Featured Archives | PodWheels

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 the State TDCs and the Nationals.

While Wilbert, with a Top 20 finish in 2025, was disappointed to not be part of the runoff field in 3-Axle, Matt had seen Wilbert drive in New Jersey and he held him in the highest regard. Matt knew Wilbert’s reputation as a great competitor and a true professional. Wilbert, who has made 14 trips to the nationals and won the 3-Axle National title in 2022, was more than happy to chat with Matt, answering questions and sharing some insights that Matt could share in the future with the folks seeking to be a part of NTDC 2026.

For this episode of the podcast, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson talked with Wilbert and Matt about their respective weeks at NTDC 2025 and what they learned. We hope our listeners will find this to be another fun conversation that covers some interesting ground, including Wilbert’s work during basketball season as a high school referee. As a quick side note, DHL did advance one driver to the finals and Merle Ashbaugh from Ohio broke through and claimed the National Championship in the Sleeper Berth Class.

Our Friend of the Podcast Sponsor for this episode of the NTDC 2025 Series is PROJECT 61. Driving health. Fueling life. Supporting the heroes behind the wheel — that’s what PROJECT 61 is all about. Project-61.org is the web address where the change begins. If you’re a driver — or if you care about someone who is — head over to Project-61.org. You’ll find resources to get started, including access to a free mobile app built specifically for life on the road — plus a chance to take the Trucker Health Pledge and show your support for the men and women behind the wheel. You can even make a donation to help PROJECT 61 keep doing this important work across the industry.

The post Championship Saturday Moment Rewind: Jersey Legend Wilbert Vano Continues To Inspire appeared first on PodWheels.

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.

You will also hear Greg share his conversation with Dan and Kathy Shamrell a couple of hours after Dan had won the 3 Axle National Championship in his final NTDC run as he moves toward his retirement. It’s a fun episode that shares a number of great stories from our time onsite in Minneapolis and it also sets up some of what we will be doing on the series as we move toward October and plan our content releases through the end of the year.

Friend Of The Podcast: JoyRide Logistics is serving as our Friend of the Podcast Sponsor for this episode. JoyRide Logistics is focused on being a world-class, customer-focused business. JoyRide is driven by its people and their dedication to provide valuable solutions to meet the challenges of today’s supply chain. To learn more about JoyRide Logistics, visit JoyRideLogistics.com.

The post Rewinding To Two Weeks Ago, Looking Deeper Into NTDC 2025 appeared first on PodWheels.

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 Warren’s father, also named Warren, becoming a perennial state champion en route to a national championship. Warren then followed in his father’s footsteps with nine state titles and multiple national honors, including one NTDC crown captured in Minneapolis. Nate then won six state TDC titles and performed well at the national level, finishing just outside the runoff back when there were three spots in the finals. Nate transitioned from the driver seat to work in safety management, but he has remained connected with the NTDC by serving on the Organizing Committee.

In 2025, Andrew, who is Nate’s son, furthered the Lewis Family legacy at the Maine TDC by winning the Flatbed Championship, qualifying for his first run at NTDC in the same city where his grandfather won a national championship. As you will hear, it’s a great conversation between three generations, including the pride of a grandfather and father celebrating Andrew’s first trip to the Nationals as a state champion.

Our Friend of the Podcast Sponsor for this episode of the NTDC 2025 Series is PROJECT 61. Driving health. Fueling life. Supporting the heroes behind the wheel — that’s what PROJECT 61 is all about. Project-61.org is the web address where the change begins. If you’re a driver — or if you care about someone who is — head over to Project-61.org. You’ll find resources to get started, including access to a free mobile app built specifically for life on the road — plus a chance to take the Trucker Health Pledge and show your support for the men and women behind the wheel. You can even make a donation to help PROJECT 61 keep doing this important work across the industry.

The post Maine NTDC Rewind: Lewis Now Four Generations Deep In Reaching Nationals appeared first on PodWheels.

