Shows
Liner NotesFlorida’s Miguel Sanchez Still Savoring First NTDC Division Champions’ Crown
To say that Miguel Sanchez of UPS savored and valued every moment of the journey that brought him to the reality of winning the Twins Division National title at NTDC 2025 would be one of the understatements of the year. PodWheels caught up with Miguel a few weeks after he had brought the top trophy in Twins for his first National Championship back to his home terminal in the Jacksonville area. As you’ll hear, he was still wrapped in the total joy of his experience in Minneapolis. Miguel wanted the trophy to first come to the terminal to...
2025-12-0739 minFeatured Archives | PodWheelsFlorida’s Miguel Sanchez Still Savoring First NTDC Division Champions’ Crown
To say that Miguel Sanchez of UPS savored and valued every moment of the journey that brought him to the reality of winning the Twins Division National title at NTDC 2025 would be one of the understatements of the year. PodWheels caught up with Miguel a few weeks after he had brought the top trophy in Twins for his first National Championship back to his home terminal in the Jacksonville area. As you’ll hear, he was still wrapped in the total joy of his experience in Minneapolis. Miguel wanted the trophy to first come to the terminal to...
2025-12-0739 minNTDC News Archives | PodWheelsFlorida’s Miguel Sanchez Still Savoring First NTDC Division Champions’ Crown
To say that Miguel Sanchez of UPS savored and valued every moment of the journey that brought him to the reality of winning the Twins Division National title at NTDC 2025 would be one of the understatements of the year. PodWheels caught up with Miguel a few weeks after he had brought the top trophy in Twins for his first National Championship back to his home terminal in the Jacksonville area. As you’ll hear, he was still wrapped in the total joy of his experience in Minneapolis. Miguel wanted the trophy to first come to the terminal to...
2025-12-0739 min
National Truck Driving ChampionshipsFlorida’s Miguel Sanchez Still Savoring First NTDC Division Champions’ Crown
To say that Miguel Sanchez of UPS savored and valued every moment of the journey that brought him to the reality of winning the Twins Division National title at NTDC 2025 would be one of the understatements of the year. PodWheels caught up with Miguel a few weeks after he had brought the top trophy in Twins for his first National Championship back to his home terminal in the Jacksonville area. As you’ll hear, he was still wrapped in the total joy of his experience in Minneapolis. Miguel wanted the trophy to first come to the terminal to...
2025-12-0739 minNTDC News Archives | PodWheelsCourse Design Chief Frank Ems Looks Back On NTDC 2025
Would you like to hear how the fire hydrant became part of the semifinal driving course at NTDC 2025? Would you like to go inside some of the processes involved when it comes to deciding the challenges that are included for the driving courses at the Nationals? Frank Ems, who oversees the work of the NTDC committee responsible for the driving course layout, joins PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson as we look back at NTDC 2025. It’s a fun conversation that highlights the thought and care Frank and the Driving Course Committee take in doing their work over ma...
2025-11-0836 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsCourse Design Chief Frank Ems Looks Back On NTDC 2025
Would you like to hear how the fire hydrant became part of the semifinal driving course at NTDC 2025? Would you like to go inside some of the processes involved when it comes to deciding the challenges that are included for the driving courses at the Nationals? Frank Ems, who oversees the work of the NTDC committee responsible for the driving course layout, joins PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson as we look back at NTDC 2025. It’s a fun conversation that highlights the thought and care Frank and the Driving Course Committee take in doing their work over ma...
2025-11-0836 minNTDC News Archives | PodWheelsOne Month Later, NTDC 2025 Chairman Robert Foskey Looks Back On The Championships
Almost one month to the day that the NTDC 2025 Organizing Committee began its onsite work to prepare for the Opening Day of this year’s Championships, PodWheels caught up with NTDC 2025 Chairman Robert Foskey. In this episode of the podcast, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson asks Bob to reflect on what took place in Minneapolis during the third week of August.
As you will hear, Bob shares notes of praise for everyone who came together to make NTDC 2025 a memorable event for all who were part of this year’s National Championships. As a past Stat...
2025-09-2031 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsOne Month Later, NTDC 2025 Chairman Robert Foskey Looks Back On The Championships
Almost one month to the day that the NTDC 2025 Organizing Committee began its onsite work to prepare for the Opening Day of this year’s Championships, PodWheels caught up with NTDC 2025 Chairman Robert Foskey. In this episode of the podcast, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson asks Bob to reflect on what took place in Minneapolis during the third week of August.
As you will hear, Bob shares notes of praise for everyone who came together to make NTDC 2025 a memorable event for all who were part of this year’s National Championships. As a past Stat...
2025-09-2031 minNTDC News Archives | PodWheelsCelebrating Professional Drivers’ Dedication To Safety, Service & Community
The NTDC 2025 Podcast dedicates this episode to spotlighting the importance of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week by looking back at the achievements at NTDC 2025 and on the highways by the 425 state champions who gathered in Minneapolis for this year’s edition of the National Championships. PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson and Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero also discuss the contributions that members of this year’s NTDC field made within their communities, their states and across the country.
In this edition of the podcast, you will hear the reading of the proclamation presented on the...
2025-09-1928 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsCelebrating Professional Drivers’ Dedication To Safety, Service & Community
The NTDC 2025 Podcast dedicates this episode to spotlighting the importance of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week by looking back at the achievements at NTDC 2025 and on the highways by the 425 state champions who gathered in Minneapolis for this year’s edition of the National Championships. PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson and Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero also discuss the contributions that members of this year’s NTDC field made within their communities, their states and across the country.
In this edition of the podcast, you will hear the reading of the proclamation presented on the...
2025-09-1928 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsAppreciating The Performances and Achievements By Nation’s Top Drivers at NTDC 2025
As this year’s celebration of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week begins, the NTDC 2025 Podcast dedicates our 80th episode release of the year to take an initial look back at a number of the top performances across the nine vehicle divisions in the competition that brought together 425 state champions from across the country. Recorded on September 3, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson and Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero spend some time going inside the final results from NTDC 2025 in Minneapolis.
You’ll hear Eugene and Greg share some tidbits that they learned while talking with some...
2025-09-1455 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsNTDC Wednesday Rewind: Alex Ayala Values Carrying H-E-B’s Banner and Promoting Safety
As we continue our NTDC 2025 Rewind Series from our time onsite in Minneapolis, PodWheels is rolling it back to Wednesday of NTDC Week when we caught up with a friend we met in Columbus two years ago. In 2023, PodWheels Executive Producer was introduced to Alex Ayala, who serves as a Safety Consultant for H-E-B Grocery. As you will hear in this edition of the podcast, Alex works with the H-E-B drivers who qualify for the NTDCs. And, in 2025, while competing in the state of Texas, Alex and H-E-B experienced the joy of seeing six of their drivers...
