North Carolina Trucking Association 2023 Truck Driving Championship

By Monica Greiss, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, North Carolina Department of Public Safety

Members of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) section participated in the North Carolina Trucking Association 2023 Truck Driving Championship (TDC), which took place June 9-10 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The TDC brings together commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers from across North Carolina to compete, demonstrating their commitment to safety and professionalism.

The championship is one of several events that strengthens the partnership between the North Carolina Trucking Association (NCTA) and NCSHP. Members of the NCSHP CVE section look forward to this event each year, as it allows the NCTA, law enforcement, CMV drivers and industry partners to collaborate for the common goal of safety.

Competitors participated in a written exam, a pre-trip inspection and a skills/driving test. Members of the NCSHP CVE section served as judges during the skills/driving portion of the competition. A static display of classic NCSHP patrol vehicles was positioned at the event entrance. The classic car display included a Ford Mustang, Plymouth Fury, Chevrolet Camaro and a new addition, the Dodge Challenger Black Ghost.

More than 600 people attended the awards ceremony on June 10, including CMV drivers and their families. The TDC grand champion, who was invited to represent North Carolina at the American Trucking Associations’ National Truck and Step Van Driving Championship, was announced during the ceremony.

During the awards ceremony, Tpr. Christopher S. Baker was provided the opportunity to present on the following topics: Traffic Records Electronic Data System (TREDS) Just Drive – Deliver Distraction-Free Program and Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) – Human Trafficking Awareness.

TREDS addresses the need to increase driving safety awareness and decrease dangerous driving behaviors among CMV drivers, primarily regarding the use of cell phones and electronic communication devices. This training is designed to reinforce state laws and regulations pertaining to cell phone policies, reducing distracted driving by CMV drivers and improving safety for all roadway users.

TAT is a prevention and intervention organization designed to combat human trafficking through state agencies and the CMV industry. TAT’s mission indicates that as the eyes and ears on the road, professional drivers can be a force for good with the proper training. This program ensures law enforcement and the CMV industry are aligned for the common mission of recognizing human trafficking indicators and knowing the steps each should take if they suspect trafficking. The NCSHP recognizes that every contact is an opportunity to provide awareness.