April 11 competition showcases the state’s safest truck drivers

OLYMPIA — March 16, 2026 — In one month, Pasco will play host to some of the state’s safest truck drivers whose technical skills and industry knowledge make them among the very best on the road.

On Saturday, April 11, the Washington Trucking Associations (WTA) will gather the state’s best truckers to compete in the Washington Truck Driving Championship (TDC) at Gesa Stadium. Participating drivers undergo a written examination, pre-trip inspection test and a skills test. Winners from the Washington state competition will advance to compete for the national championship, often referred to as the “Super Bowl of Safety.”

“The Truck Driving Championship competitions inspire tens of thousands of drivers to operate accident-free for the right to compete,” said WTA President and CEO Sheri Call. “Safety is the paramount goal for our industry, both for drivers and the traveling public. These competitions are a testament to the thousands of truck drivers who operate safely on our roads every day and inspire their peers to operate accident-free.”

To qualify, a driver competes in nine different equipment classes:

• Straight Truck
• Three-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer
• Four-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer
• Five-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer
• Sleeper Berth
• Tank Truck
• Flatbed
• Twin Trailers
• Step Van

Eligible drivers must maintain continuous employment with a motor carrier fleet for a continuous period of at least one year and remain accident free, regardless of fault, for one year prior to competition. State and national TDCs are considered one of the largest and most effective safety programs in the industry. The national TDC has been held since 1937 and celebrates the industry’s commitment to professionalism, elite skills and safety.

The National Truck Driving Championship will take place Aug 11—14 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

Washington’s TDC is made possible thanks to sponsorship from The Boeing Company, Walmart Transportation LCC, FedEx, FedEx Freight, Western Materials, Great West Casualty Company, Stryder Motorfreight USA, Inc., Marsh McLennan Agency, Old Dominion Freight Line, and United Parcel Service (UPS).

EVENT DETAILS

WHO
Washington Trucking Associations
More than 120 qualifying Washington state truck drivers

WHAT
Washington Truck Driving Championship

WHEN
Saturday, April 11 (Starts at 6:00am)

WHERE
Gesa Stadium
6200 Burden Blvd, Pasco, WA 99301

About the Washington Trucking Associations

Since 1922, the Washington Trucking Associations (WTA) has served as the unified voice for the trucking industry in Washington. Member supported, WTA is dedicated to advocating sound public policies, providing excellence in education, training, and information, as well as promoting a safe, dependable, and efficient trucking industry in Washington For more information, visit www.watrucking.org.