2025-09-1013 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsChampionship Saturday Moment Rewind: Jersey Legend Wilbert Vano Continues To Inspire
Not long after the finalists had been announced and the vehicle parade ended on Championship Saturday in Minneapolis, PodWheels witnessed a moment that we will be featuring with this rewind episode which truly embodies the full spectrum of competition and respect that takes place each year at the NTDCs. Wilbert Vano, a six-time State Grand Champion and true legend from New Jersey with XPO, had struck up a conversation with Matt Lamielle, a General Manager with DHL Supply Chain. Matt is part of the DHL Team looking to grow his company’s participation and success in both th...
2025-09-0913 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsRewinding To Two Weeks Ago, Looking Deeper Into NTDC 2025
Recorded four days after the closing night of NTDC 2025, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson and Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero sit down for an extended look at what took place in Minneapolis during NTDC Week for 2025. As you will hear, Greg is actually still onsite in the Twin Cities at the time of the recording. This episode touches on many topics and a number of award winners from the competition, including going behind the scenes to hear about Eugene’s conversations with the participants in the championship round after they had finished their drives.
Yo...
2025-09-0752 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsMaine NTDC Rewind: Lewis Now Four Generations Deep In Reaching Nationals
One of the many highlights of PodWheels’ onsite coverage of NTDC 2025 in Minneapolis was the time that we spent with the Lewis family. As part of our NTDC 2025 Rewind Series, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson takes us back to Friday of NTDC week when he talked with Warren, Nate and Andrew Lewis, representing three of the four generations of their family who have won Maine State TDC State titles, making regular trips to the Nationals.
As you will hear in this episode of the podcast, the Lewis Family TDC tradition began in the 1950s with Wa...
2025-09-0620 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsNTDC Host Rewind: Minnesota’s John Hausladen Inspired By Professional Drivers
On Thursday of NTDC Week, PodWheels had the opportunity to sit down and have an extended conversation with John Hausladen, who has served as the President & CEO of the Minnesota Trucking Association since 1996. As you will hear in this episode of the podcast, NTDC 2025 marked the fourth time during John’s tenure with the MTA that the Twin Cities have served as the host of the National Championships.
As John shares with the podcast, the dedication to safety and overall professionalism in the face of continual challenges have left an indelible impression upon him across hi...
2025-09-0215 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsRewind With ATA Chairman: Dellinger Salutes Commitment To Excellence At NTDC
Recorded on the opening day of NTDC 2025 Week, ATA Chairman Dennis Dellinger tells our podcast that he was so impressed with his visit to the National Championships in 2024 that he made plans to be onsite in Minneapolis for the entire run of NTDC 2025. As you will hear in another episode from our NTDC 2025 Rewind Series, Dennis was part of the Champions Orientation Meeting on Wednesday, taking the podium and sharing a warm welcome and words of encouragement.
During his conversation with PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson, Dennis expressed his appreciation for the achievements and, in...
2025-08-2818 minNational Truck Driving Championships2023 NTDC Grand Champion Gragg Wilson Shares Retirement Plans
Not long after the finalists had been announced on Championship Saturday, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson walked up to say hello to two of the past Grand Champions – Wayne Crowder (2004) and Gragg Wilson (2023). In addition to having their names etched forever on the Bendix Grand Champion trophy, both Wayne and Gragg have served as Captains on America’s Road Team. And, as we learn in this edition of the podcast, Wayne and Gragg will share another title within the next few months. Gragg will be joining Wayne in retirement.
While the Championship Round driving course was...
2025-08-2510 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsAn All-Time Legend Returns For Friday Fun At NTDC 2025
When the second day of driving and pre-trip competition got underway on Friday of NTDC 2025 Week, the annual celebration of safety welcomed Minnesota native and NTDC Legend Ray Simon as one of the spectators. Ray is the only professional driver who has won three National Grand Championships, and Ray accomplished his trifecta during the only three times he qualified for NTDC. Now retired and living in nearby St. Cloud, Ray made the trip to the Minneapolis Convention Center, where he was greeted by some old friends as well as current competitors who still marvel at his unmatched...
2025-08-2344 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsGetting To Know JoyRide Logistics: A Friend of the Podcast Sponsor Spotlight
The NTDC 2025 Podcast salutes JoyRide Logistics as a Friend of the Podcast Sponsor of our onsite coverage from Minneapolis of this year’s National Championships. JoyRide Logistics will also be joining us for our post-event coverage of all things NTDC, and we wanted to provide you an opportunity to get to know the story of JoyRide Logistics and the company’s commitment to safety.
In the days prior to traveling to Minneapolis for NTDC 2025, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson chatted with Kemal Balihodzic, the Executive Vice President of JoyRide Logistics. As you will hear, Kemal shar...
2025-08-2312 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsRecord Number Of Women State Champions In Spotlight At NTDC 2025
On Day Two of NTDC 2025, five vehicle divisions hit the course and went through the Pre-Trip phase of the National Championships, and Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero filled his notebook (and audio recorder) with many great conversations. With a record 15 state champions in the NTDC field, Eugene caught up with Ina Daly, Haley Ooms and Karen Roderick to get their perspectives on what they experienced on the course as well as the growth in the number of women who have qualified for NTDC.
Eugene shares his tour and his audio highlights of Day Two...
2025-08-2248 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsDay One Of NTDC 2025: Warm Welcomes, Walkthroughs and Test Taking
The NTDC 2025 Podcast opens our onsite coverage of the National Championships in Minneapolis with a look back at Day One. PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson and Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero share their reflections on Opening Day of NTDC 2025. You’ll hear the heartfelt speech from Jackie Reed, the 2024 NTDC Grand Champion. You’ll also hear the fun welcome to the host state by John Hausladen, the President and CEO of the Minnesota Trucking Association. As you’ll hear, Greg and Eugene recorded this episode in the arena at the convention center as the competitors began to do...
2025-08-2138 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsNTDC 2025 Is Here! Let The Fun Begin
As the champions prepare to gather in Minneapolis for today’s Driver Orientation Meeting on the Opening Day of the National Truck Driving & National Step Van Driving Championships, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson and Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero take some time to look back on our podcast journey on the Road To Minneapolis. They also provide a look ahead at what will be taking place at NTDC 2025.
As you will hear, both Greg and Eugene have a great sense of anticipation for the start of NTDC 2025, like the arrival of...
2025-08-2043 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsPart 3 Of NTDC 2025 Preview Series: Looking At Tanker, Sleeper and Twins
In the finale of our three-part preview series, Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero and PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson take an inside look at the competitors lining up in the Tanker, Sleeper and Twins vehicle classes. As you’ll hear, the Tanker Division alone has three previous National Grand Champions, including Jackie Reed, the 2024 Grand Champion. Sleeper is filled with accomplished veterans and newcomers seeking to grab the gold. Twins features a strong group as well, including Colorado’s Dave Mogler, who won a National Championship last year in 3-Axle.
JoyRide Logistics is focused on be...
2025-08-1927 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsNTDC 2025 Preview Part 2: Going Inside 4-Axle, 5-Axle and Flatbed
Our division-by-division preview of NTDC 2025 continues with deep dives into the 4-Axle, 5-Axle and Flatbed vehicle classes. Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero and PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson discuss the return of Joe Hicks, the defending 4-Axle National Champion and the pride of Rhode Island.
