): Todd Gimpel, FedEx Freight, Inc.
- Bucky Buchholtz Top Driver Award (highest driving course score): Garet Poland, Walmart Transportation, LLC
- Kurt Everett Vehicle Condition Award (highest pre-trip score): Logan Booker, Walmart Transportation, LLC
- Jerry Wessel Award (professionalism and knowledge): Joseph Busch, ABF Freight Systems, Inc. (No. 19)
Class competition results
Straight Truck
- Clinton Rast (Omaha) — ABF Freight System, Inc.
- Michael Lemay (Ralston) — Greater Omaha Express
- Gary Earl (Versailles, Mo.) — Crete Carrier Corporation (No. 22)
Three-Axle
- Garet Poland (Kenesaw) — Walmart Transportation
- Dustin Daniel (North Platte) — FedEx Freight, Inc.
- Nathan Cude (Omaha) — ABF Freight Systems, Inc.
Four-Axle
- Todd Gimpel (Aurora) — FedEx Freight, Inc.
- Rob Jensen (Spencer) — Fremont Contract Carriers, Inc. (No. 191)
- Kevin Zelasney (Papillion) — ABF Freight Systems, Inc.
Five-Axle
- Tom Canning (Bellevue) — Old Dominion Freight Line (No. 9)
- Logan Booker (North Platte) — Walmart Transportation, LLC
- Joseph Busch (Neola, Iowa) — ABF Freight Systems, Inc.
Five-Axle Sleeper
- John Putney (Blanchard, Okla.) — Greater Omaha Express
- Anthony Manning (Grand Island) — America’s Service Line, LLC
- William Lynds (Kiowa, Colo.) — America’s Service Line, LLC
Tank Truck
- Tim Dean (Griswold, Iowa) — Werner Enterprises (No. 14)
- Ronnie Davis (Bassett) — ABF Freight Systems, Inc.
- Craig Daniels (Hephzibah, Ga.) — Crete Carrier Corporation
Flatbed
- George Chaney (Aurora) — FedEx Freight, Inc.
- Michael Douthitt (Aurora) — Chief Carriers, Inc.
- Tommy Inzauro (Omaha) — Lyman-Richey Corporation
Twin-Trailer
- Paul Badgett (Aurora) — FedEx Freight, Inc.
- Dennis McAlevy (Grand Island) — Old Dominion Freight Line
- Sam Wilson (Grand Island) — XPO Logistics (No. 10)
Mixer Truck
- Jacob Friederich (Papillion) — Lyman-Richey Corporation
- John Brezina (Schuyler) — Lyman-Richey Corporation
- Steve Nardi (Rochester, N.Y.) — Lyman-Richey Corporation
Step Van
- Korey Clifton (Plattsmouth) — FedEx Express
- Robert Ronshaugen (Grand Island) — FedEx Express
- Rick Rueda (Omaha) — FedEx Express
Team Standings
- Old Dominion Freight Line
- FedEx Freight, Inc.
- ABF Freight Systems, Inc.
