Pitt Ohio’s 2017 NTDC Five-Axle Champ Strives for Gold
TIMONIUM, Md. — With the field that will be competing at the National Truck Driving Championships quickly coming into focus, in Maryland, the big winner from that state is actively training to showcase his ability to again win big at the summer classic.
Last month, Michael Miltenberger took home the grand champion trophy at the Old Line State. In recent years, the Pitt Ohio standout has surpassed peers to capture the contest’s blue ribbon. His most recent state victory secured him another trip to the national arena.
Admittedly, the precision-driving tournament is more than just competition. For Miltenberger, it’s a chance to collaborate with colleagues and embrace camaraderie. He spoke with Transport Topics soon after his state victory in the four-axle division.
“This feels awesome. It's quite a pleasure and I just love doing what I do and I try to take all the experience I have and put it on the course,” he said. “I've been doing this for several years and then I also am a trainer so I take my trainees and teach them everything I know. And try to make better drivers on the highway and get everybody home safe every night.”
NTDC competitors are passionate about promoting safety, the industry, their companies and the precision-driving contest. They make careers on becoming ambassadors for safety. For them, qualifying for the national tournament is part of their passion for amplifying the safety experience.
Miltenberger, NTDC’s five-axle class in 2017, explained: “It's an honor and it's all safety oriented and, just, it's such a pleasure.”
“I can't even [come up with] the words that I should. It just is outstanding and quite an honor just to represent the state and Pitt Ohio,” he continued. Specific to his game plan at NTDC, “Win it. In it to win it baby.”
NTDC and the National Step Van Driving Championships will be held in Minneapolis Aug. 20-24.
Photo: Miltenberger at the 2025 Maryland TDC (by E. Mulero)
Read more articles