The 5-Axle Class features a pair of two-time National Grand Champions with the return to competition of Dale Duncan from Utah along with the 20th NTDC appearance of Roland Bolduc, NTDC Grand Champion in 2017 and 2022 from Connecticut. This episode also shines a spotlight on Flatbed, and among those state...
2025-08-1829 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsNTDC Division Preview Series: Get The Latest On Step Van, Straight Truck and 3-Axle
As we count down the final hours to the start of NTDC 2025 in Minneapolis, Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero and PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson introduce the first episode of a three-part series that looks at all nine vehicle class divisions. In Part One, Eugene and Greg will be focusing on Step Van, Straight and 3-Axle, talking about competitors and how things look going into the Nationals. It’s a fun conversation that places a spotlight on each of the divisions. JoyRide Logistics is serving as our Friend of the Podcast Sponsor for this episode. JoyRide Lo...
2025-08-1728 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsNorth Dakota Grand Champion David Comings Bringing Family Cheering Section To NTDC 2025
David Comings of FedEx Freight has been looking forward to making a family trip to neighboring Minnesota ever since he qualified for NTDC 2025 in Minneapolis by winning the 5-Axle vehicle class at the North Dakota Truck Driving Championships on June 21. The fourth career vehicle class state title for David opened the door to position him to earn his first State TDC Grand Championship.
A father with a family of six children, David had quite the cheering section back in June, and, as he shares with us in this edition of the podcast, David and his...
2025-08-1628 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsIn The Money Once Again: North Carolina’s Michael Bills Arriving At NTDC With Third State Grand Championship
A veteran of North Carolina Truck Driving Championships since 2011, Michael Bills of FedEx has become a regular qualifier for a trip to the Nationals. In 2025, Michael navigated his way to his ninth state vehicle class title while also claiming his third Grand Championship crown competing in the Tar Heel State. In this edition of the podcast, Michael talks about his TDC and NTDC experiences with Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero.
In the closing section of this episode, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson discusses the long list of accomplished competitors who have qualified for this...
2025-08-1524 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsGroendyke Transport’s Bret Woodring Looking Forward To His Rookie Trip To NTDC
While Bret Woodring from Groendyke Transport was pleasantly surprised to hear his name called as the Tanker Division State Champion at the Oklahoma Truck Driving Championships in June, he was so stunned by the next announcement that a friend had to tell Bret, “It’s you, dude!” In this episode of the podcast, Bret shares the moment he realized that he had earned the Grand Championship for the state of Oklahoma, an honor Bret accomplished in only his second year of competing at the state TDC.
Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero and PodWheels Executive Produc...
2025-08-1440 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsMinneapolis NTDC Trip Brings Scott Lorio Together With His Father
You can understand why Scott Lorio of FedEx Freight put a special circle around the dates for NTDC 2025 in Minneapolis. Of course, Scott who has become a regular within the NTDC by winning four state titles and two State Grand Championships while competing in Montana wanted to go back to NTDC this year. But, as Scott shares with us, his victory in the Twins Class en route to securing his third Montana State Grand Championship meant he had punched his ticket to Minneapolis, which also happens to be where his father lives. Scott will indeed have a...
2025-08-1343 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsFun Facts & Insights From Your NTDC 2025 Podcast Co-Hosts
As our series is just two episodes away from our 50th release of 2025, we wanted to take a moment to step back from our spotlight interviews to share some fun facts and insights from your NTDC 2025 Podcast co-hosts, Eugene Mulero and Greg Thompson. As you’ll hear, this episode was inspired by Eugene, who wanted to provide our audience with the opportunity to get to know the people behind the microphone asking the majority of the questions you hear in this series.
While Eugene and Greg do touch on a few notes related to NTDC, th...
2025-08-0533 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsUpdate On NTDC 2025 Preparations From ATA’s Jacob Pierce As Final Countdown Begins
Seven months and 45 episodes ago, Jacob Pierce from the American Trucking Associations was the first featured guest on this podcast just three days into the start of the New Year. Now, as we stand less than three weeks away from the start of NTDC 2025, Jacob returns to the show to talk to us about the months-long preparations and what we can expect in Minneapolis when the competition begins on August 20th. For those new to the podcast, Jacob is an Executive Director for ATA overseeing the Safety Management Council and the Transportation Security Council. And when it...
2025-08-0253 minNational Truck Driving Championships11-Time Oregon Grand Champion Dan Shamrell Ready For His 19th NTDC Trip
How do you become a living legend within the NTDC Community? That’s the one question we did not ask Dan Shamrell, who is our featured guest on this episode of the podcast. First of all, Dan is far too humble to try to attempt to answer that question. As you will hear in this episode, Dan would much rather talk about his family, the friends he’s made through his experience in state and national competitions and, most importantly, his focus on staying safe on the road.
Dan’s record is the stuff of legends...
2025-07-3047 minNational Truck Driving Championships‘Rhode Warriors’ Chris Maxwell And Al D’Angelo Celebrate Joe Hicks In TDC Look Back
In the days prior to winning what would be his 7th career Rhode Island State TDC Grand Championship, Joe Hicks of XPO was being honored on the floor of the Rhode Island State House. Joe heard a proclamation from the Rhode Island Speaker of the House being read to commemorate his National Championship victory in 4-Axle at NTDC 2024.
Alongside Joe at the State Capitol that day was his XPO Service Center Manager Al D’Angelo, who also serves as the Chairman of the Rhode Island Trucking Association. Joining Joe and Al for the ceremony was Ch...
2025-07-1028 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsTim Stanga Captures Grand Champion’s Gold In Silver State TDC
For 2025 Nevada TDC Grand Champion Tim Stanga, the journey back to the NTDC took a little more than a decade and included a move to Las Vegas. The last time Tim was part of the Nationals field was in 2014 when he qualified as part of Team Arizona as a state champion. Tim put himself in contention for the gold of the Silver State’s Grand Championship by first winning the 4-Axle Vehicle Class State Title. In this episode, Tim shares his recent memories on his day at the Nevada TDC with Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero....
2025-06-2130 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsCertain Recognition: TTA TDC Awards Banquet Crowns Champs & Honors Driver of the Year
For this episode of the series, PodWheels went on the road to attend the Tennessee State TDC Awards Banquet that was held on the first Saturday in May, following the two-day competition. Hosted by the Tennessee Trucking Association, the State TDC Banquet not only honors all the competitors seeking to be a part of NTDC 2025, but the evening is also reserved to spotlight the state’s Driver of the Year. With nearly three million safe driving miles compiled over a career that spans some four decades, Terry Certain of XPO definitely earned his time on stage when he...
2025-06-1827 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsGeorgia’s Herschel Evans Pays Tribute To Matt Awbrey With Grand Championship Win
For Herschel Evans and for everyone involved in this year’s Georgia Truck Driving Championships, the event was a true emotional rollercoaster. The cheers for the hard-earned victories that secured championships and positions in the NTDC 2025 field were softened by the fact that the Georgia Trucking Community had lost a champion and a friend with the passing of Matt Awbrey following the first day of the competition.
