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July 15, 2017
NEWS AND EVENTS
Each year in mid-August in the United States, drivers from every state gather to test their mettle, to find out who is the best of the best at the American Trucking Associations’ annual National Truck Driving Championships.
The National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) is a competition of professional truck drivers hosted each year by American Trucking Associations (ATA). This competition has a long history – dating back to 1937 when it was known as the National Truck Roadeo.
The NTDC competitors are made up of the winners in eight classes of competition from 50 State Trucking Associations’ Truck Driving Championships, as well as the winners of the auto transporters class at the regional TDCs.
The NTDC and affiliated state TDCs are considered the one of the industry’s largest and most effective safety programs. Known to many as the "Super Bowl of Safety," these annual competitions inspire tens of thousands of drivers to operate accident-free for the right to compete
During the TDC and NTDC competition, each driver has a chance to demonstrate his or her driving and inspection skills, knowledge and professionalism through a series of tests. The drivers undergo a written examination, personal interview, pre-trip inspection test and finally, the most visible - the skills test.
The Championships are a great incentive for professional truck drivers to operate safely, because they must be accident-free for at least one year prior to the competition. Many of the competitors have millions of accident-free driving miles to their credit.
When asked, professional drivers will tell you that they are drawn to the Championships by the spirit of competition and by the prestige of being named the best of the best. It is described by drivers as being like the Olympics, where they come to win but revel in the camaraderie and excitement. In addition to First, Second and Third Place titles, drivers vie for the Professional Excellence Award, the Vehicle Condition Award, the Rookie of the Year Award and the ultimate designation – The Grand Champion award.
The rules for the championships have evolved since the inception of the program in 1937. Published yearly, the rulebook reflects any changes agreed upon throughout the year by the 20-member Championships Committee. The committee, which dictates almost every aspect of the event, is comprised of high level safety professionals.
To qualify, a driver competes in one of eight equipment categories in the state his or her CDL was issued in or the state in which his or her company has corporate domicile. The categories are:
Straight Truck
Three-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer
Four-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer
Five-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer (Tank)
Five-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer (Van)
Five-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer (Flatbed)
Five-Axle Tractor (Sleeper Cab) -Semitrailer (Van)
Twin Trailers
To be eligible, a driver must maintain continuous employment with a motor carrier fleet for a continuous period of at least one year and remain accident free, regardless of fault, for one year prior to NTDC.
Rules and requirements can vary slightly from state to state. Please contact your local State Trucking Association for their complete regulations.
The National Truck Driving Championships are an excellent way to encourage safe driving habits, instill professional pride, and increase commitment and retention. This year's National Truck Driving Championship will be held in Orlando, FL, Wednesday, August 9th through Saturday, August 12th.
Schuster, a family owned and oriented company based out of Northwest Iowa, was started in 1956 by Orville Schuster with a single truck hauling grain around Sioux City, Iowa. Orville continued to grow and expand Schuster Grain with the addition of refrigerated and dry van services. The name was soon changed to Schuster Company to reflect his expanding business. Schuster continues to be family owned and operated today.
At Schuster their drivers are the top priority. They offer a wide range of benefits for their drivers and owner-operators including well maintained late model equipment, LeMars Truck and Trailer shop with 10 bays for in house maintenance, an on site wash bay and fuel island. Their staff includes 10 dispatchers, 10 backhaul and customer support coordinators, and 20 office personnel. Orville’s dream to develop Schuster into a premiere shipping company is being realized today as they are a leader in the shipping industry.
Schuster maintains an excellent CSA score and with state-of-the-art technology they keep you moving.
If you are looking for a truck driving job, joining the Schuster family is a great choice!
Get your OTR career headed in the right direction with Schuster.
With an estimated 42 million people hitting the road this summer and construction season in full swing here are some safety tips to pass on to your friends and family members.
Buckle up: Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road.
Slow Down: With the extra highway congestion due to vacation travel, speeding becomes even more dangerous. Allow plenty of space between you and other vehicles and reduce your speed.
Don’t drive impaired: Summer is often a time for merriment, but if you’ve had too much to drink, don’t get behind the wheel.
Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
Be aware of truck blind spots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can't see you.
Be aware of the vehicle in front of you: Leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front.
Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Use your cell phone when stopped and never text while driving.
Plan ahead: Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
Remember, summertime is peak construction season on the roads so be careful in and around construction zones. Be extra cautious when you see those signs and cones.
Expect the unexpected because speed limits or traffic lanes may be changed.
Keep a safe distance from other traffic and construction workers and equipment.
Pay attention to signs, signals and surroundings
Avoid distractions because work zones present extra challenges and obstacles.
Have a super safe, super summer!
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Until then, keep on truckin’ and please drive safely.
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