Of the drivers participating in the event, 27 had records of 1 million or more accident-free miles and five had records exceeding 2 million accident-free miles. All drivers in the competition had previously won a company or regional event, making them eligible to compete in this international championship.
This 20th annual competition, sponsored by the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA), Falls Church, VA, was held last weekend at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and a parking area at Walt Disney's former private airfield. The 2007 Food Industry Truck Driving Championship will be held Sept. 14-16 on the infield of the Daytona International Speedway.
"This is a best in class competition that provides a great focus on driver skills and safe driving in the food industry," said Steve Potter, senior vice president of industry relations at IFDA. "As a capstone to safety efforts throughout the year, this national level competition rewards and celebrates the job that our industry's drivers perform on a day-to-day basis. Every one of these drivers was already a winner coming into this competition."
The three-part competition included a written examination to measure driver knowledge of safety and operating procedures, a vehicle inspection to uncover planted equipment defects and safety hazards that could affect vehicle readiness, and a driving course competition where drivers were evaluated on their ability to handle a series of six course problems that simulate everyday operating conditions. Three classes of trucks—including straight trucks, 28-ft. tractor/trailers, and 48-ft. tractor/trailers—competed in the event.
Food industry drivers from a variety of companies participated including foodservice distributors, wholesale grocers, self-distributing retailers, and manufacturers. All drivers, including the top prize award winners, were honored at the event's award banquet held Sunday, Sept. 17. Each winner received a cash award, competition medallion, and a trophy.
Winners in the Straight Truck class include:
First Place - Billie Peyton, C. A. Curtze Company
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