“This year, we were thrilled to receive over 80 drawing and writing entries,” said Lisa Broyhill, vice president of industry relations for IFDA. “The creativity, emotion, and pride these children express every year are a touching reflection of the commitment our competitors show daily. We’re grateful for Fleet Advantage’s continued partnership and their dedication to celebrating the families that make this industry so special.”

The foodservice distribution sector depends on the professionals who keep freight moving safely and on schedule. Fleet Advantage continues to highlight the families who support those workers day in and day out.

For nearly a decade, the Kids Drawing and Writing Contest has given children a chance to describe why their parent or guardian is their hero. The entries are heartfelt, creative, and often surprisingly deep for their age groups.

This year’s drawing contest winner for second grade and below was Payton Keiser, child of Justin Keiser from Dot Foods. In the third through fifth grade writing category, first place went to Aumber Singh, daughter of Harjinder Singh from Mondelez. “My dad reminds me of the Disney character Beast because he is strong and kindhearted. My dad works hard like a Beast and sometimes looks serious,” Aumber said. Second place went to Avery Gomez, daughter of Gustavo Gomez from Performance Food Group, and third place went to Declan Falconburg, son of James Falconburg from Nicholas and Company.

In the sixth through eighth grade writing group, first place was awarded to Emilie Ditscheit, daughter of Mark Ditscheit from Performance Food Group. “My competitor shows me that being a hero is not all about superpowers, it’s about lifting others and making a difference in their lives,” Emilie said. Micky Parker, daughter of Mike Parker from Shamrock Foods, earned second place, and third place went to Aaryn Kissire, daughter of Jason Kissire from Vistar and PFG.

The ninth through twelfth grade writing category was topped by Annabelle Nichols, daughter of Richard Arens from Performance Foodservice. “He’s my hero because he didn’t just step into my life; he stepped into my heart,” Nicholson said. Second place went to Ilyana Vasquez, daughter of William Vasquez from Shamrock Foods, and third place was awarded to Natalie Heredia, daughter of Luciano Heredia, also from Shamrock Foods.

Fleet Advantage noted that this year’s entries showed impressive creativity and genuine admiration for the drivers and warehouse workers who keep the nation’s foodservice network running strong.

The IFDA National Championship itself is one of the leading events in the foodservice distribution world. Drivers and warehouse professionals compete in challenges that test precision, safety, and real-world skills. It is a chance for the industry to recognize the people who keep goods moving long before they reach a restaurant or grocery store.

“Drivers and warehouse operators are the heart of our food supply chain,” said Katerina Jones, CMO of Fleet Advantage. “We are honored to continue recognizing the individuals and families who support this vital industry. The Kids Drawing and Writing Contest is a heartfelt reminder that behind every competitor is a family filled with pride, admiration, and love.”

For truckers everywhere, the message resonates. Families may not be in the cab every day, but they fuel the miles. This contest gives those families a moment to shine and reminds the industry who is cheering behind every load.

Image Source: Fleet Advantage

Source: The Trucker

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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

• Double Pallet Jack

• First Place – Jon Moore, Dot Foods, Inc.

• Second Place – Lafayette Maxie, McLane Company

• Third Place – Andrew Newby, US Foods

• Reach Truck

• First Place – Dylon Maes, Shamrock Foods

• Second Place – Cameron King, Shamrock Foods

• Third Place – Eron De La Cueva, Performance Food Group

• 2-Axle

• First Place – James Falconburg, Nicholas & Company, Inc.

• Second Place – Steve Ross, Performance Food Group

• Third Place – Daniel Trevino, McLane Company

• 3-Axle

• First Place – Jason Swordling, Ben E. Keith Co.

• Second Place – Lino Garcia, Performance Food Group

• Third Place – Michael Fergison, Cheney Brothers

• 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

The post Winners Announced for the 2024 IFDA National Championship appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The IFDA honors top professionals in the foodservice distribution industry through its hall of fame, highlighting those who excel in their field.

“Our delivery drivers are the heartbeat of our company and exemplify the values of hard work, reliability and excellence,” said Jeff Williamson, senior vice president, Operations at PFG. “Their tireless service ensures we consistently meet the needs of our customers across North America, delivering essential goods safely and on time. Their induction into the IFDA’s Truck Driver Hall of Fame not only honors their personal achievements but also highlights the critical role our drivers play in PFG’s continued success.”

The following dedicated drivers from PFG have earned their spot in the 2024 Hall of Fame:

• Glenn Anderson, 25 years on the road

• Daryl Bedell, 44 years of dedication

• Mark Branco, 26 years of service

• Steven Davis, 26 years behind the wheel

• Robert Dewey, 29 years of commitment

• Jeffrey Fiscus, 26 years of excellence

• Dudley Flannagan, 49 years of dedication

• Mike Gales III, 32 years

• Richard Gassaway, 35 years

• Robert Heckman, 25 years

• John Holmes, 30 years

• David Howard, 28 years

• Ed Huttleston, 30 years

• James Lombardo, 36 years

• Randy McBride, 26 years

• Marvin McGuire, 30 years

• James Milton, 29 years

• Tommy Mitchell, 25 years

• Greg Nishinaka, 30 years

• Robert Pingeton, 31 years

• Edward Roberts, 26 years

• Elijah Robinson, 26 years

• Glenn Savoie, 35 years

• Mark Schoeberlein, 25 years

• Steve Shepard, 26 years

• Rufus Spires, 26 years

• Brian Voller, 26 years

• Robert Wessling, 34 years

To qualify for this honor, drivers must have a minimum of 25 years with an IFDA member company, maintaining a spotless record with no moving violations or chargeable accidents in the past five years.

“The professional drivers selected for the IFDA Hall of Fame represent the best of the best,” said Mark S. Allen, president and CEO of IFDA. “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.”

PFG ensures their drivers undergo comprehensive defensive driving training to promote safety-conscious driving and improve hazard awareness. This training minimizes the risk of collisions and reduces driver stress.

The awardees will be celebrated at a banquet during IFDA’s Solutions Conference from September 22-25 in Kansas City, MO.

Source: The Trucker

Image: Performance Food Group

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