WHAT IS THE MINNESOTA TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS?

The Minnesota Truck Driving Championships is a competition of professional truck drivers hosted each year by Minnesota Trucking Association. Drivers compete in one of nine classes – Straight Truck, Flatbed, Three Axle, Four Axle, Five Axle, Tank, Twin Trailer, Sleeper Berth and Step Van. Winners in each class go on to compete in ATA’s National Truck Driving Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana, August 16-19, 2022.

The NTDC and affiliated state TDCs like the Minnesota Truck Driving Championships are considered one of the industry’s largest and most effective safety programs. These annual competitions inspire tens of thousands of drivers to operate accident-free for the right to compete.

During the Minnesota Truck Driving Championships, each driver has a chance to demonstrate his or her driving and inspection skills, knowledge and professionalism through a series of tests. The drivers undergo a written examination, personal interview, pre-trip inspection test and finally, the most visible – the skills test.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

There are many great reasons for companies to register their drivers to compete at TDC:

The TDC is a great incentive for professional truck drivers to operate safely, because they must be accident-free for at least one year prior to the competition. Many of the competitors have millions of accident-free driving miles to their credit.
When asked, professional drivers will tell you that they are drawn to the Championships by the spirit of competition and by the prestige of being named the best of the best.
It is described by drivers as being like the Olympics, where they come to win but revel in the camaraderie and excitement.
Competing drivers feel a sense of pride and achievement, which creates good driver morale and positive attitudes among employees and with customers.
Companies can take pride in their drivers’ achievements and recognize their excellence both on and off the road. This builds good relationships between the company and its drivers, which translates into driver retention.
As a family event, it lifts up truck driving as a good career choice and presents a positive image of the truck driver and the trucking industry.
It’s fun, and builds company pride to have a rooting section at the TDC cheering on your drivers.

Deadline to register is June 15, 2022. BEFORE you begin registration, download and complete the documents below. Drivers must be from MTA member companies to participate. Each driver must have the proper endorsement to compete in the desired class of competition and meet all other MTA Truck Driving Championships eligibility requirements. Contact [email protected] with online registration issues.

DRIVER ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible, a driver must certify:

Since August 15, 2021, continuously employed (away from work no more than 30 days) as a truck or step van driver by present employer (MTA member motor carrier fleet).
Since August 15, 2021, driven and performed the regular duties of a truck or step van driver.
Since August 15, 2021, not been involved in a fleet motor vehicle or motor carrier vehicle accident, regardless of fault.
Have the proper class CDL or DL plus required endorsements for class of competition.
Hold a CDL (DL if SVDC) from or have been occupationally domiciled in the state of Minnesota. Occupational domiciled is defined as the terminal, garage or other operating base from which the driver normally works, is supervised and/or where employer is corporately headquartered.
If your company is NOT currently an MTA member and you have drivers that want to participate this year call Grace at (301) 300-0161 for membership information.

DRIVER ENTRY FEE:

$165.00 per driver. (Early Bird $150 per driver, if register before May 15). The $165.00 Driver Entry Fee includes: One (1) “Facts for Drivers” Handbook, One (1) MN TDC Patch, One (1) ATA Patch, One (1) 2022 TDC Hat, breakfast and lunch for both days of the competition, and the Award Ceremony. You can purchase additional quantities of these items in the registration system and below.