Aug 18, 2004
WASHINGTON, DC — August 18, 2004 — Food industry truck drivers from across North America will take part in the 18th Annual Truck Driving Championship, October 15-17 in Dallas, Texas. The competition, highlighting the skills and knowledge of food industry drivers, takes place in conjunction with the 2004 Productivity Convention & EXPO and is sponsored by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA).

“One of the necessary elements to success in our business is developing a sense of pride and teamwork among our associates,” said Dale Witczak, director of transportation at Spartan Stores, Inc., and long time supporter of the event. “The Truck Driving Championship is a great way to show our drivers about our company commitment to safety and to reward driver professionalism and knowledge.”

“We believe that safety has to be strongly intertwined into a driver’s everyday thinking,” said Paul Miller, director of transportation at Merchants Distributors, Inc., and a co-chair of the event. “One of the best ways to do this is through positive reinforcement training and recognition. What better way to do this than having the winners of our company ‘Roadeo’ representing us at the Nationals. It sends the right message to our drivers, one that says we care about them and recognize their accomplishments.”

The championship includes a three-part competition — a written examination, vehicle safety inspection and driving course challenge — with drivers from foodservice distributor, wholesale grocer, self-distributing retailer and food manufacturer companies. To enter the event, drivers must have won a local or company sponsored competition.

The written examination consists of questions that measure a driver’s knowledge of safety and operating procedures, first aid, fire-fighting techniques and the trucking industry in general. During the second phase of the competition, each driver conducts a vehicle inspection to uncover planted equipment defects and safety hazards that could affect vehicle readiness. Drivers are scored based on the number of defects identified. In the final field course portion of the competition, drivers are scored on their ability to evaluate and handle a series of driving course problems that simulate everyday operating conditions.

Three classes of trucks are used in the competition, including 22-foot straight trucks, 28-foot tractor/trailers, and 48-foot tractor/trailers. Each participating division or company location may enter up to three contestants, with one driver per category. No drivers may compete in more than one category.

Winners of the Truck Driving Championship will be recognized and honored at an awards banquet on Sunday evening, October 17. Prizes include cash and trophies, and the first place winner in each category receives an additional $2,000 travel award.

Full competition information, registration materials, and information on how to conduct a company competition are available at www.ifdaonline.org.