Today, the American Trucking Associations’ Safety Management Council kicked off the driving portion of competition at the 2024 National Truck Driving Championships and Step Van Driving Championships at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
Finalists will be announced on Saturday morning, and a Grand Champion will be announced Saturday evening
Some of the industry’s most elite drivers — 422 men and women representing 49 states — are putting their professional knowledge, safe driving skills and vehicle readiness awareness to the test to see who will emerge as the 2024 National Truck Driving Championships Bendix Grand Champion.
During the competition, each driver undergoes a written examination, pre-trip inspection test and a driving skills test. Known as the “Super Bowl of Safety,” these annual competitions held since 1937 inspire tens of thousands of drivers to operate accident-free for the right to compete.
This year’s competitors have driven a combined 685 million accident-free miles throughout their careers.
Yesterday, drivers completed a rigorous written examination on rules and regulations. Today and tomorrow, drivers conduct a comprehensive pre-trip inspection to detect vehicle malfunctions, and then hop in the cab for a driving skills test where they are graded on their ability to operate a truck through a series of obstacles.
“National Truck Driving Championships combines the excitement of a major sports event with the camaraderie of a family reunion. The energy and excitement here are electric,” said Patti Gillette, NTDC Chairman and director of safety and member services for the Nevada Trucking Association. “After a year of hard work honing their skills and making an exemplary commitment to safety, these state champions are ready to put their knowledge and driving to the test to see who will be crowned the Grand Champion.”
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