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Central New Jersey’s coast is home to the most complex intermodal freight corridors in the country.
The vast oil refineries, huge commercial ports, small and large airports, factories and shops on every corner, busy passenger train lines, and a heavily congested highway network force residents to perfect driving skills.
It’s no surprise that the Garden State’s precision-driving champ hails from central Jersey.
“It’s very congested once you cross the state line between Pennsylvania and Jersey after [5 pm]. “That’s when you focus… in order to avoid distracted driving, and just anticipate what other drivers do,” XPO’s Wilbert Vano said on Transport Topics.
2024 National Truck Driving Championships
Who is:Winners of nine categories at state level who are advancing to the national competition where a Grand Champ will be crowned
What is it?Contestants will be judged based on their written exam, driving skills and pre-trip inspection.
When: Aug. 21-24
Where isIndianapolis
He said that other states with four-lane highways were not as congested in our area.
Vano, the New Jersey driver of 2023, returned to the competition with a triumphant return after a technical disqualification. He won the trucking tournament this month in Atlantic City in the 3-axle category and also received best-in-show.
His masterful performance marked the fifth grand champion blue medal statewide, and punched a Ticket to his 13th trip at the National Truck Driving Championships.
Vano’s return to the “Super Bowl of Safety”, will give him the chance to defend his national title in 2022 for the 3-axle. In that year, the self described practice-obsessed driving driver also recorded the top overall score in the tournament.
Get to Know You
Name : Wilbert Vano
Age: 48
From: Colonia, N.J.
Class: 3-axle
Pork Roll or Taylor Ham Pork roll
Exit 135 is my favorite exit on the Garden State Parkway.
Sports Hero(s) : Magic Johnson Larry Bird Michael Jordan
What’s your jam ? U2
My father is my inspiration
Focus is the secret to success . Work hard. Be patient.
Asbury Park, New Jersey – A must-visit place
Last Word: “Congratulations on a year without an accident. Thank you for representing the trucking sector. “Thanks for being here.
“My goal,” explained he, “is to try to get into the top five so that I can have another opportunity to drive. At least after a year [of hardwork], you should reward yourself with another chance to compete for the national championship.”
The top five drivers in each of the nine vehicle categories qualify for NTDC final round.
Vano, speaking of the 3-axle competitions at nationals, said: “The driving part… will always be a really close score.” “You know, this year there are many good guys in 3-axle. My strategy is to drive the truck and score as much as I can. The back room is a great way to help you get to the top five.”
The NTDC back room consists primarily of a vehicle inspection prior to a trip and an examination of the rules and regulations of the industry.
Vano has learned humility and wisdom in his nearly two-decade-long quest to perfect his precision driving skills. Vano’s appreciation of NTDC has sharpened his focus. “Winning a State Championship is just your ticket to the Nationals.”
“You can’t take that state win to the nationals,” said he. “Don’t expect to win again because it’s a completely different game.”
Other New Jersey Winners
4-Axle : Thomas Michi
5-Axle: Doug Simonelli, A. Duie Pyle
Flatbed : Joseph Drayton from UPS
Sleeper Bed: Kevin Byrnes (UPS)
Step van: Ron Price UPS
Straight Truck: Eddie Conrad, FedEx
Tank Truck: Antonio Domazetovski, UPS
Twins: Mario Camacho, FedEx Freight
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