Matt and Herschel had been friends and TDC training partners for many years, and Herschel had worked with Matt again prior to this year’s Georgia TDC. As you...
2025-06-1133 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsRollin’ With Roland: Talking With Jimmy Dixon Ahead Of Tri-State TDCs
As the competitors prepare to hit the course this Saturday in the Tri-State TDCs, we saved an interview that two-time National Grand Champion Roland Bolduc recorded with Jimmy Dixon earlier this year for our Rollin’ With Roland features. Both Roland and Jimmy are slated to be a part of the field at the Tri-State as the TDCs for Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts will decide who qualifies from those respective states to go on the Road To Minneapolis for NTDC 2025. As you’ll hear, Roland gets Jimmy to look back at his run during NTDC 2024 when he earn...
2025-06-0657 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsTaking Stock Of The Journey So Far On The Road To Minneapolis
Just before the State Trucking Driving Championships got rolling again on May 31, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson sat down with Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero to dedicate an episode of the podcast to looking back at the state TDCs that are already in the books on the Road To Minneapolis. Recorded on May 30th, Greg and Eugene discuss the fact the NTDC 2025 field will feature four previous National Grand Champions with the prospect of even more legends joining an all-star national championships field. Will Minneapolis be an NTDC where the experience of the Old Guard shines...
2025-06-0237 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsWashington’s Chris Poynor Surprised By Fourth State TDC Grand Championship
Despite having won two national championships, multiple state championships and claiming three previous state grand championships, Chris Poynor was not expecting to hear his name called when the Washington Trucking Associations announced its 2025 State Grand Champion in mid-April. As you’ll hear in this super-sized state grand champion edition of the podcast, Chris holds a deep appreciation for his victories in the 2025 Washington State TDC.
Chris, who recently surpassed two million safe driving miles in his career that spans more than 25 years, takes us inside his approach to road safety and his preparations for the st...
2025-05-3158 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsRickey Oliver Shines Once Again As The Mississippi TDC Grand Champion
In listening to what Rickey Oliver shared in this edition of the podcast, he was quite surprised to hear his name was called as the Grand Champion of the Mississippi Truck Driving Championships. In fact, despite earning 10 previous berths to compete at the NTDCs, Rickey still had a moment of doubt when the Mississippi Trucking Association officials announced the top three finishers in the 5-Axle Class. The announcement of Rickey as the 5-axle champion erased any doubts as the veteran Walmart driver earned his 11th vehicle class state title. The 2025 Mississippi State Grand Championship was the third...
2025-05-2930 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsNew Jersey’s Wilbert Vano Prepares To Take His Shot at 14th Trip To Nationals
The countdown to the New Jersey Truck Driving Championships is down to a matter of days as May 31 approaches. It should be no surprise that five-time Garden State Grand Champion Wilbert Vano has his sights set on making his 14th NTDC trip. The 2023 New Jersey Driver of the Year, Wilbert earned his first National Championship at NTDC 2022, winning the top trophy in the 3-Axle Division. For this episode of the podcast, Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero had an opportunity to talk to Wilbert a few weeks ago, just as the weather was warming up and Wilbert...
2025-05-2438 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsLouisiana Grand Champion Chad Rudesill Builds On Family Tradition
In this State Grand Champion episode, we get to know Chad Rudesill, who claimed the top title at the nation’s first State TDC on the schedule. Chad closed out February with a performance that earned him the honor of becoming the Grand Champion of Louisiana. Chad’s victory in the 3-Axle Division set the stage for his first Grand Champion title. Chad’s father, Patrick, who inspired his son to join the trucking industry and eventually enter the TDC arena, brought home the third-place trophy this year in the 5-Axle Division. As Chad shares with Transport Topics...
2025-05-1720 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsFun, Fundraising & TDC Practice Runs: Looking Back At Safety Drive For A Cure Event
For this episode of the Official Podcast of NTDC 2025, we will be rewinding the clock back to Saturday, March 23rd, when PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson made an onsite visit to the 14th Annual Safety Drive For A Cure, which took place in Atlanta. Led by America’s Road Team Captain and TA Citizen Driver of the Year Herschel Evans, the Safety Drive For A Cure is a fundraising event supporting the mission of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. The Safety Drive annually brings together some 200 drivers from across the country who are gathering for a great ca...
2025-04-241h 11National Truck Driving ChampionshipsTaking You Inside The NTDC Organizing Committee’s ‘Pre-Trip’ Visit To Minneapolis
Each year, the NTDC Organizing Committee makes a visit to the host site for the National Championships months ahead of the event taking place. This year, the NTDC Organizing Committee circled mid-March as the date to visit the Minneapolis Convention Center to conduct a “pre-trip” inside the facility, hold planning meetings and tour the immediate area that will be the home for the 2025 National Truck Driving and National Step Van Driving Championships. Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero also made the trip to Minneapolis and he was able to interview seven members of the NTDC Organizing Committee for...
2025-04-1756 min
Destinations From PodWheelsSpotlighting Eugene Mulero’s Teaching Work With Students At George Mason University
In this episode of our Destinations Podcast Series, we will be spotlighting Eugene Mulero, a Senior Reporter from Transport Topics, who you can also hear on the National Truck Driving Championships Podcast from PodWheels. As you will hear through this episode, Eugene is also a part of the faculty at George Mason University. On February 24, Eugene was a featured guest on the Dave Nemo Radio Show, which is broadcast nationally on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio. As part of his interview with Eugene, veteran broadcaster Dave Nemo took some time to place a spotlight on Eugene’s work with...
2025-03-0317 minNational Truck Driving Championships2024 Darmstadter Award Winner Richard Sweeney Shares Career Reflections With Roland Bolduc
We are thrilled to introduce a new segment on the podcast with our first Rollin’ With Roland feature interview. As you will hear, two-time NTDC Grand Champion Roland Bolduc sits down to have a competitor-to-competitor conversation with Richard Sweeney. A perennial member of the NTDC field and a model of driving excellence from the state of Massachusetts, Rich was selected as the recipient of the Neill Darmstadter Professional Excellence Award during NTDC 2024. Roland, who is Rich’s long-time training partner, takes the conversation back to Rich’s first experiences in trucking as a kid and learning how to dri...
2025-02-0348 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsLooking Ahead By Flashing Back: Experiencing Championship Saturday Morning
As we begin to look toward the State Truck Driving Championships to begin the first miles on the road to NTDC 2025 in Minneapolis, our podcast thought it would be an ideal time to roll back the clock. This episode will allow us to actually do a rewind to Championship Saturday Morning last year in Indianapolis. At NTDC 2024, we had an opportunity to be on the arena floor during the Parade of Champions. In this edition of the podcast, you will hear what is a time capsule of some great conversations with a collection of State Champions from 2024...
