Columbus, Ohio – This morning, American Trucking Associations and ATA’s Safety Management Council announced finalists in nine vehicle classes at the 2018 National Truck Driving Championships, finishing today in Columbus, Ohio.
“Highly skilled truck drivers have spent the last three days demonstrating their precision and knowledge of the industry at the 81st running of the National Truck Driving Championships,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “We narrowed the field from 424 truck drivers to just 46 finalists who are now vying for the title of national champion in their driving class as well as the overall Bendix Grand Champion title. ATA and the entire trucking industry are waiting anxiously to see who will emerge today to take home top honors.”
This year’s finalists represent 13 companies and 29 states.
Competition at the NTDCs began August 15 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center with state champions from all 50 states taking the written examination – one of three scored phases of the competition. Over the past two days, competitors also tackled the difficult driving course and competed in the pre-trip inspection segments of the competition.
The NTDCs conclude today with the top five competitors in eight vehicle classes – and the top six competitors in the Twins class because of a tie – competing on the championship round driving course.
The awards ceremony will be held after the final event, recognizing the Bendix Grand Champion, Rookie of the Year and top state delegation, among several other highly-respected trucking industry honors. ATA will broadcast the awards banquet via Facebook Live on the official ATA Facebook Page.
ATA’s Safety Management Council is hosting this year’s National Truck Driving Championships with Premiere Sponsor ACT 1.