Getting there is no small accomplishment. Drivers must first qualify through state truck driving championships after meeting strict eligibility requirements and maintaining an outstanding safety record. By the time they arrive at the national competition, they represent some of the most accomplished professional drivers in the country.

The championship has become one of trucking’s longest-running traditions, but its story began decades before today’s competition took shape.

A Tradition Begins

During the 1930s, commercial trucking was expanding rapidly as highways improved and more freight moved by road. As the industry grew, trucking organizations began holding driving competitions that recognized precision, vehicle control, and safe operation behind the wheel.

Unlike racing events, these competitions measured a driver’s ability to maneuver commercial vehicles accurately and consistently. The events quickly gained support from carriers and industry organizations, creating a tradition that continued to grow throughout the country.

The National Championships Take Shape

The American Trucking Associations established the National Truck Driving Championships in 1937, creating a national event where the top competitors from state championships could compete against one another.

That qualification process remains largely unchanged today. Drivers earn their place through state competitions, making the national championship a recognition of sustained performance rather than a single day’s result.

Over the years, the championships have grown alongside the trucking industry while continuing to recognize the drivers who demonstrate exceptional skill behind the wheel.

More Than a Precision Driving Course

Although the driving course is the portion most spectators recognize, competitors are evaluated in several areas.

Before entering the course, drivers complete a written examination covering safety knowledge and industry regulations. They also participate in a pre-trip inspection challenge that tests their ability to identify vehicle defects before operating a commercial vehicle.

The driving course itself rewards precision rather than speed. Every maneuver is designed to evaluate control, accuracy, and consistency while operating equipment similar to what competitors use in their daily work.

Adapting With the Industry

The trucks competing today bear little resemblance to those that appeared in the earliest championships.

As commercial vehicles evolved, the competition evolved with them. Equipment classes expanded to reflect the different types of commercial vehicles operating across the country, allowing drivers to compete against others using similar equipment.

Despite those changes, the purpose of the championships has remained remarkably consistent. They continue to recognize professional drivers whose knowledge, preparation, and driving ability represent the highest standards of the profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the National Truck Driving Championships held?

The host city changes from year to year. The American Trucking Associations announces the location before each annual championship.

Can spectators attend the National Truck Driving Championships?

Yes. The championships are typically open to spectators, although attendance details and event schedules vary each year.

What equipment classes compete at the National Truck Driving Championships?

Drivers compete in several equipment classes, including straight trucks, tank trucks, flatbeds, five-axle tractors, sleeper berths, twins, and step vans, allowing competitors to be judged alongside drivers operating similar vehicles.

What does a driver receive for winning a National Truck Driving Championship?

Class winners receive national recognition for their achievement, joining a respected group of drivers recognized for outstanding skill and safe driving.

How many drivers compete in the National Truck Driving Championships?

The number varies from year to year, but hundreds of professional drivers compete in state championships before qualifying for the national event.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 16, 2026

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Source: ABF Freight, Truckers News, Michael Kirby

Kirby also won the straight truck class at the event.

The Oklahoma Trucking Association’s other class winners were:

• 3 Axle: James Fabian, ABF Freight
• 4 Axle: John Longley, FedEx Freight
• 5 Axle: Benjamin Scrivener, Livestock Nutrition Center
• Tank Truck: Olson Floyd, Walmart
• Flatbed: Sammy Warren, Walmart
• Twin Trailers: Willie Rivera, Old Dominion Freight Line
• Step Van: Christian Matthews, Crossno Corp./FedEx
• 5 Axle Sleeper Berth: Matthew Thomas Jr., Melton Truck Lines

Old Dominion Freight Line won the team trophy.

The class winners will advance to the National Truck Driving Championships, which are scheduled for August 11 through August 14 in Pittsburgh.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last Updated: June 25, 2026

Source: Truckers News

The post ABF Freight Driver Michael Kirby Wins Oklahoma Trucking Association Championship appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Bryan Kroll secured the overall championship after winning the four-axle division and tying for the highest score in the pre-trip inspection competition. The annual event tests drivers on written knowledge, vehicle inspections, and driving skills, with competitors representing carriers from across Pennsylvania. Kroll’s performance earned him both a division victory and the event’s highest overall recognition.

