🏁 Florida Truck Driving Championships Break Records with Over 370 Drivers in Daytona

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction

Who says truckers don’t know how to throw down? Daytona Beach just played host to the biggest Florida Truck Driving Championships ever recorded—with 373 drivers stepping up to the plate to prove that skill still matters in a GPS-and-autopilot world. Hosted by the Florida Trucking Association (FTA), this event wasn’t just about bragging rights—it was a celebration of safety, precision, and pride behind the wheel.

Let’s be real: Daytona isn’t just for NASCAR anymore. This weekend, it was all about the real road warriors.

🎯 What Are the Truck Driving Championships?

If you’ve never seen one, imagine a mix of:

Obstacle course precision driving

DOT-level written exams

Rig inspections that would make FMCSA smile

Intense mental focus and muscle memory

These drivers aren’t just parking trailers—they’re squeezing 53-footers through tight cones, judging blind spots like hawks, and stopping within inches of a target line.

It’s not a race. It’s a showcase of mastery.

📈 A Record-Breaking Turnout

This year shattered previous participation numbers:
373 drivers competed across 9 divisions, including Flatbed, Tanker, 5-Axle, Twins, and Step Van categories.

That’s more than 370 drivers out of Florida’s top-performing fleets—most of whom had to qualify just to be there. Companies like FedEx, Walmart, UPS, Publix, and Oakley Transport sent their best, and many drivers have millions of accident-free miles behind them.

FTA President Alix Miller called it “a record-setting testament to the professionalism and passion that Florida’s truckers bring to the road every day.”

🏆 What It Takes to Win

Each driver must pass three challenges:

1. Written Exam: Covers regulations, safety procedures, and industry knowledge.
2. Pre-Trip Inspection: Drivers must spot planted mechanical defects within a tight time limit.
3. Skills Course: The showstopper—measuring exact stops, tight turns, parallel parking, and curb clearances.

Sounds simple? Try doing it in a tractor-trailer under pressure, while 500 people are watching.

👑 Champions Crowned & Headed to Nationals

The top drivers in each category now advance to the ATA National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC), a.k.a. the “Super Bowl of Safety,” happening in Indianapolis this August.

One standout was Gary Harshbarger from FedEx Freight, who took first place in the 3-Axle division. And let’s not forget Mary Ellis, a Step Van driver with UPS and one of the few female competitors, who nailed a perfect pre-trip score and earned a spot at Nationals.

These winners aren’t just bringing back trophies—they’re bringing respect to their terminals and companies.

🎤 What the Industry’s Saying

Alix Miller (FTA):

“These championships highlight the level of talent, professionalism, and commitment that truck drivers bring to the table. It’s time we celebrated them like the athletes they are.”

Fleet Managers: Companies are using this event not just for recognition—but for recruitment and retention. Drivers who compete feel valued and motivated.

Drivers: “You walk in here, and you see how good these guys really are. It makes you want to sharpen your game.”

💥 Why This Event Matters

Celebrates safe driving: You’ve got to be accident-free for a full year just to compete. Some drivers haven’t had an accident in 15+ years.

Builds pride in the profession: Events like this help reframe trucking as a high-skill, respected job.

Improves morale and company culture: Fleets that send drivers to compete see higher retention and employee satisfaction.

Puts the spotlight on the people behind the wheel: Not robots. Not policies. Real human skill.

Bottom Line

The Florida Truck Driving Championships weren’t just a contest—they were a statement. A record-breaking number of professional drivers showed up to prove that this industry is full of disciplined, highly skilled pros who take pride in every mile.

In a time when trucking is often in the headlines for the wrong reasons, Daytona gave us something to cheer for. And if you’re not celebrating your drivers like this? You’re missing the point.

Call to Action
🛣️ Want to inspire your team or show off your company’s best? Enter next year’s regional or state championships!
📍 Learn more at LifeAsATrucker.com
🧠 Ready to take control of your trucking future off the road too? Start building your off-duty income plan at RetireFromTrucking.com