What do the National Truck Driving & National Step Van Driving Championships mean to the Safety Directors whose companies have drivers who qualify to reach the NTDC competition? Our NTDC 2025 Podcast asked that question and a few more about what has been called the “nation’s longest-running safety program” when we talked with Jason Ahten, who is the Senior Director of Fleet Safety for Walmart Transportation. Jason also serves as a member of the all-volunteer NTDC 2025 Organizing Committee.

In a conversation recorded on Wednesday of NTDC Week with PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson, Jason shares with us how the Walmart fleet has embraced the State TDC and overall NTDC program. And, with a record number of state champions reaching the NTDC from Walmart this year, Jason notes how the example set by those participating in State TDCs and those reaching the nationals have worked to inspire the company’s fleet.

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.

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