One Championship, Many Stories 

The National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) hinge on success at state competitions. Each driver who advances to the national level has already proven themselves to be a tremendous competitor – now, it's time to prove who’s the best of the best. Just like at the state level, drivers compete in a written test, pre-trip examination and a skills test to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise.

But not everyone comes into the competition with the same experience.  

At NTDC, you might see one driver double-checking their notes before they compete for the first time, while another greets fellow competitors like it's a family reunion. Regardless of experience level, first-timers and veterans alike line up side-by-side with the goal of being named Grand Champion. 

Nerves and Learning Curves  

Most first-time competitors are introduced to the Truck Driving Championships (TDCs) by a safety manager or a fellow driver encouraging them to give it a shot. Some are drawn in by the thrill of competition, while others see it as a chance to test their skills at the highest level. But regardless of how they got to the starting line, rookies are there to compete and to earn their place among the best.

At a prestigious competition like NTDC, it’s no surprise that drivers walk in feeling the pressure. Friends, family and colleagues are cheering, expectations are high and for first-time competitors, the stakes can feel even more intense. Like many rookies, Shaun McArdle of Massachusetts admits, “I’m very nervous to be going for the first time.” He knows studying the American Trucking Associations (ATA) Facts for Drivers is crucial for doing well on the written test. “There are so many numbers to remember,” he says with a laugh – something that, according to many veterans, doesn’t get easier with time. 

While some seasoned competitors like Ernie Budlowski of Connecticut choose to spend weekends reading the book, others prefer to stay sharp by listening to the audio version throughout the week. 

It’s not all pressure and prep, though. The NTDC experience comes with personal moments that make it special. Whether it’s seeing the course for the first time, high fiving a fellow driver from across the country or even getting well-deserved kudos from XPO CEO, Mario Harik, the little things at NTDC draw drivers back in for years to come.

“Mario walked right up to greet me at my first national competition, and ever since, I’ve felt like XPO has been a second family,” says six-time national competitor, John Brown of Connecticut. Moments like these stick with drivers and turn the event into more than just a competition.

The Veteran Mindset 

For many seasoned competitors, all it takes is one trip to NTDC to get “bit by the bug.” That was certainly the case for Washington’s Chris Poynor, who’s headed to his ninth national championship this year. When he first joined XPO, Chris knew little about the competition, but one go-around was all it took to hook him for good.

In terms of preparation, there’s not much that separates a rookie from a vet. While they may have a better idea of what to finetune and how to mentally prepare, even vets need to study hard, do mock inspections and practice different course models. The most seasoned competitors will tell you the competition is never the same, and there’s always something new to learn.

As eleven-time national competitor, Joe Hicks of Rhode Island, puts it: “Every year, I add something different to my training routine – something I missed points on the year before.”

Advice for Rookies

Rookies often say one of the most helpful parts of the experience is connecting with veterans. Asking questions, getting tips and hearing firsthand what to expect goes a long way in calming those pre-competition nerves. But it’s not just the drivers offering help. Rookies often credit their managers for setting up practice courses and connecting them with key resources to prepare.

First-timer Paul Grandel of Delaware shared his approach to easing nerves: “At the state competition, I really relied on my wife to keep me distracted and calm me down.” He adds that talking about things besides the competition helped him stay relaxed and in the moment.

Most importantly, ATA reminds drivers to just have fun and reflect on the journey that’s led to this moment. Being at NTDC is a chance to network with drivers from across the country, meet industry leaders and enjoy the community inherent in professional driving.

Beyond the Trophy

Some veterans have competed for five years. Others ten. A few close to twenty. And yet, ask any veteran what keeps them coming back, and it’s rarely about the trophy. More often, it’s about the pride in their craft, the relationships they’ve built and the chance to give back to the next wave of competitors. Many go out of their way to mentor rookies by offering advice, walking them through the course or helping them mentally prepare for their first competition.

"I told the rookies to ask me anything they wanted – they did, and they worked their butts off,” said veteran driver Sam Wilson. At the 2025 Nebraska TDC, Sam and three rookies took home the 1st Place Team Award for XPO by accruing the combined highest score of any company in attendance. Veterans bring dedication not just to their own craft but to helping others succeed, and gestures like these make the competition feel like a community.

The sense of belonging is why vets return: to soak in the energy, reconnect with drivers they’ve known for years and to celebrate safe driving and hard work. John Brown says that, “After going the first time, you're around such great friends and mentors – it's almost like a welcoming family.”

Whether it’s their first time or their fifteenth, every driver on the NTDC stage is united by a shared purpose: a deep commitment to safety, professionalism and an unwavering pride in their craft. NTDC isn’t just a competition – it’s a celebration of what it means to be a professional driver. 

Visit XPO's official NTDC 2025 webpage to stay up to date on this year's competition.