Drivers And Teams Earn Additional Honors

Several competitors and companies were recognized for standout performances throughout the championships.

Kevin Heintzelman of Walmart was named Rookie of the Year, while Colt Seltzer of UPS earned the award for the highest written test score.

The Best Pre-Trip Inspection competition resulted in a tie between Bill Bennett of Sherwin-Williams and Grand Champion Bryan Kroll of Martin Brower.

In the team competition, Martin Brower captured the Small Team Championship, and Old Dominion Freight Line earned the Large Team Championship title.

Division Winners Advance to National Competition

Drivers who won their respective divisions earned the opportunity to represent Pennsylvania at the American Trucking Associations National Truck Driving Championships in Pittsburgh, August 11-14.

Division champions included:

• 3 Axle: Kraig Keller, ABF Freight
• 4 Axle: Bryan Kroll, Martin Brower
• 5 Axle: Kevin Heintzelman, Walmart
• Flatbed: Bill Bennett, Sherwin-Williams
• Sleeper: Matt Fletcher, Martin Brower
• Step Van: TJ Altland, UPS
• Straight Truck: Adam Graybill, Old Dominion Freight Line
• Tank: Paul Waite, A. Duie Pyle
• Twin Trailers: Justin Walker, FedEx Freight

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 18, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association

The post Martin Brower Driver Earns Grand Champion Title at Pennsylvania Truck Driving Championships appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Who was selected

The 2026 to 2028 Kansas Road Team includes:

• Mark Carver, FedEx Freight
  18 years of experience, 2.75 million accident-free miles, 2025 National Truck Driving Championships straight truck champion
• Joe Ortiz, Frito-Lay Transportation
  11 years of experience, more than 885,000 accident-free miles, driver trainer
• Christopher Noble, Walmart Transportation
  32 years of experience, 3.8 million safe miles, certified trainer, and new driver mentor
• Richard Johnson, FedEx Freight
  15 years of experience, multiple Kansas Truck Driving Championships first-place finishes
• Josue Rivera, Old Dominion Freight Line
  22 years of experience, 1.6 million safe miles, two-time Kansas Truck Driving Championships champion, new driver trainer
• Scott Reich, Frito-Lay Transportation
  33 years of experience, more than 2 million miles, 2025 Kansas Truck Driving Championships three axle champion, safety and accident review team member

Each driver will serve through 2028.

Road Team Captains act as working representatives for the industry, speaking at public events and supporting safety outreach while continuing to run freight.

The association also recognized outgoing captains Brian Baldwin and Stephen Caudill of Old Dominion Freight Line for their service.

As the association stated, “These drivers don’t just haul freight — they carry the reputation of an entire industry. We couldn’t be prouder.”

Programs like the Kansas Road Team highlight the experience, safety records, and training roles behind the drivers selected, while putting working drivers in front of the public to represent the industry.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: April 30, 2026

Source: Truckers News

The post Kansas Names Six Road Team Captains to Represent Drivers Through 2028 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Farness and the other class champions have now qualified to compete in the prestigious National Truck Driving Championships, scheduled to take place from August 20–23 in Minneapolis.

The competition saw over 80 skilled drivers showcasing their expertise across various challenges. Participants were required to:

• Complete a written test assessing their knowledge of federal regulations.
• Perform a meticulous pre-trip inspection to identify hidden mechanical defects.
• Navigate a demanding obstacle course, designed to test their precision driving skills under pressure.

“This competition highlights the extraordinary talent and dedication of Minnesota’s professional truck drivers,” said John Hausladen, President of the Minnesota Trucking Association. “These men and women deliver for our communities every day with an unwavering commitment to safety. The Truck Driving Championships allow us to recognize and celebrate that excellence.”

2025 Class Champions

Here are the first-place winners from each competition class:

• Five-Axle: Gideon Slabaugh, UNFI
• Flatbed: Thomas Gummo, Walmart Transportation
• Four-Axle: Anthony Zvorak, FedEx Freight
• Sleeper Berth: Calvin Logan, UPS
• Step Van: Lindy Jackson, FedEx Corporation
• Straight Truck: Nathan Wick, FedEx Corporation
• Tank: Michael Hager, Wayne Transports
• Three-Axle: Matthew Simon, FedEx Freight
• Twin Trailer (and Grand Champion): Nicholas Farness, XPO

The Minnesota Trucking Association’s annual event not only celebrates exceptional skill but also underscores the commitment to safety and professionalism upheld by truck drivers across the state. Congratulations to all participants and winners!

