(JOHNSTON, IA) – When Erik McFarland climbed into a truck for the first time as a young driver in 2002, he likely never imagined he would one day stand among the nation's elite professional drivers. Yet this summer, the Fareway Stores, Inc. driver did exactly that, earning a second-place finish at the National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) and helping showcase Fareway's growing reputation for safety, skill, and excellence behind the wheel.
McFarland's journey began when Elkhorn Farms helped him earn his commercial driver's license during his senior year of high school. He launched his professional driving career with T.A. Land Inc. and has spent more than two decades honing his craft on highways, city streets, loading docks, and distribution routes.
Since joining Fareway Stores, Inc. in April 2019, McFarland has become a respected member of the company's transportation team. While he doesn't have a designated route, many of his days involve delivering to Fareway stores across eastern Iowa before making backhaul runs to Aurora, Illinois.
Earlier this year, McFarland earned first place in the Sleeper Berth division at the Iowa Truck Driving Championships, advancing to represent Fareway and Iowa at the national competition in Pittsburgh.
For McFarland, reaching the national stage was both rewarding and humbling.
"It was very stressful," McFarland said. "Everyone there is a champion. Everyone is there for the same outcome."
The National Truck Driving Championships are widely considered the premier showcase of professional driving skill in the United States. Competitors are tested through a rigorous combination of written exams, vehicle inspections, and precision driving courses designed to measure safety knowledge and operating excellence.
While spectators may view the obstacle courses as straightforward, McFarland knows better.
"The courses can look easy, but none of them are," he said. "You have to be thinking ahead. When you're coming out of one problem, you're already setting yourself up for the next one. If you make a mistake on a single problem, it can affect multiple challenges on the course."
Among the most difficult tasks are front bumper stops, where drivers must position a tractor-trailer within inches of a designated target point.
"You lose sight of a piece of tape on the ground and have to stop within 18 inches of it and be centered," McFarland said. "That's probably the hardest one for me."
His precision and focus paid off. Competing against the top drivers from around the country, McFarland finished second in the National Sleeper Berth division, just 12 points behind the national champion.
For the veteran driver, success comes from a willingness to continuously learn.
"I credit my family and all the friends I've met over the years who've pushed me to do my best," McFarland said. "I've learned a little something from everyone."
His advice for the next generation of professional drivers is simple: Patience.
Away from the road, McFarland enjoys spending time with his wife, Jolene, whom he has been married to for five years, and his son, Brice, 24. He also enjoys riding motorcycles and exploring trails in a side-by-side vehicle, often participating in charitable benefit rides throughout the year.
Building a Culture of Excellence...
McFarland's success is part of a larger story unfolding within Fareway's transportation department.
While Fareway is best known for serving customers in communities throughout the Midwest, the company has steadily invested in developing one of the region's most accomplished fleets of professional drivers.
The company's appearance at this year's national competition marked its second trip to the National Truck Driving Championships and continued a streak of strong performances at the Iowa Truck Driving Championships.
Fareway drivers competing at Prairie Meadows in 2026 included:
-
Erik McFarland – 1st Place, Sleeper Berth Division
-
Harrison Haglund – 2nd Place, Three-Axle Van Division
-
Mat Peterson – 6th Place, Five-Axle Van Division
-
Joseph Rude – 6th Place, Four-Axle Van Division
The team's collective efforts earned Fareway the third-place overall team trophy at the Iowa competition.
The organization's success has been building over several years. Fareway has now participated in the Iowa Truck Driving Championships four times, producing multiple state qualifiers and continuing to improve its overall standing. In 2025, Mat Peterson captured the Iowa Five-Axle championship, while several Fareway drivers have earned top finishes and rookie recognition throughout the program's history.
Behind those achievements are countless hours of preparation.
Drivers study federal regulations, vehicle systems, safety procedures, health requirements, and trucking history. They spend evenings and weekends setting up mock obstacle courses, practicing vehicle inspections, and sharpening their precision driving skills.
The dedication reflects Fareway's commitment to safety.
"Participating in these competitions demonstrates how seriously Fareway takes safety and professional development," said Mark Wyrick, Senior Director of Fleet Management for Fareway Stores, Inc. "The drivers who compete invest significant personal time preparing for written exams, vehicle inspections, and driving courses. It's a testament to their commitment to excellence. We're proud to support them, recognize their accomplishments, and showcase the caliber of drivers who represent Fareway every day. Their success also helps attract future drivers who want to be part of a culture that values safety, learning, and continuous improvement."
Fareway drivers may have an advantage that comes from the unique nature of their daily work. Unlike many long-haul drivers, they routinely maneuver large vehicles through tight store parking lots, navigate crowded delivery areas, and back into multiple docks every day.
Just as importantly, they challenge one another to improve.
Drivers regularly quiz each other on transportation regulations, licensing requirements, driver wellness, and industry knowledge, creating an environment where learning never stops.
Raising the Standard...
McFarland's near-championship finish represents more than an individual accomplishment. It reflects the growth of Fareway's transportation program and the high standards expected from the company's professional drivers.
Each year, Fareway has become more competitive at the state and national levels, demonstrating that a culture centered on safety, preparation, and professionalism can produce exceptional results.
For McFarland and his fellow competitors, the trophies are rewarding. But the larger accomplishment is representing an industry that keeps America's supply chains moving safely every day.
And if Fareway's recent results are any indication, the company and its drivers are only getting started.
