The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) proudly announced the victors of its 2024 National Championship. This annual event, held on October 25 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, showcases the exemplary skills and safety practices of top truck drivers and warehouse associates across the country.
A Remarkable Display of Skill
“This year, 190 professional truck drivers and 79 warehouse associates showcased their skills, with 71% making their competition debut,” stated Mark S. Allen, president and CEO of IFDA. “Their precision, knowledge, and expertise in navigating the challenges were truly impressive. It’s a privilege to honor the top talent in the foodservice distribution industry for their excellence and dedication to safety. Congratulations to all!”
Participants competed in five distinct categories, with awards given for first through third places in each. The warehouse challenges included double-pallet jack and reach truck categories, while trucking categories spanned straight truck, 3-axle, and 5-axle divisions.
Championing Safety and Excellence
These 190 truck drivers collectively represent over 2,346 accident-free years, 2,257 years with their current employers, and an impressive 3,390 years of experience within the trucking industry. Victories bring not only bragging rights but also medals, cash prizes, and for those clinching first place, a prestigious championship jacket. Winners were celebrated at a banquet on October 26.
Highlights of the 2024 Results
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Double Pallet Jack
- First Place – Jon Moore, Dot Foods, Inc.
- Second Place – Lafayette Maxie, McLane Company
- Third Place – Andrew Newby, US Foods
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Reach Truck
- First Place – Dylon Maes, Shamrock Foods
- Second Place – Cameron King, Shamrock Foods
- Third Place – Eron De La Cueva, Performance Food Group
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2-Axle
- First Place – James Falconburg, Nicholas & Company, Inc.
- Second Place – Steve Ross, Performance Food Group
- Third Place – Daniel Trevino, McLane Company
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3-Axle
- First Place – Jason Swordling, Ben E. Keith Co.
- Second Place – Lino Garcia, Performance Food Group
- Third Place – Michael Fergison, Cheney Brothers
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5-Axle
- First Place – Michael Sinclair, Performance Food Group
- Second Place – Charles Spence, McLane Company
- Third Place – Sam Duron, McLane Company
Recognizing Rising Stars
The prestigious “Rookie of the Year” title was awarded to top-scoring newcomers. Dylon Maes, a Reach Truck driver from Shamrock Foods, earned the 2024 Warehouse Rookie of the Year award. In the driving category, Michael Sinclair, a 5-axle driver from Performance Food Group, was honored as the Driving Rookie of the Year.
Perfect Pre-Trip Performances
Competitors also vied for individual accolades for achieving perfect scores in the pre-trip safety inspections. The honorees included:
- Luis Barker, Shamrock Foods, 3-Axle Truck.
- Pablo Escobar, Ben E. Keith Company, Double Pallet Jack.
- Jay-R Garcia, Sysco, Double Pallet Jack.
- Steven Rouse, Performance Food Group, 5-Axle Truck.
- Jeremy Smith, Shamrock Foods, Double Pallet Jack.
Top Team Achievements
In addition to individual victories, team honors were awarded. Shamrock Foods secured the 2024 Warehouse Team Award, while McLane Company triumphed with the 2024 Driving Team Award.
Mark your calendars for the 2025 IFDA National Championship, scheduled to take place in Orlando, Florida, from October 23 – 25 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
Source: The Trucker