Image Source: Minnesota Trucking Association
Source: Truckers News

The post XPO Driver Nicholas Farness Crowned Grand Champion at Minnesota Trucking Championships appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

McLean not only secured the grand champion crown but also emerged victorious in the highly competitive three-axle class.

Special Award Winners Recognized

Several participants were honored for their exceptional performance in specific categories:

• Team Trophy: XPO
• Pre-trip Inspection Flatbed: Daren Hackney, Walmart Supply Chain
• Pre-trip Inspection Straight Truck: Davin Strong, FedEx Express
• Rookie of the Year: Graham Roger, Martin Brower Company
• Ray Dagostino Award: Jeffrey Nesci

Class Winners

The competition featured a wide range of vehicle categories, highlighting the drivers’ skills across different classes:

• Step Van: Robin Newton, FedEx
• Straight Truck: David May, XPO
• 3-Axle: Mark McLean, FedEx Freight
• 4-Axle: Randy Merle, FedEx Freight
• 5-Axle: Oliver Estevez, Martin Brower Company
• Flatbed: Raymond Waage, FedEx Freight
• Tank Truck: Zack Bourque, Wegmans Food Markets
• Twin Trailers: Francisco Caravajal, FedEx
• Sleeper Berth: James Kohr, FedEx

The event celebrated the dedication and expertise of New York’s trucking professionals while fostering a sense of camaraderie among industry participants. Mark McLean’s remarkable achievement underscores the skill and precision required to excel in the trucking industry.

Image Source: (Trucking Association of New York) Mark Mclean
Source: Truckers News

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Here’s a roundup of the most memorable replies from drivers themselves—because when it comes to the trucking lifestyle, nobody knows it better than those who live it.

Cab Life Olympics

Bigg Redd would easily clinch gold in the “Making a Sandwich While Cruising Down the Highway” event and multitasking at its finest.

Kyle Yadon is all set for the “Brewing Coffee in the Sleeper” challenge, while John Combs dominates in the “Armchair Coffee Consumption” category.

Sean Haydn Williams proves his trucker kitchen skills in the “Cooking in the Cab at Speed” competition. That’s real trucker ingenuity.

Legendary Driving Skills

Bill Paddack nails it: “Twin Stick Shifting! That would eliminate half the competition!”

Trevor Farley would be the master of “Floating the Gears,” while Dale McPherson’s precision is unmatched when it comes to “Backing Up Wide Open in a Straight Line.”

James Straube adds, “Backing! I can put a trailer anywhere,” proving just how valuable that skill is.

Fuel Island Feats

Rodger Stout is ready to take home gold in the “30-Minute Break on the Fuel Island” event.

JJ Johnson is up for a triple threat: the “35-Point Straight Back,” the “Flip-Flop Sprint,” and the “Airline Stretch.”

Dave Clark reflects on a familiar scene: “Park at the pumps, take a shower, grab some food, and hope for the best.”

Scale & Speed Challenges

Robert Deitrich and Joshua Rojas are the undisputed champions of “Scale Dodging and Freightliner Passing.”

Mike Brooks clinches the title in “In the Left Lane, Passing for 85 Miles.”

Derek Unger and Otis Boggs go full throttle in the “24-Hour Cannonball Run.”

Unwritten Trucker Rules

Martin Torres nails a universal truth: “If whining about bad drivers were an event, we’d dominate the world.”

Jason Robinson enters with a solid “Being in the Wrong Lane for Exit During Rush Hour.”

Tracy Feltner perfects his form in the “Steering Wheel Toss” with the signature move: foot on the dash, hand at 8 o’clock.

Paul Barrow keeps it simple with a “Pie-Eating Contest”—because who doesn’t love pie?

The Real MVPs

Rex Rodgers is a true veteran, earning respect for “Keeping My Truck Clean and Making Friends for 50 Years.”

William Johnson stands tall with “Most Miles Driven in a Day.”

Joseph Kittilson brings precision to the table with “Stopping the Right Steer Tire in a 12″ Square Box 2 Times Out of 10.”

Do Truckers Really Have Their Own Olympics?

