Every year, the best truck drivers in the country gather at National Truck Driving & Step Van Driving Championship hosted by the American Trucking Association (ATA). The 3-day competition is an opportunity for truck drivers to demonstrate the driving skills, knowledge and safety expertise attained at this high level. Truck drivers compete in State Competitions throughout the spring and early summer months to qualify for the ATA National Competition which is held in a rotating list of host cities every August. The truck drivers who do the best truck driving job and finish in first place for their truck class are invited to the National Competition.
The state and national events include a difficult driving-skills challenge, pre-trip inspection and written examination covering vehicle operation and knowledge of federal safety regulations. For the right to compete, truck drivers must operate accident-free for the entire year and win first place at the state-level in their category. The ATA offers 9 different classes for the competition, including Step Van, Straight Truck, 3-Axle, 4-Axle, 5-Axle, Flatbed, Tank Truck, Twins and Sleeper Berth.
In the last 10 years, 13 PITT OHIO drivers have competed at Nationals, some appearing more than once for a total of 25 appearances.
The National event is competitive, but also a time to make new friends with men and women drivers from all over the country. Cumberland, Maryland truck driver Mike Miltenberger said, “I look forward to the competition every year, it’s not all about winning, even though it’s on the top of the list! The friendships that are made among the best of the best usually outlast the glory of winning. I have made new friends every year and we stay in touch!”
Miltenberger is a 6-time competitor, earning the 5-axle Grand Champion award for the highest scores in the 5-axle class competition. His son Cole is following in his footsteps, winning Rookie of the Year in Maryland and reaching the National Competition in 2022.
Cole Miltenberger said, “To be a PITT OHIO Driver means to be safety conscious in personal as well as my company vehicle. PITT OHIO’s safety program is top notch by providing most up to date technology and equipment and the best one-on-one personal training from veteran award-winning employees. The apprenticeship program I was trained through gave me benchmark goals to complete each year. I began as a part time dock worker and worked up to a Class A city driver. Learning along the way the safest, most efficient way to provide to our customers and return home safely to my family.”
Maryland Truck Driver Brandon Hose has looked forward to driving a truck for many years. “PITT OHIO definitely stands out from the rest, with great pay, great benefits and a positive family friendly atmosphere. Given the opportunity to drive for a company that provides its drivers with the best in the business is more than I could ask for. Safety is always my first priority and getting home safe to my family is at the top of the list,” Brandon continued. “The support that is provided to ensure the best out of each and every one of their employees is like no other. Through proper training and practice, PITT OHIO strives to be the best drivers on the road.”
Congratulations to all of the drivers competing at the National Truck Driving & Step Van Driving Championship. And thank you to the ATA for organizing events such as this to recognize and encourage safe driving on the highways and roads.
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