XPO Drivers Earn Top Honors at 2025 National Truck Driving Championships
Four professional drivers representing XPO, one of North America’s leading freight transportation providers, achieved top recognition at the 2025 National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC), which took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from August 20 to 23, 2025. Widely regarded as the “Super Bowl of Safety”, the NTDC brings together the most skilled truck drivers from across the country to showcase their expertise, precision, and commitment to road safety.
This year’s championships highlighted not only the competitive spirit of America’s trucking community but also the profound professionalism that underpins the industry. XPO, known for its focus on safe and reliable transportation solutions, was strongly represented by a team of 37 drivers hailing from 24 states. Each competitor had earned a place at nationals by securing first place in their respective class at state-level competitions while maintaining impeccable safety records.
XPO’s 2025 Award-Winning Drivers
At the 2025 NTDC, four XPO drivers distinguished themselves among the nation’s elite:
- Jeff Langenhahn (Stevens Point, Wisconsin) – Jeff captured first place in the Tank Truck class, marking another high point in his long and decorated career. Already celebrated as the 2014 NTDC Grand Champion, Jeff made his 12th national appearance this year. Over the course of his career, he has driven more than two million consecutive accident-free miles, a testament to his consistency, discipline, and unwavering focus on safety.
- Ernie Budlowski (Bridgeport, Connecticut) – Ernie achieved second place in the Tank Truck class, competing alongside his longtime colleague Jeff. With 14 national appearances to his credit, Ernie is one of the most seasoned competitors in the field. Over his 30-year career with XPO, he has also surpassed the milestone of two million accident-free miles, making him a role model for both veteran and younger drivers.
- Jeremy Steger (Stevens Point, Wisconsin) – Jeremy secured second place in the 4-Axle class. His journey to nationals began earlier in the year when he was crowned Grand Champion at the 2025 Wisconsin State Truck Driving Championships. The Minneapolis event marked Jeremy’s sixth appearance at NTDC, further solidifying his reputation as one of Wisconsin’s most consistent and high-performing professional drivers.
- Leroy Williams (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) – Leroy was awarded the prestigious Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award, one of the most meaningful recognitions in the trucking world. This honor is reserved for the contestant who best embodies the values of a professional driver, including integrity, respect, and dedication to the craft. Leroy has been part of XPO for 35 years and made his 15th appearance at NTDC in 2025, a record of both longevity and excellence.
In addition to these achievements, Sam Wilson (Grand Island, Nebraska) advanced to the finals in the Straight Truck class, demonstrating the depth of talent across XPO’s roster.
Leadership Recognition
XPO’s leadership emphasized the importance of the drivers’ accomplishments, not only for the company but also for the broader transportation industry. Mario Harik, Chief Executive Officer of XPO, praised the team’s performance, stating:
“We’re proud of all the drivers who represented XPO at this year’s National Truck Driving Championships. Their achievements on the national stage reflect the exceptional skill, knowledge, and dedication to safety that they bring to their work every day. These drivers set the standard for professionalism in our industry, and their success underscores why safety remains at the heart of XPO’s mission.”
The Road to Nationals: How Drivers Qualify
Qualifying for the NTDC is itself a major accomplishment. To be eligible, drivers must:
- Win First Place at State Competitions – Each participant must secure a first-place finish in one of several vehicle classes, such as Tank Truck, 4-Axle, 5-Axle, Sleeper Berth, or Straight Truck.
- Maintain a Clean Safety Record – Drivers must have at least one year of accident-free driving before competing nationally, reinforcing the event’s emphasis on safe driving practices.
- Demonstrate Knowledge and Skill – The competition is not limited to behind-the-wheel performance. Contestants undergo written exams, vehicle inspections, and maneuvering tests that challenge their knowledge of regulations, pre-trip safety protocols, and practical road skills.
This rigorous process ensures that the NTDC features only the very best drivers in the nation.
The “Super Bowl of Safety”
The NTDC, organized annually by the American Trucking Associations (ATA), has been a cornerstone of the industry for decades. It brings together hundreds of professional drivers, their families, industry leaders, and safety advocates. The event not only recognizes exceptional performance but also raises awareness of the critical role truck drivers play in keeping America’s economy moving.
Nicknamed the “Super Bowl of Safety”, the NTDC is as much about education and camaraderie as it is about competition. Drivers participate in workshops, networking opportunities, and safety demonstrations, further advancing industry standards.
XPO’s Strong Commitment to Safety
XPO’s strong showing at the 2025 NTDC reflects the company’s deep investment in safety training, driver support, and operational excellence. With tens of thousands of drivers across North America, XPO has built a culture that prioritizes not only performance but also responsibility on the road.
The accomplishments of drivers like Jeff, Ernie, Jeremy, and Leroy are not isolated; they are the result of systematic training, mentoring, and corporate emphasis on accident prevention. XPO provides its drivers with continuous education, modern safety technology, and recognition programs that celebrate milestones such as accident-free miles.
The two-million-miles accident-free achievements highlighted by Jeff and Ernie are especially significant. To put it in perspective, two million miles is equivalent to circling the earth over 80 times without a single preventable incident. Such feats underscore the professionalism that makes drivers indispensable to both their companies and the communities they serve.
Beyond Competition: Inspiring the Next Generation
While the NTDC is primarily a competitive event, its impact extends well beyond the championship itself. Recognitions like the Neill Darmstadter Award highlight the character of professional drivers, inspiring younger entrants to approach their careers with pride and responsibility.
By participating in events like the NTDC, companies such as XPO also strengthen recruitment efforts, attracting new talent to an industry that plays a vital role in global supply chains. For aspiring drivers, the achievements of veterans like Leroy Williams serve as a beacon, demonstrating that a career in trucking can be not only financially rewarding but also personally fulfilling.
The 2025 National Truck Driving Championships once again affirmed the essential role of professional truck drivers in American life. For XPO, the event was a moment to showcase its people—drivers who embody skill, dedication, and above all, safety.
With four drivers earning top national honors and dozens more competing at the highest level, XPO demonstrated why it remains a leader in the transportation sector. As the logistics industry continues to evolve, the company’s commitment to excellence behind the wheel ensures that both customers and communities can rely on safe, efficient freight movement.
The stories of Jeff Langenhahn, Ernie Budlowski, Jeremy Steger, Leroy Williams, and Sam Wilson highlight not just individual achievement, but also the collective values of an industry built on professionalism, responsibility, and service.
In the words of CEO Mario Harik, the drivers’ success is more than a competitive win—it is a daily standard. And at the NTDC, that standard was on full display.