On Friday of NTDC Week, we caught up with FedEx Step Van driver Lindy Jackson, who will forever own a piece of Minnesota TDC history with her 2024 first-place finish in the Step Van Division. Lindy’s victory last year made her the first woman to ever win a state championship at the Minnesota TDC. As you’ll hear in this episode of the podcast, when Lindy successfully defended her step van state title and qualified for NTDC 2025, her three-year-old son was leading the cheers from the podium. During this episode of the podcast, we’ll hear from Lindy’s husband, Jason, who is also a step van driver for FedEx. As you’ll hear, Jason actually competed against Lindy at the Minnesota TDC earlier this year.

Our Friend of the Podcast Sponsor for this episode of the NTDC 2025 Series is PROJECT 61. Driving health. Fueling life. Supporting the heroes behind the wheel — that’s what PROJECT 61 is all about. Project-61.org is the web address where the change begins. If you’re a driver — or if you care about someone who is — head over to Project-61.org. You’ll find resources to get started, including access to a free mobile app built specifically for life on the road — plus a chance to take the Trucker Health Pledge and show your support for the men and women behind the wheel. You can even make a donation to help PROJECT 61 keep doing this important work across the industry.

The post Minnesota NTDC Rewind: Proud Mom Lindy Jackson Blazing Trails In Step Van appeared first on PodWheels.

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 his nearly 30 years in the industry. The people behind the wheel have always inspired John and, during NTDC 2025, he was part of the group of native Minnesotans who welcomed the competitors and everyone supporting them throughout what was a memorable week.

Friend Of The Podcast: JoyRide Logistics is serving as our Friend of the Podcast Sponsor for this episode. JoyRide Logistics is focused on being a world-class, customer-focused business. JoyRide is driven by its people and their dedication to provide valuable solutions to meet the challenges of today’s supply chain. To learn more about JoyRide Logistics, visit JoyRideLogistics.com.

The post NTDC Host Rewind: Minnesota’s John Hausladen Inspired By Professional Drivers appeared first on PodWheels.

In this NTDC Rewind edition of the podcast, we are going to highlight the North American Inspectors Challenge, which is the annual event conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. We will hear the acceptance speech from this year’s winner of the Inspector’s Challenge, Dustin Henderson with the Texas Department of Public Safety. We will also hear an interview with Captain Robert Zak of the Commercial Vehicles Section of the Minnesota State Patrol, which served as the host agency for this year’s NAIC event.

NAIC was created by CVSA to recognize roadside inspectors and enforcement personnel – the backbone of the commercial motor vehicle safety program in North America – and promote uniformity, consistency and reciprocity of inspections through training, education and competition. Since its inception in 1993, the Inspectors Challenge competition has been co-located with the National Truck Driving & National Step Van Driving Championships. In the view of CVSA, holding the drivers’ and inspectors’ competitions in the same location encourages certified inspectors and professional drivers to interact with, learn from and support each other throughout the week.

During this episode, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson and Transport Topics Senior Reporter Eugene Mulero reflect on their time with Captain Zak and look back at the importance of NAIC and NTDC being held in the same location. Eugene and Greg also discuss the acceptance speech by Dustin Henderson. As we noted, Dustin earned this year’s North American Inspectors Championship Jimmy K. Ammons Grand Champion Award, the highest honor for a commercial motor vehicle roadside inspector.

Friend Of The Podcast: JoyRide Logistics is serving as our Friend of the Podcast Sponsor for this episode. JoyRide Logistics is focused on being a world-class, customer-focused business. JoyRide is driven by its people and their dedication to provide valuable solutions to meet the challenges of today’s supply chain. To learn more about JoyRide Logistics, visit JoyRideLogistics.com.

The post NAIC Rewind: Looking Back At 2025 Inspector’s Challenge Competition appeared first on PodWheels.

About 45 minutes after David Comings held the Bendix NTDC Grand Championship trophy for the first time while his entire family celebrated the realization of a career dream on the NTDC 2025 stage in Minneapolis, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson was able to catch up with David and all of “Team Comings.” As we continue our NTDC 2025 Rewinds, this episode brings you a very fun, in-the-moment interview that features David, his wife, Judy, and their six children, who range in age from teenagers to young adults.

