I want to make sure you have this update directly from the NTDC Committee, as it’s an important and appropriate adjustment to how we treat military service within the Length of Employment requirement.

What changed:
The Committee has amended the rule to explicitly include members of the National Guard and Reserves who are activated to either Federal or State duty. This brings the rule in line with the reality many of our drivers are living—serving both their country and this industry.

Below is the rule as it currently appears, followed by the amended version for your reference.

Current Rule
V. Truck Driving Championships Eligibility Rules
C. Length of Employment

5. The requirement for 12 months of continuous employment may be waived for a contestant who has been on active military duty for a full term of active duty, provided that:

(a) The contestant is otherwise eligible under these rules;
(b) The contestant has driven and performed the duties of a professional truck driver for an aggregate period of 11 of the 12 months prior to and subsequent to the period of active military service;
(c) The contestant separation from active duty was not under dishonorable conditions or by reason of a medical condition that is disqualifying under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR 391.41);
(d) The contestant returns to driving with the entering employer within 60 calendar days of separation from active service and has not otherwise driven or performed the duties of a professional truck driver during that period.

Amended Rule
V. Truck Driving Championships Eligibility Rules
C. Length of Employment

5. The requirement for 12 months of continuous employment may be waived for a contestant who has been on active military duty for a full term of active duty or members of the National Guard or Reserves who were activated to Federal or State duty, provided that:

(a) The contestant is otherwise eligible under these rules;
(b) The contestant has driven and performed the duties of a professional truck driver for an aggregate period of 11 of the 12 months prior to and subsequent to the period of active military service;
(c) The contestant separation from active duty was not under dishonorable conditions or by reason of a medical condition that is disqualifying under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR 391.41);
(d) The contestant returns to driving with the entering employer within 60 calendar days of separation from active service and has not otherwise driven or performed the duties of a professional truck driver during that period.

This is a good correction. It recognizes the commitment of Guard and Reserve drivers without lowering the standard of the program. If you have drivers who may be impacted by this change, now is the time to take a second look at eligibility.

As always, if you have questions or want to walk through a specific situation, I’m happy to help.

Make it Safe. Make it Personal. Make it Home.