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Each FedEx driver earned the right to compete in the NTDC by capturing first-place honors in state-level truck driving championships. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) sponsors the NTDC, designed to recognize industry leadership in safety and to promote professionalism among truck drivers.
"The fact that each of the 1,300 FedEx drivers, couriers and contractors who competed in their respective state championships in 2007 has driven accident-free for at least one year is a testament to the exceptional commitment to safety that our entire driving force displays every single day," said Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president and chief executive officer, FedEx Corp. "The accomplishments of our 78 state champions truly epitomize the superior professionalism and dedication found throughout the FedEx organization."
The FedEx state champions, who have nearly 1,500 years of professional driving experience among them, have safely driven more than 92 million miles collectively during their careers - enough to circle the globe almost 3,700 times. Thirty-six of the FedEx competitors have driven for 20 years or more, and 36 of them have each accumulated at least one million miles of safe driving.
At the NTDC, the FedEx drivers will compete against nearly 400 others for national titles in eight different classes of vehicles and for the National Grand Champion title. The drivers accumulate points by demonstrating their driving skills and knowledge of the industry through a written exam, personal interview, pre-trip inspection and field test.
In 2006, FedEx Corp. sent 74 state champions and two second-place finishers to compete at the National Truck Driving Championships. FedEx drivers captured the National Champion title in the 3-Axle class and the NTDC Rookie of the Year honor. In addition, FedEx drivers earned five top-three finishes in their respective vehicle classes.
In addition to industry-wide recognition, FedEx drivers who compete in and win at the national championships are eligible for a variety of awards through the FedEx safe driving initiative, The Chairman's Challenge. This program provides the corporation with an opportunity to further reward drivers for their commitment to safety.
About FedEx
FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $35 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 280,000 employees and contractors to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit www.fedex.com.
