When you think of America’s national sport, what comes to mind? Baseball? Football? How about truck driving?

Considering the critical nature of truck driving for the American economy, this career might as well be a national sport. That’s where the American Trucking Association’s National Truck Driving Championships comes in.

Recently, state competitions have started up, with winners qualifying for the national event. States such as Michigan, Kansas, Florida, and others have begun taking part for the upcoming event at the end of summer. All 50 State Trucking Associations are expected to join in with thousands of drivers entering the competitions.

The official date for the National Truck Driving Championships is on August 21-24, hosted by Indianapolis, Indiana. Drivers must be accident-free for at least one year prior to the competition to take part.

According to the ATA, the NTDC has a history dating back to 1937, at which time it was called the National Truck Rodeo. The competitions test a driver’s road and inspection skills as well as their knowledge of trucks and trucking. Similar to the CDL exam, drivers take part in a written test, skills test, and a pre-trip inspection.

The awards are given out to first, second, and third placements for the Professional Excellence Award, the Vehicle Condition Award, the Rookie of the Year Award, and the biggest prize of them all – The Grand Champion.

Drivers compete in one of eight equipment categories:

• Straight Truck

• Three-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer

• Four-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer

• Five-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer (Tank)

• Five-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer (Van)

• Five-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer (Flatbed)

• Five-Axle Tractor (Sleeper Cab) -Semitrailer (Van)

• Twin Trailers

• Step Van

The NTDC promises to showcase the professionalism, knowledge, and skill of our country’s truck drivers. And that’s something worth celebrating. Good luck to all participants!