The search for the best truck drivers in U.S.is underway.
The American Trucking Associations’ Safety Management Council has kicked off the driving portion of competition at the 2025 National Truck Driving Championships and Step Van Driving Championships at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
At the event, 425 drivers, including a record 15 women, are putting their professional knowledge, safe driving skills, and vehicle readiness awareness to the test to see who will emerge as the 2025 National Truck Driving Championships Bendix Grand Champion. The competitors hail from 49 states and represent 56 companies.
During the competition, each driver undergoes a rigorous written examination, thorough pre-trip inspection test, and a challenging driving skills test.
Finalists will be announced on Saturday morning, and a Grand Champion will be crowned Saturday evening.
“The National Truck Driving Championships brings together the nation’s top truck drivers for a thrilling display of their incomparable skills,” said Robert Foskey, NTDC Chairman. “Many of these elite competitors return year after year, giving this event the atmosphere of a family reunion. After working hard all year to hone their abilities and maintain their sterling safety records, these state champions are ready to put their knowledge and driving to the test to see who will be crowned the Grand Champion.”
Every driver qualified for this week’s competition by winning their state truck driving championships. This year’s competitors have driven a combined 756 million accident-free miles throughout their careers.
Yesterday, drivers completed a 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.
