The 33rd UICR Professional Drivers World Championship Begins

The 33rd UICR Professional Drivers World Championship (PDWC 2026) will be held for the first time in the Rhine-Neckar region. From September 9 to 12, 2026, Eppelheim will become an international hub for professional driving, bringing together some of the world’s best professional drivers to demonstrate their knowledge, driving skills, safety awareness, and precision in the most important international competition for commercial drivers.

Established as the leading international competition dedicated to recognizing the skill, professionalism, and commitment of commercial vehicle drivers from around the world, the PDWC provides a global platform where the best drivers in the transportation industry come together—not only to compete, but also to exchange knowledge and promote the highest standards of road safety and professional excellence within the commercial transportation industry. The event was created to celebrate drivers in the road transportation sector.

PDWC: Professional Drivers World Championship

The PDWC brings together national teams representing their respective countries after qualifying through national competitions organized by UICR member associations. These national championships identify the most skilled and safety-conscious drivers, who then go on to represent their countries at the international level, according to the official PDWC website.

The championship features several vehicle categories, reflecting the broad diversity of the professional driving profession. These are divided into categories based on vehicle weight. From practical driving exercises to precision maneuvering challenges and theoretical examinations, the PDWC seeks to give drivers the recognition they deserve.

The PDWC disciplines include:

• Theoretical Examination: A computer-based multiple-choice test covering traffic regulations.
• Pre-Trip Inspection Defects: Checking that the vehicle is in safe operating condition before driving.
• Driving Skills: Precision maneuvers requiring judgment and safety awareness under time pressure.
• Eco-Driving: Efficiency, smooth driving, fuel/energy consumption, and environmental impact.

These disciplines are divided into vehicle weight categories, including:

• Single Truck > 7.5 t
• Bus / Commercial
• Tractor-Semitrailer > 40 t
• Drawbar Trailer > 40 t
• Young Driver > 21 years old, Single Truck < 7.5 t
• Delivery Van > 3.5 to 3.8 t class
• Eco-Driving

Teams may register in multiple categories, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and local logistical conditions.

Team USA at the PDWC

Team USA joined the other participating countries at the 2026 World Championship to attend its first meetings and learn about the details of the driving course. The team will represent the entire country in multiple events designed to demonstrate the high standards of professional driving upheld throughout the United States.

The inaugural U.S. team competing in the UICR Professional Drivers World Championship consists of 15 drivers:

• Jamie Bautista
• Kenny Bergland
• Roland Bolduc
• Mario Camacho
• Ray Carroll
• Robert Fernald
• Richard Frazer
• Zach Fazer
• Phillip Glover
• Ramón Guzmán
• Diethild Holbein
• Jim Kohr
• Jason Murphy
• Ron Round
• Nathan Wick

The championship stands as a symbol of excellence in professional driving and a tribute to the men and women who, every day, keep the world moving safely and efficiently.

Best of luck to Team USA!