Celebrating the safest drivers on the road at the 38th annual “Super Bowl of Safety”
Last weekend, the 38th Annual Pennsylvania Truck Driving Championships (PA TDC) brought together the state’s safest and most skilled drivers in a two-day competition at Kalahari Resorts in the Poconos—an event that has become the highlight of the year for the trucking industry.
Hosted by the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA) and proudly live-streamed by media sponsor Compliance Navigation Specialists (CNS), the PA TDC is more than just a contest—it’s a celebration of professionalism, safety, and pride in the transportation industry.
The Best of the Best Take the Wheel
Out of 188 elite drivers, Matt Fletcher of Martin Brower took home the highest honors, winning the Sleeper Berth class and earning the title of 2025 Grand Champion. This marks a continued legacy for Fletcher, who was the 2024 5-Axle Champion, and it’s another strong showing for Team Martin Brower, known for producing multiple national-level competitors over the years.
Fletcher and other class winners will head to Minneapolis, MN in August to represent Pennsylvania at the American Trucking Associations’ National Truck Driving Championships, where they’ll face off against champions from across the country.
A Family Event Fueled by Passion
Often referred to as the “Super Bowl of Safety,” the PA TDC is a serious competition, but also a heartwarming gathering of over 1,000 friends, family members, and coworkers cheering on their drivers. Supporting the event are more than 200 volunteers, many of whom are former competitors or industry veterans dedicated to giving back to the profession they love.
To even qualify for the state competition, drivers must maintain a perfect safety record with no accidents or violations in the past year. Many practice for months, often with the help of spouses, friends, or co-workers. From parking lot mock courses to intense studying of the annual ATA Facts for Drivers book, the commitment to excellence is clear.
“This isn’t just about trophies—it’s about pride in your craft, advancing your career, and showing America what true professional drivers look like,” said one former champion.
How the Competition Works
Drivers compete in nine vehicle classes, showcasing the diversity of the trucking industry:
- Straight Truck
- 3-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer
- 4-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer
- 5-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer (Van)
- 5-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer (Tank)
- 5-Axle Tractor-Semitrailer (Flatbed)
- Sleeper Berth
- Twin Trailers
- Step Van
Each competitor must complete three rigorous challenges:
- Written Knowledge Test – 40 multiple choice questions based on the ATA’s Facts for Drivers book.
- Pre-Trip Inspection – Identify defects purposely planted on a truck using visual cues.
- Skills Course – Six scored problems that test the ability to maneuver a vehicle with precision, accuracy, and control under pressure.
The 2025 PA TDC Winners
Here are the champions of this year’s competition:
- 3 Axle: Kraig Keller, ABF Freight
- 4 Axle: William Giles, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
- 5 Axle (Van): Dean Herb, GIANT
- Flatbed: Brian Smeltzer, RH Crawford, INC.
- Sleeper: Matt Fletcher, Martin Brower
- Straight Truck: Joenel Guerra Olivi, FedEx
- Tank: Walter Payne, Sherwin-Williams
- Twins: Scott Mullen, XPO
- Step Van: Chuck DiGiovanni, FedEx
- Large Team Champion: Sherwin-Williams
- Small Team Champion: Martin Brower
- Best Written Exam: Brian Krol, Martin Brower
- Best Pre-trip Inspection: Colt Seltzer, UPS
- Rookie of the Year: Jeremy Hartford, Sherwin-Williams
- Grand Champion: Matt Fletcher, Martin Brower
Looking Ahead
The PA Truck Driving Championships will remain at Kalahari Resorts through at least 2030, giving families a reason to make a weekend of it at the indoor waterpark while cheering on their favorite drivers.
Whether you’re a driver dreaming of competing next year or a fan of the industry, don’t miss the full livestream, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes content now available on CNS’s YouTube channel. Subscribe now to relive the action and celebrate the pros who keep our roads safe every day.
To all the drivers, volunteers, families, and companies who made the 2025 PA TDC a success—thank you. Your dedication to safety, excellence, and professionalism is what makes this industry move forward. See you next year!
