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WINDSOR LOCKS (Conn.) — The National Truck Driving Championships have never been about safety alone. The prestigious showcase of truckers’ talent also promotes tradition and solidarity. The nearly 90-year old industry event is often described as a camaraderie.
Every year, hundreds virtuoso performers from all over the country strive to inspire audiences with their performances. The majority of the top competitors, and eventual winners, at this “Super Bowl of Safety”, are repeat qualifiers. This is why the first-time qualifiers are given a special place. NTDC rookies are referred as such despite their backgrounds and levels of expertise.
Donaldo Afonseca representing Old Dominion Freight Line straight truck vehicle class will be amongst the group of rookies scheduled for competition on the national stage in august.
Afonseca, who was a rookie in the Ocean State last year, surpassed his colleagues and peers on June 8 to earn grand champion status at Rhode Island’s Truck Driving Championship. Afonseca’s blue ribbon recognition was a major step up for him after he won the Ocean State’s “Rookie Of The Year” award last year.
2024 National Truck Driving Championships
Who:Winners of nine categories at the State level who have advanced to a 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
After his win, the calm precision driver expressed a sense bliss and awe.
“I feel good, I feel good. This is amazing, man. I worked hard to get here. I was here last time. “I got ‘Rookie Of The Year.’ So this year I want try it again,” Afonseca said to Transport Topics shortly following his grand champion award.
“I love the competition. I love the environment. I love that the [truckers] are competing with each other and not only against each other, but also with the product – the trucks,” said he. “We love driving truck, you know. We are comfortable driving trucks. We need to be more courteous on the road. “This [tournament] is a great way to show how good we are.”
What is the secret to a high-performance?
“Just keep practicing; just study…get some people with you and other drivers, and keep practicing maneuvers.” Study [for] your test.”
Corey Cox, of the Tandet Group, discusses how early AI users are beginning to reap the benefits of the latest wave. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.
Nine vehicle classes are included in the state and national trucking competitions. The competition is based on three disciplines, including an examination of industry regulations, an inspection of the vehicle before a trip and the ability to maneuver it on a complex course.
Afonseca has been a commercial driver for over two decades and he knows he’ll need to up his game if he wants to debut at the nationals.
“It will be nerve-racking,” said he. “It is definitely more serious. It’s going be — the people who go there know a lot. So I need to be at my best. I will have to study twice the amount I did last time. “It will be exciting.”
Other Rhode Island Winners:
3-Axle — James Bergin, FedEx Freight
4-Axle – Joseph Hicks XPO
5-Axle — Eric Cornell, A. Duie Pyle
Twins – Raymond Nightingale XPO
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