"Keep It Simple"

The yearlong seasonal accident-free requisite has turned the National Truck Driving Championships into a formidable safety standard for the commercial transportation industry. 

The distinction is one fully supported by its competitors every year. This passion for transportation safety serves as a key motivator for many NTDC qualifiers. That includes this year’s grand champion from South Carolina Steve Ward.

En route to his Palmetto State blue ribbon, the FedEx veteran took home top honors in the three-axle class. That marked his first ever grand champion trophy, good enough to punch his fourth ticket to the national contest, which will be held in Minneapolis in August. 

The strategy this year was somewhat straightforward, Ward explained. Basically, he anchored his approach to competition on the adage: Keep it simple.

“Trying to simplify things,” he explained, “I simplified how I measured and took notes on vehicles. Tried, I guess, to tone it down. I can get a little too technical sometimes. And, you know, more is not always better. So I tried to simplify things. Keep it simple and repeatable.” Ultimately, “Stick to the basics.” 

Looking ahead to NTDC, the strategy will continue to rely on the “keep it simple” method. Because, as the adage goes, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Ward went on, “You can overthink it. That was one of the things this year I really tried to tone it down. Not to overthink it. Take it as it comes and trust in your preparation.”

The National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships are scheduled for Aug. 20-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Name: Steve Ward

Age: 63

From: Woodruff, S.C.

Class: three-axle

Food: baked spaghetti

Movie: Ford v Ferrari

Vacation spot: Caribbean cruise

Sports heros: Larry Bird and Bill Elliott 

Music: classic rock, Christian

Last word: “Take pride in your work. Be proud of your job. And always be safe. Don't sacrifice safety.”