The American Trucking Associations’ Safety Management Council's 2023 National Truck Driving Championships and Step Van Driving Championships is under way at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
A total of 418 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 2023 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 674 million accident-free miles throughout their careers. Drivers have completed a written examination on rules and regulations. Drivers will also conduct a 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.
“The energy here this year is off the charts,” said Rodney Myers, NTDC chairman and vice president, of HR atFedEx Freight. “This event is a culmination of a year’s worth of hard work, training, and commitment, and now these drivers get to put their knowledge and skills to the test to see who will be crowned the Grand Champion.”
Finalists will be announced Saturday morning, and a grand champion will be announced Saturday evening.
