What is that you say? There is a truck driving competition? That’s right, there is. Established in 1937 by American Trucking Associations, it was originally named the National Truck Roadeo.

As stated in the ATA publication Facts for Drivers “The overriding objective of the Championships program is two-fold: (1) to provide an incentive for professional truck and step van drivers to perfect their crafts and drive accident-free, and (2) to improve the media’s and general public’s image of truck drivers and the motor carrier industry.”

Classes

Each state holds its own state competition consisting of nine different classes. These are:

• step van
• straight truck
• three-axle tractor semi-trailer
• four-axle tractor semi-trailer
• five-axle tractor semi-trailer
• five-axle sleeper
• flatbed
• tank truck
• twin-trailers

Eligibility

Every driver that wants to compete in their state competition must meet eligibility requirements which include being accident-free for the 12 months immediately prior to their state competition. Each driver must also hold the necessary license with the proper endorsement for the class they compete in, as well as have a valid medical card. The driver must be continuously employed by the entering employer for at least 12 months prior to the event, and perform the duties of a professional driver for 11 of the past 12 months. Drivers can only compete in one class of competition and only one state competition during any given calendar year.

The Competition

As stated above, each state holds its own competition sanctioned by ATA and following ATA rules and guidelines. The competition consists of a written examination, pre-trip inspection, and skills test

The written examination consists of multiple choice questions on the driver’s knowledge of the trucking industry, safety, security, health and wellness, driving rules and regulations, as well as first aid measures and fire safety. All of the written exam questions are based on the current edition of Facts for Drivers.

The pre-trip inspection test challenges a driver to find all the ‘planted’ defects on a piece of equipment in a specific period of time. The time allotted is different depending on the type of equipment being inspected. Points are earned for identifying the defects, and for demonstrating a good routine in your inspection.

The skills test require a driver to successfully maneuver their vehicle through six course ‘problems’ designed to simulate the driving obstacles faced by professional drivers in their everyday driving. These obstacles can be but are not limited to, parking, backing, maneuvering through tight spots and other typical challenges.

The Nationals

Each of the 50 states will send its first-place finishers in each of the nine classes to the national competition. That is a whopping 450 contestants! The drivers who advance to this level are truly the best of the best!

The National Truck Driving Championship (NTDC) is held indoors and the location changes from year to year. Here, each contestant tries to hold their own against 49 other state champions in their class of competition. The test is harder, the pre-trip inspection is harder, and the skills test is harder.

There are a lot of the same faces at NTDC year after year. These drivers put safety first in their everyday duties in order to be eligible to compete. In my lengthy driving career, I have competed in 19 state competitions and one national competition. Trucking companies support this event because they realize the value they receive when their drivers strive to drive accident free.

If you’re a driver and are interested in the competition, ask your employer for more information on the program.