Over a period of time that lasted for a decade, Chuck Pearson of ABF Freight never lost sight of the most important aspect of having the opportunity each year to compete in his State TDCs for a shot at securing his spot at the Nationals. Every day since he made his first and only trip from his home state of Georgia to compete in the NTDCs in 2016, Chuck has focused on staying safe out on the roads while also working to sharpen his skills during his runs for ABF. As you will hear Chuck tell us on the podcast, his approach to his daily work and being ready for the State TDC competition year after year paid off this Spring with the Georgia 3-Axle Championship and a trip this August to NTDC 2026 in Pittsburgh.

Looking back to the beginning of this year, Chuck’s dedication to safety and commitment to take advantage of the opportunities to practice all came together, beginning with his performance at the Safety Drive For A Cure charity event in March. In 2016, Chuck was the Grand Champion of Safety Drive and went to Nationals. This year, Chuck earned the honor of having the best score on the driving course and he earned his second State TDC title in Georgia.

Over the course of our conversation, we take a look at Chuck’s career, including how he first got involved with precision driving competitions and how he found a home at ABF Freight. You’ll also hear Chuck talk about the support he has received from his family over the years. As part of that discussion, Chuck takes a moment to share the incredible career path of his wife, Krista, who started working in education some three decades ago as a teacher at Lowndes High School. This August, as NTDC 2026 gets underway, Krista will be beginning her third school year as the principal for one of the largest high schools in the state of Georgia with over 3,200 students.

FRIEND OF THE PODCAST SPONSOR:  The Lutzie 43 Foundation is our Friend of the Podcast for this episode of the NTDC 2026 Series. Founded to honor the legacy of Philip Lutzenkirchen, the Lutzie 43 Foundation is dedicated to make sure that the tragedy that took his life would never have to be repeated. Philip was a standout athlete, a beloved teammate, and a man of tremendous character. Today, the foundation that carries his name is working to change the driving culture across the Southeast and beyond by tackling distracted driving, impaired driving, and unsafe habits behind the wheel. To learn more about the Lutzie 43 Foundation and how you can use 43 Key Seconds to run through an important safety checklist before starting your vehicle, visit Lutzie43.org.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed