American Trucking Associations' Technology and Maintenance Council opened up the 13th annual National Technician Skills Competitions at the Marriott Orlando World Center.
"This event has grown so much since the first competition 12 years ago," said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell. "The competitions – both TMCSuperTech and TMCFutureTech – highlight the skills and professional excellence the trucking industry's technicians display on a daily basis.
"We see those skills growing each year, just like this event, which this year includes for the first time cybersecurity and trailer telematics challenges for our contestants," he said. "TMC, just like our professional and student competitions, grows to respond to the changing demands of the trucking industry."
Another feature of this year's event will be a charity effort to raise funds for those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those families, friends and colleagues that have been affected by Hurricane Irma," said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. "The trucking industry lives in, and delivers to, every community across America, including those communities impacted this weekend. Trucking is one of the first responders to natural disasters and we will continue to not only help in the Hurricane relief efforts, but we will also help rebuild all communities.
"We could not make those deliveries and serve those in need without technicians like the ones competing this weekend at the National Technician Skills Competitions," Spear said. "Our industry depends on them and we are proud to recognize them this weekend."
The TMC National Technician Skills Competitions began September 16-17 with written exams and qualifying rounds for traditional and trailer technicians, with the finals and the TMCFutureTech National Student Skills Competition taking place on September 18.
Winners of both events will be recognized at an awards banquet on September 19.
