IFDA TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP

Celebrating Safe Driving for 30 Years
IFDA TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP
SEPTEMBER 16-18, 2016 • DISNEY’S YACHT & BEACH CLUB RESORTS • LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL
A NATIONAL COMPETITION FOR THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION INDUSTRY
THIS COMPETITION TESTS DRIVERS ON MANY LEVELS — SKILL BEHIND THE
WHEEL, KNOWLEDGE OF SAFETY RULES AND REGS, AND THEIR ABILITY TO
SPOT SAFETY HAZARDS. THE CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATES 1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD
PLACE WINNERS IN THREE DIFFERENT TRUCK CATEGORIES, PLUS A TEAM
AWARD THAT RECOGNIZES THE COMPANY WITH THE BEST COMBINED
PERFORMANCE IN THE COMPETITION. REWARD YOUR BEST DRIVERS AND TAKE
YOUR COMPANY’S SAFETY PROGRAM TO THE NEXT LEVEL BY PARTICIPATING IN
THIS PREMIER FOOD INDUSTRY EVENT.
DRIVING COURSE CHALLENGE
Six driving course problems simulate everyday challenges that
drivers face in operating their vehicle and test their skills in
evaluating the overall driving situation when moving from
one challenge to another. This championship includes dual
courses to speed up the competition. One course is dedicated
to 5-Axle and a second course to 3-Axle and Straight Trucks.
Spectators have a great view of both courses!
WRITTEN EXAMINATION
The written exam includes questions that measure a
driver’s knowledge of safety and operating procedures.
Awareness of highway safety rules and regulations, as
well as first aid and fire-fighting procedures, are
important for successful completion of the exam.
All questions that appear on the exam are carefully
screened to ensure fairness for all drivers.*
PRE-TRIP VEHICLE INSPECTION
Each driver conducts a vehicle inspection to uncover
several “planted” equipment defects and safety hazards
and to determine the readiness of the vehicle for
operation. Drivers are scored based on the number of
defects they identify.
*Sources for this year’s written examination will be the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations Handbook available at J.J. Keller & Associates (www.jjkeller.com) and the
2016 ATA Facts for Drivers available at www.atabusinesssolutions.com.
Knowledge, Safety and Skills are all put to the Test!
What size trucks are used in
the competition?
Three classes of competition are offered:
• 2-Axle / Straight Truck
• 3-Axle / 28-ft Tractor Trailer
• 5-Axle / 48 or 53-ft Tractor Trailer
Each company participating may enter
up to three contestants per division (or
distribution center), with one driver per
class. No driver may compete in more than
one class of competition.
How do I select drivers for
this competition?
To compete in the IFDA Truck Driving
Championship, a driver must be the winner
of a company-sponsored competition (at a
divisional or higher level), OR be the highest
placing company representative at a state,
local, regional, or provincial truck driving
competition. If the highest placing driver is
not the first place winner, a minimum
number of five drivers must have competed
in that class.
A competing driver must have an
“ACCIDENT FREE” driving record for
ONE YEAR prior to September 15, 2016.
An “ACCIDENT FREE” driving record
means the driver is not involved in any
accidents where they are at fault and has not
incurred any alcohol or drug-related
chargeable violations.
Companies are eligible to send drivers from
more than one division or location. For
example, if a company has three divisions or
locations, the highest placing driver from
each division or location is eligible to
compete in the class of competition he/she
won.
Each driver must also meet the following
eligibility requirements:
1. At least one year of continuous full-time
employment as a driver with a food distribution company. These include foodservice distributors, manufacturers with
a private fleet, retail/wholesale grocery,
etc. The individual must currently be a
full-time driver (not a supervisor).
2. The driver must hold a valid license for
the type of truck he/she will drive during the competition.
3. Each participating company must
submit to IFDA a copy of each driver’s
CDL, a driver eligibility statement, and
a motor vehicle report to verify the driver’s record. Any changes to the driving
record, after it has been submitted, must
be reported to IFDA immediately. See
the “Registration Form” for more information.
How is the winner
determined?
The scores for each driver from all three
parts of the competition are totaled. The
driver who finishes with the highest score
in each class will be the first place winner of
that class of competition. In the event of a
tie score, the amount of time taken in the
driving course challenge will be the tiebreaker.
What prizes are awarded
to the drivers?
All competing drivers will
receive a competition shirt
and hat, a duffel bag, and a
certificate of participation.
Prizes for the winners in
each category of the competition are as follows:
1st Place: $1500, Championship Medal,
Champion’s Jacket (letterman style with logo
on back and driver’s name on front), and a
large Champion’s Magnet to display on their
company vehicle.
2nd Place: $1000 & Championship Medal.
3rd Place: $750 & Championship Medal.
Team Award: Championship Team Trophy.
How many drivers compete?
The competition is limited to 150 drivers. It is
therefore important to register your drivers as
early as possible before the deadline date. You
may hold a spot for your drivers before
individual names have been identified by
completing the “Advance Registration” portion
of the registration form.
How do I register my drivers,
myself, and others?
Refer to the enclosed “Registration Form” for
full information on registration procedures and
fees. All registrations must be received by
August 26, 2016. Remember, driver and judge
registrations are on a “first-come, first-served”
basis.
The Awards Banquet Celebration:
The weekend concludes with an Awards Banquet celebrating all of our winners. Seating at
the banquet will be pre-assigned by company. That means that a company sending 15 people
will be assigned one full table and five seats at a second table. The table assignment for a
company will be printed on the back of each registrant’s badge.