2025-01-2538 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsMeet National Champ Brandon Hardy: Reigning NTDC Five Axle Title Holder
Our National Champions Series continues on the podcast as we spend time with Brandon Hardy, the reigning NTDC champion in the 5-Axle division. You will hear Eugene Mulero’s in-depth conversation that covers Brandon’s career in trucking and his experiences within precision driving that led to his title run at NTDC 2024 in Indianapolis. Along with hearing Brandon’s reflections on becoming a national champion, this episode also explores the importance of preparation, staying humble and consistently improving.
Questions Or Feedback: Do you have a question for NTDC 2025 Podcast co-hosts Eugene Mulero and Greg Thompson? Is the...
2025-01-2231 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsATA’s Jacob Pierce Ready To Start On The Road To Minneapolis And NTDC 2025
The time has arrived to officially start our podcast journey toward NTDC 2025 and the road to Minneapolis. The first mile of the trip begins with our interview with Jacob Pierce from the American Trucking Associations. Jacob is an Executive Director for ATA overseeing the Safety Management Council and the Transportation Security Council. For anyone new to the NTDC and new to our podcast, Jacob is the point person on staff at ATA serving as the liaison for the National Truck Driving & National Step Van Driving Championships.
Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero and PodWheels Executive...
2025-01-0345 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsGiving Thanks For Our Listeners And Launching Our National Champions Series
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, our podcast takes some time to reflect on the past year and the tremendous support of our listeners. Also, in this episode, you will hear the first segment in our National Champions Series as we begin to feature the nine professional drivers who earned the title of National Champion at NTDC 2024. We will be starting this series with an onsite visit talking to NTDC 2024 Grand Champion Jackie Reed, the National Champion in the Tanker Division. PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson spent some time with Jackie just before he was honored for his achievements...
2024-11-2516 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsCelebrating Grand Champion Jackie Reed & Special Memories of NTDC 2024
In this can’t miss episode, our podcast returns after a brief break to feature the first in-depth interview with Jackie Reed, the Grand Champion of NTDC 2024. Jackie spoke with Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero. The interview featured in this episode took place as the initial excitement over Jackie’s first national title in the Tanker Class had also started to become the reality of claiming the Grand Champ’s title. You’ll also hear part of the conversation that PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson had with Jackie in October. In addition to looking back at Jackie’s...
2024-10-2738 minDestinations From PodWheelsHonoring Music Legend Dickey Betts By Revisiting 1983 Interview
This episode of Destinations is being shared by PodWheels to pay tribute to Dickey Betts, a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band. It’s been almost six months since Betts’ passing at the age of 80 in mid-April. Earlier this year, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson revisited his personal archives and the 1983 interview he had set up with Betts and Chuck Leavell, the one-time keyboard player for the Allman Brothers who has also been a part of the Rolling Stone for 42 years and counting. Thompson was in Minnesota at the time of Betts’ passing and he was able to connec...
2024-10-0756 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsConvoy Of Hope Shines In First Trip To NTDC
The Convoy Of Hope is familiar with answering the call for assistance. As an organization dedicated to feeding children throughout the world and a specialist in providing help with disaster response, the Convoy Of Hope knows how to get involved and lend a hand. Prior to NTDC 2024, Convoy Of Hope got a request from the event organizers about providing equipment to be used on the course in Indianapolis. Convoy Of Hope responded by providing equipment that included a well-appointed, dry-van trailer with the organization’s logo shining across the course like a moving billboard. PodWheels Executive Producer Gr...
2024-09-1506 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsCelebrating Carl Krites’ Emotional & Inspirational Visit To NTDC 2024
On Championship Saturday, XPO’s Wilbert Vano was pleasantly surprised when he spotted an old friend walk into the Indianapolis Convention Center as the championship drive-off round was taking place. Fellow XPO driver Carl Krites, who earned the 2010 National Grand Championship with his mother in the stands cheering him to victory, was making his first visit to the NTDC in many years. Born in a small town in Ohio, Carl had many family and friends on hand when he won it all in Columbus 14 years ago. PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson spent some time chatting with Carl and...
2024-09-0715 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsNTDC Competitors Hit The Driving Course: An Inside Look
As the competitors from five of the driving classifications hit the driving course, our podcast team of PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson and Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero worked to take our listeners inside the happenings at NTDC 2024. Eugene caught up with two-time Grand Champion Roland Bolduc, and Greg sat down with Ben Atkinson, who shares the amazing story of how he reached the nationals this year. As you will hear, Ben’s third-place finish in Twins at the Florida TDC and his diligence in maintaining a spotless safe driving record prior to NTDC paid a su...
2024-08-2433 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsDay One of NTDC 2024: Going Behind The Scenes In Indianapolis
As we hit the ground in Indianapolis for the NTDC 2024, our podcast was on hand for the orientation and welcome for this year’s field of competitors. In this episode of the podcast, Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero and PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson take you behind the scenes of Day One. You will hear welcoming presentations from Senator Mike Braun from Indiana and Gragg Wilson, the 2023 NTDC Grand Champion. We close out our look behind the scenes by listening to Jason Wing from the NTDC Organizing Committee leading this year’s field of competitors through the...
2024-08-2221 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsNTDC 2024 Organizing Committee Chair Patti Gillette Is Ready For Indianapolis
On August 9, our podcast had the privilege of welcoming special guest Patti Gillette, who is the Chairwoman of the NTDC Organizing Committee for the 2024 event. Patti was very generous with her time as we covered a number of topics of interest for the participants who have reached the nationals, their families and the fans of the event. Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero and PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson conduct an interview you don’t want to miss ahead of the start of NTDC 2024.
We would also like to invite you to read the latest NT...
2024-08-1947 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsEugene Mulero Looks Back At NTDC’s History With Radio Legend Dave Nemo
In this special episode of the podcast, we will be bringing you a segment from the Dave Nemo Weekends radio show that originally aired during Father’s Day Weekend. Trucking Radio Pioneer and legendary broadcaster Dave Nemo had asked Eugene Mulero from Transport Topics to join him on Dave Nemo Weekends, which airs every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 to 11:00 Eastern Time on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio Channel 146.
For this episode of Dave Nemo Weekends, Dave had asked PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson to ride in the jump seat for the course of the show...
2024-07-1428 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsSpotlighting FedEx’s Dan Shamrell & Tim Blair On Road Back To NTDC
As we close out May and begin the final countdown to NTDC 2024, we will spend some time talking with Dan Shamrell from Oregon and Tim Blair from Tennessee. In addition to being members of the FedEx Team who have earned a spot in this year’s Nationals in Indianapolis, Dan and Tim have both shown the power that the pre-trip phase in the competition can have on your score. As you’ll hear, Dan, in winning the Grand Champion’s title in Oregon, is making his 18th trip to the NTDC. Meanwhile, Tim is now the two-time Tennes...
