Convoy Celebrates Trucking Legacy at National Truck Driving Championships

Not many nonprofits also work in the truck driving world. That’s why a recent opportunity at a national truck driving competition marked a pivotal moment in Convoy of Hope’s history.

Convoy had the privilege of being a part of the National Truck Driving Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana, last week, serving and celebrating alongside over 400 of the nation’s top drivers. 

“It’s like the Superbowl of the trucking world,” said Convoy’s Transportation Safety/Compliance Manager Mike Coble.

The competitors at NTDC first competed in state championships before moving onto the national. Each contestant is to have had a year of safe driving — meaning no accidents — and can be of any age or stage of their trucking career. Drivers fulfill a written exam, inspection test, and a skills test — often called a “truck rodeo” — where drivers compete in a series of courses to demonstrate their driving skills.

The Championships are an incentive for professional drivers to operate safely while competing against the best of the best, according to their website.

There were moments of celebration throughout. The audience cheered as Convoy trucks carefully navigated the courses, working to avoid hitting markers on the ground, which happen to be rubber ducks. One of Convoy’s volunteer drivers, Larry Rhein, who works full time with FedEx freight, won second place in the flatbed class. 

The icing on the cake happened in the opening ceremony when a Convoy of Hope truck, in true “move that bus” style, pulled away to reveal the hundreds of drivers to the crowd of family members, coworkers, and friends.

Coble calls it a significant mark in Convoy’s legacy.

“For the trucking industry, there are not many nonprofits who work with experienced truck drivers. We were able to gain exposure in the trucking industry to an audience we would not have access to otherwise. Our trucks really stood out — you couldn’t miss them.”

Scott Dewey, manager of safety and compliance for FedEx, extended the invitation for Convoy to be there. He said it was the highlight of his career while at NTDC to see Convoy represented. 

“It brought a lot of awareness as to who Convoy of Hope is when people saw that beautiful truck. I love what they are doing, especially in feeding people. The world needs people like Convoy of Hope not only providing food and water, but a pat on the back, showing compassion in their darkest moments.”