Dot crowns winners of Forklift Rodeo National Championships

North American food industry redistributor Dot Foods recently congratulated the top prize winners in its 14th Annual Forklift Rodeo National Championships.

Braxton Prather, from Dot Foods in Mt Sterling IL, won the narrow aisle competition; Ryan Stambaugh, also from Mt Sterling, cinched the forklift category; Elliott Thompson, from Oklahoma, secured the pallet jack title; and Jacob Judy, from Indiana, was the top order picker.

The recent competition pitting some of Dot’s most skilled employees took place in Mt Sterling. Finalists from each of Dot’s 11 distribution centers showcased their talents for the opportunity to win a trophy and vacation.

“This is a wonderful way to promote safety, (and) have our employees demonstrate their skills, while giving them a unique experience in which to participate,” said Terry Fate, director of warehousing. “Warehouse rolling equipment plays such a vital role in our distribution process. The rodeo provides an excellent opportunity for us to recognize the hard work and commitment needed to maintain a safe environment in our warehouses.”

Dot’s 11 distribution centers held regional competitions to select the candidates who would represent their location at the national championships. To win, all four had to show their mastery of job duties and safety practices by completing an obstacle course using one of four pieces of material-handling equipment: narrow aisle, cherry picker, forklift and pallet jack. Contestants were penalized for contacting walls, improper stops, horn usage and dropping a basketball that represents an order.

The winners received an all-expenses-paid trip to eCancun, Mexico; St. Petersburg Beach FL; Disney World in Orlando FL or Las Vegas NV, or a cruise.