Indianapolis, Indiana – Today, the Safety Management Council of the American Trucking Associations launched the driving portion of the competition at the 2024 National Truck Driving Championships and Step Van Driving Championships at the Indiana Convention Center.

Some of the industry’s best drivers – 422 men and women from 49 states – will put their expertise, safe driving skills and vehicle readiness awareness to the test to see who will emerge as the 2024 Bendix National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion.

The NTDC and its affiliated state TDCs are considered to be one of the largest and most effective safety programs in the industry. During the competition, each driver must complete a written exam, a pre-ride inspection and a driving skills test.

Known as the “Super Bowl of Safety,” these annual competitions have been held since 1937 and inspire tens of thousands of drivers to drive accident-free to enter the competitions. This year’s competitors have logged a total of 685 million accident-free miles over the course of their careers.

Yesterday, drivers completed a challenging written exam on rules and regulations. Today and tomorrow, drivers will complete a comprehensive pre-trip inspection to identify any vehicle malfunctions. They will then climb into the cab and take a driving test that assesses their ability to drive a truck through a series of obstacles.

“The National Truck Driving Championships combine the excitement of a major sporting event with the camaraderie of a family reunion. The energy and excitement here is electrifying,” said Patti Gillette, NTDC chair and director of safety and member services for the Nevada Trucking Association. “After a year of hard work honing their skills and demonstrating an exemplary commitment to safety, these state champions are ready to put their knowledge and driving skills to the test to see who will be crowned Grand Champion.”

“ATA and the trucking industry place the highest priority on safety every day, and this core mission will be on full display this week at the National Truck Driving Championships,” said American Trucking Association President and CEO Chris Spear. “The men and women competing here this week have logged hundreds of millions of accident-free miles and set a high standard that serves as an example to the motoring public. We celebrate their professionalism, passion and outstanding skills that have earned them their place in the trucking community’s hall of fame.”

Finalists will be announced Saturday morning and the overall winner will be announced Saturday evening. Follow ATA and #NTDC24 on social media for regular updates.