2024-05-2943 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsNTDC Nevada Shocker & Our Chat With Georgia’s Herschel Evans
In this supersized edition of the podcast, you will hear an interview with the 2024 Grand Champion from Nevada, Matt Hart. Podcast co-host Eugene Mulero, a Senior Reporter with Transport Topics, talks with Matt about earning the top prize in the Silver State, and Eugene also discusses the stunning news that Gragg Wilson, the 2023 NTDC Grand Champion, finished second in the Nevada state qualifier. This means Wilson will not be able to defend his championship this year in Indianapolis. You’ll also hear PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson’s interview with Herschel Evans, a two-time National Champion from Georg...
2024-04-251h 00National Truck Driving ChampionshipsNTDC Rookie Tim Blair Taking The Time To Savor His First Trip To The Nationals
As he looked out over the road course one day before he would be driving on it, Tim Blair, a State Champion from Tennessee, was all smiles. Tim, who first competed at the state level in 2019, tells Greg Thompson from PodWheels about his journey to reach the NTDCs. Tim, who also became a Captain for the Tennessee Road Team this year, also shares his thoughts on the opportunity to be a part of what has become a celebration of safety.
The post NTDC Rookie Tim Blair Taking The Time To Savor His First Trip To...
2023-08-1810 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsEddie Pennington Capping 47-Year Trucking Career With 12th Trip To NTDCs
Some 22 years after Eddie Pennington began his trucking career in 1976, he won his first of 12 State Championships in Florida. The 2023 edition of the NTDCs will be his last run at the nationals as Eddie plans to retire at some point in the next year. Tim Taylor, a Captain with America’s Road Team and a friend of Eddie’s, asked PodWheels to spend some time talking with Eddie and looking back a career that includes four million safe driving miles. Tim, who is a course announcer at NTDC 2023, joins Greg Thompson from PodWheels in our chat with Eddi...
2023-08-1721 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsRobert Fosky Shares Perspective Of Former NTDC Competitor & Current Event Committee Member
Jimmy Mac spends some time with Robert Foskey, who began his career behind the wheel and today serves as the Global Health and Safety Manager from UPS. As you’ll hear, Robert is the Second Vice Chairman of the organizing committee for NTDC 2023 and he is also a past competitor in the Truck Driving Championships at both the state and national levels.
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2023-08-1116 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsEugene Mulero From Transport Topics Shares Why The NTDC Has Become A Must-See Event
Jimmy Mac chats with Transport Topics Report Eugene Mulero about the National Truck Driving Championships and how Eugene has develop a deep admiration for the event since he first began covering the NTDCs in 2017.
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2023-08-0517 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsNTDC Chairman Rodney Myers Discusses Importance of National Truck Driving Championships
As we get set to bring you the stories and take you behind the scenes with podcasts detailing the 2023 Championships, we wanted to take some time to set the stage for the event. In this first episode of our 2023 series, Jimmy Mac talks with Rodney Myers from FedEx Freight, who is the Chairman overseeing this year’s National Truck Driving Championships
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2023-08-0417 minDestinations From PodWheelsLong Haul Paul Discusses Legends of the Lost Highway CDIn this Liner Notes edition of our Destinations Series, Long Haul Paul Marhoefer goes in-depth on the making of his newest CD release, Legends of the Lost Highway. Greg Thompson from PodWheels met Long Haul Paul while he was on the road to have an extended conversation about the album and a recording career that […]
The post Long Haul Paul Discusses Legends of the Lost Highway CD appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.
2023-05-2315 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsCelebrating Roland Bolduc’s Grand Championship Victory
To mark the six-month anniversary since we launched the PodWheels Powered By RadioNemo platform, we are taking an exit ramp that will roll us back to mid-August when we were onsite at the National Truck Driving & National Step Van Driving Championships. Roland Bolduc earned his second career Grand Champion title at NTDC 2022. As we look forward to an exciting road ahead for PodWheels, we spent some time with Roland, who we asked to look back at his dedication to excellence and the road that brought him to the NTDC podium with the Grand Champion’s trophy in hi...
2022-10-2131 minDestinations From PodWheelsCelebrating Roland Bolduc’s Grand Championship VictoryTo mark the six-month anniversary since we launched the PodWheels Powered By RadioNemo platform, we are taking an exit ramp that will roll us back to mid-August when we were onsite at the National Truck Driving & National Step Van Driving Championships. Roland Bolduc earned his second career Grand Champion title at NTDC 2022. As […]
The post Celebrating Roland Bolduc’s Grand Championship Victory appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.
2022-10-2131 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsATA’s Elisabeth Barna Reflects On Memorable NTDC 2022
In our first post-event episode for this podcast series covering the National Truck Driving & National Step Van Driving Championships, Elisabeth Barna from the American Trucking Associations takes some time with us to look back at a very memorable NTDC 2022. Elisabeth, who is the Executive Vice President of Industry Affairs and Senior Advisor to ATA President and CEO Chris Spear, discusses the total team effort that came together to hold the first NTDC since 2019 and how the event had been impacted by the COVID pandemic. You’ll also hear Elisabeth reflect on the honor she had of announcing th...
2022-08-2623 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsSpecial Feature: Taking You Inside The NTDC Road Course
On the first day of the competition, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson had the opportunity to spend some time at NTDC 2022 with four captains from America’s Road Team. While Captain Rhonda Hartman provided Greg with a view of the road course problems the competitors encounter during a ride-along in a truck on the media course, Captain Wayne Crowder, who is the 2004 NTDC Grand Champion, took us for a guided tour of the actual road course from a golf cart. The combination of the two ride-alongs will help put listeners in the driver’s seat at the NTDC...
2022-08-1924 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsRuan’s Dan Van Alstine Preparing For His Term As ATA Chairman
Dan Van Alstine, the current Vice Chairman of the American Trucking Associations, talked with Greg Thompson on the day of his eight-year-anniversary as President of Ruan. Dan, who will become the Chairman of ATA in October, shares his thoughts on just why this year’s NTDC event is so important and poignant. He also discusses how he will approach the next year at the helm of ATA. As you will hear, Dan believes that it’s important to focus on issues at the state level. Dan also shares his thoughts about the importance of taking care of peop...
2022-08-1915 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsAntoine Sadler Shines As A Rookie At NTDC 2022
In this episode, you’ll meet Antoine Sadler who never really expected to be at NTDC 2022 when he responded to a request from his team at Wal-Mart to enter the North Carolina State Championship. Antoine took a no-pressure approach when he went to state, and he claimed the championship. Greg Thompson talked to Antoine about his route to the nationals and his experience as a rookie at NTDC 2022. Antoine, who is part of Wal-Mart’s Road Team and a Board Member for Truckers Against Trafficking, also discussed the importance of giving back to the community and the truc...
2022-08-1915 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsJimmy Mac Reflects On Trip To NTDC 2022
Shortly after finishing up two days of onsite broadcasting the Dave Nemo Show from NTDC 2022 in Indianapolis, Jimmy Mac, the host of Dave Nemo Weekends, sat down with Greg Thompson of PodWheels to get Jimmy’s immediate impressions of his first-ever trip to the National Truck Driving and National Step Van Driving Championships. While he touched on several different highlights that stood out for him, NTDC 2022, Jimmy observed that, whether it was with a driver competing in the event, a volunteer, a fleet owner or an official, this championship event from the ATA, featured a common threads of...
