IFDA enshrines record-breaking HOF driver class
The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) recently inducted 97 drivers into the IFDA Truck Driver Hall of Fame as part of a record-breaking 2024 class.
The association last year added 87 drivers, which previously was the largest HOF class.
The IFDA program spotlights the industry’s top drivers for their outstanding service and safety records. Collectively, the 2024 inductees represent over 2,950 years of service to their companies and nearly 3,000 years of safe driving. Since 2018, 459 drivers have been inducted into the Driver Hall of Fame, IFDA reported.
“The professional drivers selected for the IFDA Hall of Fame represent the best of the best,” Mark S. Allen, IFDA president and CEO, said in a news release. “Hall of Fame induction permanently acknowledges the talents and hard work of these drivers, who are supporting our member companies as they safely and efficiently deliver food and supplies to professional kitchens nationwide.”
US Foods, headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, led the way with 20 inductees, including two based in Tampa, Florida, with 40-plus years of service: Kurt Decker (46 years) and Dave Dolan (45). To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, drivers must have at least 25 years of employment with an IFDA-member company, no chargeable accidents during that timeframe, and no moving violations in the last five years.
IFDA has inducted 68 US Foods drivers since 2018.
“At US Foods, we are deeply committed to a culture of safety, and we are very proud of the 20 exceptional US Foods drivers who are being honored for their dedication to safety,” US Foods CEO Dave Flitman said. “Our valued drivers play a critically important role in supporting our customers on and off the road with safety and service top of mind. All of us at US Foods are thrilled to celebrate this exciting honor with them.”
Sysco was second with 17 HOF inductees this year. Other leading distributors include Syco company Sygma (five), Core Foodservice (12), Performance Foodservice (seven) and Vistar (five)—both part of Performance Food Group—McLane Company (eight), Gordon Food Service (seven), and Ben E. Keith (four).
IFDA will honor the 2024 class at an invite-only banquet during its Solutions Conference slated for Sept. 22-25 in Kansas City, Missouri.
A complete list of the 2024 inductees is available here.
