At the ‘Super Bowl of trucking,’ a driver who trained 14 years wins the golden belt buckle

This summer has witnessed a fierce competition: the National Truck Driving Championships, often referred to as the "Super Bowl of trucking." Held in Pittsburgh, this event saw 429 drivers from 49 states competing against each other, having collectively covered over 775 million safe driving miles throughout their careers. Participants hailed from companies of all sizes, from small businesses to industry giants like Walmart, FedEx, XPO, and UPS.

Jacob Pierce, executive director of the American Trucking Associations' Safety Management Council, emphasized that the program's primary goal is to enhance drivers' skills and promote safe driving habits. The stakes of safety in the trucking industry are high, with large trucks being involved in nearly 10% of all fatal crashes, according to the National Safety Council. In 2024, large trucks moved 11 billion tons of freight via road, making safety a critical aspect of the competition.

Winning driver Eric Ramsdell, a Walmart tank truck driver, underscored the responsibility drivers carry on the road. He stated that the championship serves as a reflection of the daily commitment drivers have to prioritize safety, equipment, and accident-free records. Walmart tanker drivers are expected to navigate the competition course, which includes a rigorous skills course, just like they would in real-life driving scenarios.

To qualify for the national competition, drivers must secure a top position at their state competition, maintain a clean safety record without preventable accidents for the past year, and meet full-time driving requirements with their company. Even minor incidents, such as hitting a curb or damaging a tire, can disqualify drivers from competing.

The three-day competition began with a written exam assessing drivers' road knowledge and safety awareness. Following this, a pre-trip inspection was conducted, where drivers identified potential safety hazards like unsecured loads, missing parts, or cracks in vehicle frames. Next, drivers tackled an obstacle course, maneuvering through tight turns, narrow parking spaces, and controlled stops, all while relying on their instincts and precision skills due to the lack of advanced safety technology like backup cameras.

The competition culminated in a final round, where winners were crowned in nine classes, depending on the size of the trucks. Walmart driver Richard Prescott emerged victorious in the flatbed division, marking his first national win after years of perseverance and incremental progress. For Miguel Corral, a nine-time NTDC competitor driving for UPS, the event felt like a family reunion, with its high-pressure environment mirroring the challenges faced on the open road.