2022-08-1909 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsTrucking Is A Family Tradition For Dion Saiz
Dion Saiz from FedEx Express joins Jimmy Mac to discuss what it’s like to represent FedEx as a Road Team Captain for the ATA. Dion got his start 26 years ago following in his father’s footsteps. His now-retired dad was a Road Captain, as well. The two were the first father-and-son duo to compete in the nationals in the same year. Dion tells Jimmy that competing at the NTDC makes you a better driver everyday.
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2022-08-1809 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsCatching Up With Retired Road Team Captain Greg Nauertz
What does a truck driver do upon retiring? If you are Greg Nauertz, an America’s Road Team Captain, you hop in an RV with wife Caroljane and you zip around the country visiting family, attending class reunions and simply enjoy life on the road. Jimmy Mac gets the 411 from Greg on life as a retired professional driver. Greg also talks about what it was like being a Road Team Captain. Looking at the industry today, Greg shares his observations about the variety of opportunities available in the trucking industry such as OTR, local, regional and other jo...
2022-08-1808 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsIMTA’s Gary Langston Talks Indiana, Trucking & The NTDC
Gary Langston, President and CEO of the Indiana Motor Truck Association, tells Jimmy Mac about how important trucking and the interstate system is to the state of Indiana. Indiana specializes in moving stuff on wheels, but, as Gary shares with Jimmy, the trucking industry is about the drivers.
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2022-08-1809 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsATA President & CEO Chris Spear On Return Of The NTDC
ATA President and CEO Chris Spear joins Jimmy Mac to take a look at why Indianapolis, with the numerous highways that criss-cross through it, but also the plethora of activities going each day, was an ideal choice to host the NTDC event. Chris takes this opportunity to recall the amazing work by the men and women of the trucking industry during the COVID pandemic and beyond – once again demonstrating the essential need for trucking in our everyday lives.
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2022-08-1808 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsRalph Garcia, 42 years On The Road & 22 Trips To NTDC
In this podcast, we hear from one of the most experienced professional drivers who earned the honor of making the trip to the National Truck Driving & National Step Van Championships. With 42 years behind the wheel and now 22 visits to the NTDC in his career driving log, ABF’s Ralph Garcia talks with Jimmy Mac about the dedication involved with being a part of the national championships. He also shares with Jimmy that getting ready for nationals is a year-round endeavor. It is also a family affair that also goes beyond just the week of competition.
Th...
2022-08-1809 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsSteve Fields Values All That NTDC Has To Offer
Beyond the opportunity to compete for national title honors, there are a number of reasons that make the NTDC an event that calls to drivers across the country every year. And while numerous drivers will note the camaraderie, family, community and focus on safety, veteran driver Steve Fields tells Jimmy Mac that he also comes to NTDC to learn about the new equipment that the industry introduces. Steve notes only the best is featured at the event. One of the new improvements he particularly enjoys are the wraps that now adorn trucks.
The post Steve...
2022-08-1807 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsAlphonso Lewis Grateful for Return Of NTDC Event
Jimmy Mac gets an opportunity to catch up with Alphonso Lewis, a veteran driver for Yellow with 30 years of experience. As Jimmy notes, Alphonso has been involved with Wreaths Across America for a number of years. An NTDC Grand Champion in 2007, Alphonso has been to the national championships 10 times. As he tells Jimmy, every NTDC trip is special, but the 2022 championships have a very refreshing feeling because of the NTDC’s return following the pandemic. For Alphonso, being a champion is about being a safe driver, but it starts the night before and getting plenty of rest. Pr...
2022-08-1807 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsNTDC Voice Tina Peterson Always Drawn To Trucking Industry
America’s Road Team Captain Tina Peterson is enjoying the honor of serving as a course announcer at NTDC 2022. In this chat with Jimmy Mac, Tina shares how she discovered the trucking industry at the age of seven while growing up in Wyoming. As a Road Team Captain these days, Tina understands the importance of being an inspiration to young girls and teens as part of the Share the Road program. She is also the owner of a seven-truck fleet that is based in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The post NTDC Voice Tina Peterson Always Drawn To...
2022-08-1810 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsThe Brownawells Make NTDC A Family Event
Jimmy Mac is joined by John Brownawell from Yellow Freight Systems, his fiance Cindy Spinella and their son, Raylan. John tells Jimmy that the NTDC weekend is filled with camaraderie and family fun, but it is also one of stress and nervousness because all 50 competitors are champions. It’s the same for Cindy, who tells Jimmy watching from the stands is just as nerve-wracking. John shares what it is like hearing your name called as the winner of the state championship.
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2022-08-1712 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsSix-Time State Champ Steve Smalley Reflects On NTDC
In this episode, Jimmy Mac visits with industry veteran Steve Smalley, who is volunteering at NTDC 2020. This year, Steve, who has been to many NTDCs over the years as a competitor, is working as an equipment handler at the event. Steve is part of the team making sure that all of the trucks and equipment are in great working order so that all of the competitors have an equal chance to do their best. As a six-time state champion, Steve shares some stories with Jimmy about dealing with nerves during the competition.
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2022-08-1707 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsApril Coolidge & How NTDC Helps To Grow The Industry
In her visit with Jimmy Mac, America’s Road Team Captain April Coolidge talks about the career path that brought her to trucking. April is a North Carolina-based professional driver for Walmart who is volunteering at NTDC. Prior to trucking, April was a real estate broker and when the market collapsed she followed her father’s footsteps and became a professional truck driver. She continues to do real estate in her free time. April loves visiting schools as a Road Team Captain to talk about being a truck driver, and she discusses the power of those visits as w...
2022-08-1707 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsRoad Team’s Rhonda Hartman On Her First Visit To NTDC
In this podcast, Jimmy Mac spends some time chatting with Rhonda Hartman. She is a 40-year veteran of the trucking industry, and she is also a Captain on America’s Road Team. Rhonda is an Iowa-based professional driver for Old Dominion Freight Line and she is part of ATA’s volunteer group at NTDC 2022. As you’ll hear, Rhonda is a trainer for Old Dominion who has developed ways to communicate and teach people from different countries about driving a truck. Rhonda is also a part of the new Women-in-Motion program from ATA.
The post Road T...
2022-08-1710 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsScotty Davis Brings Wealth Of Experience To His Work At NTDC
Scotty Davis is a well-respected veteran of the trucking industry and he is no stranger to the National Truck Driving and National Step Van Driving Championships. Scotty is in charge of the equipment and maintenance at NTDC 2022. In this edition of the podcast, Scotty joins Jimmy Mac to talk about his role at the event and why he chose to volunteer his time at age 69. As you’ll hear, Scotty notes that he brings years of experience as a driver and a safety instructor, as well as a cool level head to his role.
The po...