Support Safety & Be A Judge
The IFDA Truck Driving Championship uses two
field courses to speed up the competition. If you are
in management, we could use your help as a judge!
A team of judge volunteers help score truck drivers
during the competition. This is a great way to be involved in the event, meet other transportation professionals, and support your drivers. Judge attendance is complimentary. Please note, you do
not have to have a driver in the competition in order to be a judge.
PLEASE NOTE: To be considered for a judge role, contact Scott Savodnik at (703) 962-9945
prior to sending in a registration form. The Judge Registration Form is available at
www.ifdaonline.org/Truck-Driving-Championship-Registration. To participate as a judge, you
must attend the Judge Orientation on Friday, September 16.
What is the dress code for the different events?
The following are dress guidelines for the IFDA Truck Driving Championship.
Dress at the Awards Banquet
For men, jacket and tie or company uniforms. For women, dresses, suits, or appropriate attire. For children, please select appropriate attire for a dinner event without
creating hardship.
Dress for All Other Truck Driving Championship Events
Drivers are strongly encouraged to wear company uniforms or a company shirt and
hat for the field course competition. Jeans and shorts are acceptable. Judges must
wear the truck driving championship shirts (supplied at check-in) while judging.
Who else can attend?
Space is available for anyone
interested in cheering on the drivers
while they compete on the driving
course. Company management and
family members are encouraged to
attend. A general registration fee
for IFDA Members of $445 entitles
adults to attend all the
championship events and food
functions, including the awards
banquet. A banquet/reception-only
registration is also available. PLEASE
NOTE: You must have an event
badge to be admitted to any
program or meal function.
We welcome kids to cheer
on their parents!
Children of all ages are welcome to
attend the event. The cost for
children 11 to 17 years of age is $75
per child. Children 10 and under are
complimentary. All children have
access to food and beverages at the
field course and can attend the
Awards Banquet on Sunday evening.
Please note that a special “kids
meal” will be served to all children
ages 10 and under at the banquet.
Please indicate the age of each child
on the registration form. Children
must be registered to attend.
© Disney
Hotel, Travel & More
Hotel Accommodations
Truck Driving Event Locations
Participants will be staying at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
in Lake Buena Vista, FL. These adjoining resorts feature New
England styled yacht and beach clubs that are set along
“Stormalong Bay,” where kids and adults alike can explore
shipwrecks, lagoons, and pools. Both resorts are in walking
distance to Epcot® and a boat ride away from Disney’s Hollywood
Studios®. Please note, most room accommodations will be at the
Yacht Club Resort.
All events take place at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
except the field competition and pre-trip inspection, which will
take place at the Epcot® Wonders Parking Area. All drivers and
judges will depart from the resort by shuttle for the Saturday
portion of the competition. A shuttle will also be provided for
registered guests and spouses. Parking is not permitted on the
Epcot lot and you must use the shuttle for transportation.
Please contact the hotel directly to make your reservations. When
making your reservation, you must mention that you are
attending the IFDA Truck Driving Championship to ensure that
you receive the special room rate of $179 plus 12.5% tax. This rate
also applies for three days prior and post of event dates based on
availability.
Weather Policy
The IFDA Truck Driving Championship is a rain or shine event. The
event will be held as scheduled unless there are clear and evident
severe weather conditions that arise on the day of the outdoor
championship that could endanger attendees.
© Disney
Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
1700 Epcot Resorts Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Reservations: (407) 939-4686
Main Hotel Phone: (407) 934-7000
https://resweb.passkey.com/go/IFDA2016
Room Rates: Single/Double $179 + 12.5% sales and resort tax
Hotel Cut-off date: August 26, 2016
Reservations made after this date are subject to rate and space
availability. Room reservations are guaranteed with a deposit of
one room night plus applicable taxes. A refund may be given if
cancellation is made at least five (5) days before arrival. PLEASE
NOTE: The cut-off date for reservations does not guarantee that
rooms will be available until that date. Please make your
reservations early.
Airport - Hotel Proximity
Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts is located approximately 20
miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Disney Tickets, Magical Express Service & More
Visit http://www.mydisneymeetings.com/dcc/25211 to access
links for discounted theme park tickets, Disney’s Magical
Express, and Resort Information including the phone number
for group reservations.
2016 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
(SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Friday, September 16
Saturday, September 17
Sunday, September 18
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Registration
6:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.
Registration
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Judges’ Orientation
The Sunday schedule is open for personal
plans until the Sunday Champions
Reception & Awards Banquet.
6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.
Shuttle to Field Course Area Loads
Drivers/Judges
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Drivers Orientation immediately
followed by Drivers’ Written Exam
7:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Course Walkthrough
Two courses include one for 5-Axle; one
for 2-Axle and 3-Axle.
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Spouse and Guest Orientation
8:30 a.m. – Completion
Driving Competition
and Pre-Trip Inspection
5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Champions Reception
& Awards Banquet
Our evening starts with a reception
followed by dinner and then the awards
program. This is a fun and lively final
event that recognizes all the drivers in the
competition as well as the top winners.
Note: Lunch, is served during the course
of the competition.
Estimated completion time for the
competition is 2:00 p.m., depending on
the number of contestants.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EVENT: Contact Kayla Melamed at (703) 532-9400.
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