88th Reunion Underway

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Reunions, by definition, are quite simple. A gathering of persons or things, done again, sometimes with regularity. Thus a reunion. 

The nation’s precision driving community, by definition, have kept it simple in their summer classic, dating back to 1937 (a year, commonly referred to in Central New Jersey, as ways back). 

In this 88th annual meeting of the Roadeo minds, the National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Driving Championships features 15 women, a new record. XPO’s Ina Daly from Arizona is leading the way on that front. The dean of the women bloc – notable for her 2013 national title and professional excellence award – intends to continue to pave the way for women to, as they say, get ‘er done in the field of competition. 

Meanwhile, six national grand champions of years past also are among the 425 competitors. FedEx’s Jackie Reed from Mississippi, the contest’s reigning champ, welcomed the drivers to the North Star state during a briefing on Aug. 20. In a deeply personal account of his wife’s health complications, he called on friends and colleagues to charge forward in spite of adversity. Safety above all, is how they put it in FedEx world. 

Jacob Pierce, NTDC’s head of operations and co-author of the sophomore print of the event’s history tome, expressed confidence about the four days of rivalries, camaraderie and jocularity. 

“It all comes down to this,” Pierce said in a statement ahead of kick off. “Drivers will go head-to-head in a written examination, pre-trip inspection test, and driving skills test  … 425 truck drivers representing 56 companies are competing in this year's National Truck Driving Championships & National Step Van Driving Championships.  Collectively, these drivers hold over 756 million accident-free driving miles.”

NTDC is ongoing through Aug. 23. For information visit: https://podwheels.com/ntdcnews/