2022-08-1708 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsRed Classic’s Jason Wing Discusses His NTDC Leadership Role
Jason Wing is the Vice President of Safety and Transportation Operations at Red Classic and he is Chairman of the National Truck Driving & National Step Van Driving Championships for 2022. Jason shares with Jimmy Mac what he is looking for in a company before he agrees to work for them. Safety, camaraderie and community are high on his list, and those are characteristics that he finds important with the NTDC. Jason also discusses why any company should encourage their drivers to strive to make it to the event.
The post Red Classic’s Jason Wing Discusses Hi...
2022-08-1709 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsPast NTDC Chairman Patti Gillette On The Road To The NTDC
Patti Gillette is a veteran of the NTDC and she talks to Jimmy Mac about the road all the competitors take to be a part of the national championships. Patti is a past NTDC Chairman, and is currently NTDC Vice Chairman and Vice President and COO of the Colorado Motor Carriers Association. Patti has been on the NTDC Committee for numerous years and her late husband Sam Gillette was a volunteer. As you’ll hear, the road to become a state champion and qualify for the NTDC event are not all the same.
The post Pa...
2022-08-1712 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsPast Champion Tony Spero Discusses The Value of Practice
Tony Spero, the 2006 NTDC Grand Champion and a driver with ABF Freight out of Connecticut, talks about what it takes to continue to compete at the NTDC. This year, Tony is competing in the Tanker Division in the National Truck Driving and National Step Van Driving Championships. Tony shares with Jimmy Mac not only how important it is to practice on weekends throughout the year, but how vital it is to study for the written test. The mental part of the weekend is just as important and challenging as the driving aspect of the competition.
...
2022-08-1706 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsNTDC’s Safety Example Valued By Yellow CEO Darren Hawkins
Darren Hawkins, CEO of Yellow and Vice Chairman of ATA, talks about having 13 Yellow drivers in Indianapolis at the National Truck Driving and National Step Van Driving Championships. He tells Jimmy Mac, host of Dave Nemo Weekends, why the competition’s emphasis on safety is so important and why it is the reason he encourages drivers to enter the event. Darren and Jimmy also talk about the value of the drivers from different companies sharing tips on safe driving during the weekend.
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2022-08-1709 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsFather & Son: Byron & Bob Bramwell Deliver Smiles At NTDC 2022
Byron and Bob Bramwell are a father and son who have made trucking a family tradition. At NTDC 2022, they are giving back to the industry by serving as volunteers at the event. During their visit with Jimmy Mac, we are reminded that the NTDCs place a focus on the top professionals behind the wheel and families. As you’ll hear during this interview, the NTDC also features plenty of smiles and laughs. In fact, Byron and Bob, as you’ll hear, are so entertaining they could host their own comedy show or make comedy clubs part of thei...
2022-08-1710 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsVeteran Driver Ina Daly Shares Her Experiences At NTDC
Ina Daly is another veteran at this year’s National Truck Driving and National Step Van Driving Championships in Indianapolis. During his conversation with Ina, Jimmy Mac takes Ina back to her experience during her first year at the competition. Looking back, Ina tells Jimmy about being a 26-year-old rookie who didn’t know there would be a written test, much less a book to study from. Moving into the present day, Jimmy talked to Ina about the ATA’s new initiative Women In Motion.
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2022-08-1707 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsPast Grand Champion Wayne Crowder Takes Us Inside The NTDC
Wayne Crowder, a FedEx Freight driver from Kentucky, talks to Jimmy Mac about what it takes to win at the nationals. Wayne is an America’s Road Team Captain who has claimed three national championships during his days as an NTDC competitor. Wayne is also the only rookie to ever earn the title of Grand Champion when he claimed the competition’s top honor in 2004. Wayne tells Jimmy Mac what the drivers are dealing with when it comes to solving the problems put in front of them at the The National Truck Driving and National Step Van Driv...
2022-08-1709 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsMeet Gina Jones, America’s Road Team Captain & Woman In Motion
Gina Jones, an America’s Road Team Captain tells Jimmy Mac, host of Dave Nemo Weekends, what it’s like becoming a track driver a little later in life and what it is like driving with her husband. Spoiler alert, giving each other space is one of the keys. Gina also tells Jimmy that driving a two-wheeled vehicle has similarities to driving one with 18 wheels. It’s also about safety and getting home at the end of each day.
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2022-08-1708 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsThe Long Road Back & Return Of The Championships
On the opening day of the National Truck Driving & National Step Van Driving Championships, we got a look at the road course that will put the driving skills of the competitors to the test. We also got a chance to talk to Jason Wing of Red Classic and Rodney Myers of FedEx Freight. Jason is the Chairman of the NTDC 2022 event and Rodney is serving as the Vice Chairman for NTDC 2022. As you’ll hear, it’s not only been a long road for the competitors to get to NTDC 2022, but it’s been quite a journey follow...
2022-08-1607 minNational Truck Driving ChampionshipsPreview: NTDC 2022, ATA’s Super Bowl Of Safety Aug. 16-19
The National Truck Driving and National Step Van Driving Championships will be taking place in Indianapolis August 16-19. The Dave Nemo Show and PodWheels Powered By RadioNemo will be onsite at NTDC 2022. As we prepare for the event that NTDC host the American Trucking Associations calls the Super Bowl of Safety, PodWheels put together a preview of our coverage coming to you from the national championships. Jimmy Mac, the host of Dave Nemo Weekends, and Greg Thompson, executive producer at PodWheels, look ahead to NTDC 2022. During this podcast, we’ll share a portion of Greg’s NTDC 2019 inte...
2022-08-1412 minDestinations From PodWheelsExploring The Power Of AudioLong Haul Paul and Jimmy Mac return for another thought-provoking ride on the Exit Ramp. Jimmy’s interview with London-based writer and director Julian Simpson on the June 4th edition of Dave Nemo Weekends serves as the primary catalyst for this week’s conversation. Long Haul Paul and Jimmy are joined by Greg Thompson from PodWheels Powered […]
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2022-06-0426 min
Highway To HealthStrengthening Your ImmunityWith the first episode of the series on PodWheels Powered By RadioNemo, Highway To Health Podcast host Nicole Dreiske interviews Dr. Jeffrey Rediger to discuss the topic of strengthening the body’s immune system. As you’ll hear, Dr. Rediger is an expert and a best-selling author on the subject, taking 15 years of research and writing his book, Cured: Strengthen Your Immune System and Heal Your Life. Dr. Rediger, whose brother, David, is a professional truck driver, shares a number of approaches for staying healthy at a time when COVID is still a reality. The Highway To Health Podcast is spon...
2022-05-2519 minDestinations From PodWheelsMerle Haggard’s Connection To TruckingIn our debut episode of the Exit Ramp from PodWheels Powered By RadioNemo, we learn about the strong connection that Country Music legend Merle Haggard developed with professional drivers and the trucking industry. Jimmy Mac, the host of Dave Nemo Weekends, talks with Greg Thompson, the Executive Producer of PodWheels, about the brief performance that […]
The post Merle Haggard’s Connection To Trucking appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.
2022-04-0915 min