NTDC Spotlight: Robert Foskey
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INDIANAPOLIS — Soon after the National Truck Driving Championships kick off, the attention quickly turns to operating a smooth event.
Although organizers spend months planning the annual “Super Bowl of Safety,” sudden adjustments often are necessary once the event begins.
As hundreds of drivers continue to test their skills on the tournament’s third day at the Indiana Convention Center, a seasoned industry executive is there to help guide the organizing team.
This senior officer in the NTDC hierarchy focuses on one key goal: ensuring success. Robert Foskey, NTDC’s organizing committee first vice chairman praised his colleagues’ dedication to celebrating the nation’s elite drivers at this forum. After years of involvement, Foskey will become chairman for next year’s NTDC. He plans to continue promoting the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie he has championed during his tenure.
2024 National Truck Driving Championships
Who: Winners from nine categories at the state level who have advanced to the national competition, where a Grand Champion will be crowned
What: Contestants are judged on a written exam, pre-trip inspection and driving skills
When: Aug. 21-24
Where: Indianapolis
“Right now, we got 400-plus of the best drivers in the country ... and a lot of volunteers out here making it happen,” Foskey told Transport Topics on Aug. 22, as he monitored the floor competition from the sidelines. “The course is going well, pre-trip is going well. The written test — I heard it was pretty difficult, but I’m looking forward to [seeing] who comes out on top on Saturday night.”
NTDC tests competitors on driving skills, vehicle inspections and industry regulations. Top scorers across nine vehicle classes will earn national titles and other honors at a gala Aug. 24.
The competition features drivers from major companies such as Walmart, UPS and XPO, but it’s the event’s family-friendly atmosphere that truly sets it apart.
“The kids cheering on their dads or some kids here that are dressed up like their dad in their work uniforms — relationships from people you only see here once a year if you make it to the nationals,” Foskey said. “It’s an environment that you don’t see in a lot of places.”
#NTDC24 energy is in full swing with this crowd!
Stay tuned as we gear up for more action-packed competitions! Tomorrow morning we’ll announce the finalists, and in the evening a new Bendix Grand Champion will be crowned. Good luck to all the drivers! pic.twitter.com/VpnUQTjvVI — American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG) August 23, 2024
In his role, Foskey emphasizes unity and a collective mission of transportation safety. His decades-long career has been recognized in the private sector and by state and national industry officials. On the NTDC committee, Foskey has been instrumental in explaining the driving course to competitors, considering it an honor to interact with the nation’s top truckers.
Clear communication is essential in what is a complex event. Foskey’s style is direct. As he put it, “Being a driver gives me a little more insight, because I kind of have a feeling what they’re thinking about.”
It's an environment you don't see in a lot of places.
Robert Foskey, NTDC first vice chairman
The vast majority of the country is served by trucking in one way or another, and the NTDC’s focus on safety benefits all of it. That focus on safety is a guiding light for the organizers and volunteers who dedicate countless hours to produce the event.
“I don’t think there’s a position, whether it be in the [written exam], the pre-trip, or the course where you’re just sitting around with nothing to do,” Foskey said. “You’re truly working the entire week and making sure the competition goes off without a hitch.
“We’re here for the drivers,” he added. “All the volunteers are here for the drivers. We’re here to make sure it’s a great competition.”
