National champion Jackie Reed accepts his trophy from outgoing chair Patti Gillette at the NTDC 2024 Awards Banquet at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis on August 24. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)

Richard Sweeney of XPO accepts the Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award from incoming NTDC Chairman Robert Foskey during the NTDC 2024 Awards Banquet at the JW Mariott Grand Ballrom in Indianapolis on August 24. (John Sommers II for Transportation Topics)

Ritch Fundell, a 3-axle driver for FedEx Freight, wins the award for the highest score on the written exam. Second Vice Chairman Heath Arnold of ABF Freight System is the presenter. (John Sommers II for Transportation Topics)

Outgoing NTDC Chair Patti Gillette addresses the audience at the 2024 National Truck Driving Championships and Step Van Championships Awards Banquet at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis on August 24 (John Sommers II for Transportation Topics)

The American Trucking Associations were decked out for the occasion at the NTDC 2024 Awards Banquet at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis on August 24. (John Sommers for Transport Topics)

Police officers competing in the North American Inspectors Championship took the stage at the NTDC 2024 Awards Banquet at the JM Marriott in Indianapolis on Aug. 24. The event is sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)

Outgoing Chair Patti Gillette joined the National Truck Driving Championships Organizing Committee in 2005. (John Sommers II for Transportation)

David Wiechers of ABF Freight is flanked by NTDC executives Heath Arnold and Patti Gillette as he accepts the Sam Gillette Life-Time Volunteer Award during the NTDC 2024 Awards Banquet at the JW Marriott Grand Ball Room in Indianapolis. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)