The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) has announced the winners of the 33rd annual IFDA Truck Driving Championship held September 21-23 at the Walt Disney World Property in Orlando FL.
This event, which celebrates safety, annually draws in drivers from all over the nation. Contestants compete in different categories ranging from written examinations to a driving obstacle course and pre-trip inspection.
“It’s been an honor to host our country’s most elite professional truck drivers this weekend and see such great support from their families and friends who came out to cheer on their drivers,” said Mark Allen, IFDA president and CEO. “Only a select few can emerge as champions, and it’s a testament to their commitment to safety and skill that they took home top honors this year.”
The winners include:
Straight Truck
1st Place—Todd Allen with Golden State Foods Corporation, McCook IL
2nd Place—Duane Kaitoku with Southern Glazier’s Wine and Spirits of Hawaii, Kapolei, HI
3rd Place—Octavio Cordova with US Foods, Rosemont IL
Three-Axle (28-foot Tractor/Trailer)
1st Place—Danny Duke with Shamrock Foods Company, Commerce City CO
2nd Place—Rodney “The Mayor” Baughman with Golden State Foods Corp, Irvine CA
3rd Place—Chuck Russo with US Foods, Seabrook NH
Five-Axle (48-foot Tractor/Trailer)
1st Place—Mark Krueger with McLane Foodservice Distribution, Kiel WI
2nd Place—Ray Carson with Reinhart Foodservice LLC, La Crosse WI
3rd Place—Jeff Falzon with Reinhart Foodservice LLC, Fowlerville MI
In addition, a Team Award was presented to the top-performing company with three or more drivers in the competition. Golden State Foods Corporation was awarded the Team Award with the highest average score amongst their drivers. A Rookie of the Year award, given to the first-time driver with the highest score, was presented to Rodney Baughman with Golden State Foods Corp.
For more information, see www.ifdaonline.org.
