Flanked by two state troopers, Michael Bills of FedEx Express displays his hardware for winning the straight truck class and grand champion title at the North Carolina Truck Driving Championships in June. (North Carolina Trucking Association)
In the summer of 2017, the national truck driving community celebrated Michael Bills’ triumph in the step van category.
Since that national title victory in the precision driving tournament six years ago, Bills has transitioned to other vehicle classes. And success has followed him along the way.
This year, the FedEx Express standout operating the straight truck earned best-in-show honors at North Carolina’s driving tournament.
Bills’ win on June 10 in the Tar Heel State secured his ninth trip to American Trucking Associations’ National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships.
The Road to the 2023 National Truck Driving Championships
State Schedule | NTDC Qualifiers | Map of State Champions | Photo Gallery
Who: Winners from nine categories at the state level who have advanced to the national competition, where a Grand Champion will be crowned
What: Contestants are judged on a written exam, pre-trip inspection and driving skills
When: Aug. 16-19
Where: Columbus, Ohio
Similar to his step van days, operating the straight truck demands a great deal of commitment to practice. As he explained recently, “You practice every day you’re on the road driving. You know, you’re always trying to practice your craft out on the street.”
Readying for the national contest, Bills is dedicating extra attention to “Facts for Drivers.” The rulebook is the basis for the tournament’s written exam. A pre-trip vehicle inspection, as well as a driving course round out the “Super Bowl of Safety’s” three disciplines.
“I do study the book; I read it every day,” he indicated. “Some different area of the book — I read a chapter every day. That’s my main goal.”
Per his overall preparation leading up to NTDC, Bills added, “So I will practice my pre-trip routine going into nationals. And then, again, I’ll set up a course in our parking lot, and I’ll practice at different times to again try to fine-tune some of those problems that I feel like I need to work on.”
Getting to Know You
Name: Michael Bills
Age: 56
Vehicle: straight truck
Favorite movie: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Sports hero: Steve Yzerman (former National Hockey League player)
Last song you heard: Something by rock band Journey
What’s the best part of NTDC: Making lifelong friendships with colleagues and peers.
What is something people don’t know about you: “I’m a certified barbecue judge.” (signature dish: ribs)
All-time favorite vacation: The Outer Banks of North Carolina
“Ultimately,” he said, “it’s just, once you do go to nationals, it’s all about staying focused on the task at hand no matter what area you’re actually competing in at that given time.”
At last year’s national showcase, Bills was part of a North Carolina squad that took home top honors in the team division. Scheduled for later this month in Columbus, Ohio, for most competitors the national event offers a special venue for embracing unity, safety and a passion for the industry.
“The truck driving competition is probably, in my opinion, the best safety program that’s out there,” he said, “because it makes you drive accident free.
“You have to drive accident free in order to be able to compete. And that should be first and foremost on everybody’s mind. Every time they get behind the wheel is: You have to make safety your priority.”
3-Axle: Jerry Penley Jr., Independent
4-Axle: Kyle New, Southeastern Freight Lines
5-Axle: Joseph Walser, FedEx Ground
Flatbed: Steven Newsome, Walmart
Sleeper Berth: Shane Fernando, Unifi Manufacturing
Step Van: Antonio McNeil, Walmart
Tank Truck: Alan Cross, Walmart
Twins: Timothy Whitley, Old Dominion Freight Line