Some community members pointed out that events like the Truck Driving Championships and Trucker Rodeos do exist. Phil Warwick explained, “It consists of a written test, a pre-trip inspection, and a skills test.” Charles Kaulukukui added, “We do, but we call it a truck rodeo.”

While those events focus on safety and skills, the Truckers USA Olympics are all about celebrating the real-world skills truckers master daily.

What’s the Value in All This?

While this conversation is filled with humor, it shines a light on the adaptability, skill, and grit that truckers bring to the road. From perfecting shifting techniques to making coffee while cruising to handling the stress of fuel island management—these are the unsung skills that keep the industry rolling.

Now it’s your turn: What event would you dominate in the Truckers USA Olympics? Drop your answer on our Truck Drivers USA Facebook page and join the conversation.

The post If Truckers Had Their Own Olympics – Here’s What They’d Win Gold In appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Celebrating New Talent

Michael Williams was awarded the Rookie of the Year accolade. With his impressive performance, Williams represented Walmart during the event.

Class-by-Class Highlights

Here are the other notable winners from this year’s championships, recognizing exceptional skills in different categories:

• M. Murray Knowledge of the Industry Award
  • Winner: Kenneth Smith, Old Dominion Freight Lines
• Vehicle Condition Award
  • Winner: Jimmy Islar, FedEx Express (achieving a flawless score)
• William C. Hallford Team Award (Best Team)
  • Winners: Old Dominion Freight Lines team
    • Team Members: Martin Pringle, Trent Curren, Kenneth Smith, Kevin Smith, Mark Putnam, Blake Taylor, JD Lynch

Individual Class Champions

• Dump Truck
  • Champion: Bradley Bates, Knight’s Trucking
  • Runner-up: Michael Nirella, NW White & Co.
• Step Van
  • Champion: Salena Ashbreck, FedEx Express
  • Runner-up: Jamie Cashatt, FedEx Express
• Straight Truck
  • Champion: Mark Putnam, Old Dominion Freight Lines
  • Runner-up: William Jones, FedEx Freight
• Three-Axle
  • Champion: Steve Ward, FedEx Express
  • Runner-up: John Spanraft, FedEx Express
• Four-Axle
  • Champion: David Fountain, FedEx Express
  • Runner-up: Milom Williams, Walmart
• Five-Axle
  • Champion: Gene Summers, ADUSA
  • Runner-up: Casey Wyder, FedEx Express
• Tank Truck
  • Champion: Kenneth Smith, Old Dominion Freight Lines
  • Runner-up: Michael Williams, Walmart
• Flatbed
  • Champion: Jeffery Wyder, FedEx Express
  • Runner-up: Johnathan Cooper, New South Express
• Twins
  • Champion: JB Quarles, Walmart
  • Runner-up: Jason Owens, CVS Pharmacy
• Sleeper Berth
  • Champion: Richard McCoy, ADUSA
  • Runner-up: Timmy Allen, New South Express

State Transport Police Challenge Winners

The South Carolina State Transport Police also recognized exceptional talent during the event with these standout performances:

• Level 1 Challenge Champion – Chance Austin
• Motorcoach Champion – Mason Conley
• Hazardous Materials Champion – Chance Austin
• Grand Champion – Chance Austin

Looking Ahead to Nationals

Class champions from the SCTA event, including Steve Ward and other winners, now have the opportunity to showcase their driving prowess at the National Truck Driving Championships, which will be held from August 20 to August 23 in Minneapolis.

Congratulations to all the participants for their incredible achievements and skillful demonstrations of expertise in the trucking industry!

Source: Truckers News
Source: South Carolina Trucking Association

The post FedEx Express Driver Steve Ward Takes Home Top SCTA Honors appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Truck driving championships not only celebrate the skills and expertise of professional drivers but also promote safety and excellence within the trucking industry. They provide an opportunity for drivers to demonstrate their proficiency, learn from their peers, and foster camaraderie within the trucking community.

This year’s competition will be held May 2-4 in Gulport, MS.

Questions?
Call Steve Boudreaux, 601-354-0616 or email steveb@mstrucking.org

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Arizona’s Truck Driving Championships (TDC)

Tempe Diablo Stadium- 2200 W. Alameda Dr. Tempe, AZ 85282

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