At this point on Championship Saturday, Team Comings was still processing the events of NTDC 2025 Week. You’ll hear the pride and joy that comes with this milestone accomplishment, which was announced on the eve of David and Judy’s 23rd wedding anniversary. You’ll also hear the admiration the entire family has for David’s dedication to safety in his mile-by-mile work as a professional driver as well as the additional time he takes to prepare for state and national competitions.

Our Friend of the Podcast Sponsor for this episode of the NTDC 2025 Series is PROJECT 61. Driving health. Fueling life. Supporting the heroes behind the wheel — that’s what PROJECT 61 is all about. Project-61.org is the web address where the change begins. If you’re a driver — or if you care about someone who is — head over to Project-61.org. You’ll find resources to get started, including access to a free mobile app built specifically for life on the road — plus a chance to take the Trucker Health Pledge and show your support for the men and women behind the wheel. You can even make a donation to help PROJECT 61 keep doing this important work across the industry.

The post Looking Back At NTDC 2025 Grand Championship With The Comings Family appeared first on PodWheels.

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 particular, the commitment to safety of all 425 champions from 49 states who qualified to be a part of the NTDC 2025 field. With his one-year term as ATA Chairman concluding in October, Dennis was asked to reflect on his time and his experiences while serving the industry in a leadership role that, Dennis notes, has helped him grow personally and professionally.

Friend Of The Podcast: JoyRide Logistics is serving as our Friend of the Podcast Sponsor for this episode. JoyRide Logistics is focused on being a world-class, customer-focused business. JoyRide is driven by its people and their dedication to provide valuable solutions to meet the challenges of today’s supply chain. To learn more about JoyRide Logistics, visit JoyRideLogistics.com.

The post Rewind With ATA Chairman: Dellinger Salutes Commitment To Excellence At NTDC appeared first on PodWheels.

When the moment arrived for the Parade of Equipment on Championship Saturday at NTDC 2025, American Trucking Associations Chief Operating Officer Dan Horvath had the honor of driving the lead truck in this special convoy that could be seen inside the Minneapolis Convention Center. In this NTDC 2025 Rewinds edition of the podcast, you’ll hear how Dan earned his CDL years ago at his first transportation job, and you’ll also hear how he was first introduced to the NTDC as a volunteer more than 20 years ago. Dan’s experience as an NTDC volunteer provided him with a closer look at ATA, and he eventually joined the organization.

A career safety professional in transportation, Dan has risen through the ranks at ATA to now serve as the organization’s COO. During this episode of the podcast, we talk with Dan about the importance of NTDC as the nation’s long-running safety program, his admiration for professional drivers and why he views the start of Championship Saturday with the same excitement as a kid on Christmas morning. Dan also offers a message of thanks for the mile-by-mile work of professional drivers ahead of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which begins on September 14.

Friend Of The Podcast: JoyRide Logistics is serving as our Friend of the Podcast Sponsor for this episode. JoyRide Logistics is focused on being a world-class, customer-focused business. JoyRide is driven by its people and their dedication to provide valuable solutions to meet the challenges of today’s supply chain. To learn more about JoyRide Logistics, visit JoyRideLogistics.com.

The post Championship Saturday Rewind: ATA COO Dan Horvath Values Every Moment of NTDC appeared first on PodWheels.

For this episode of Highway To Hope Podcast, we reconnect with Kevin Hightower to discuss how he and many other professional drivers have benefited from SCF’s Healthy Habits for the Long Haul Program. As you will hear, this SCF program is designed to support professional drivers in managing their health and wellness. In talking with Kevin, the Highway To Hope explores the unique challenges faced by drivers, the importance of community support and Kevin’s transformative journey he realized by utilizing the program.

Kevin shares his experiences and insights on making healthier choices that he discovered and has implemented thanks to SCF’s Healthy Habits for the Long Haul. SCF Health & Wellness Manager Lindsey Bryan is your host for this episode of the series. Lindsey leads a conversation that emphasizes the significance of incremental changes, overcoming mental barriers, and the role of the St. Christopher Fund in providing resources and support for drivers.

To learn more about Healthy Habits for the Long Haul and the other programs available from SCF, we invite you to visit TruckersFund.org.

The post SCF’s Healthy Habits for the Long Haul Delivering Positive Change appeared first on PodWheels.