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.
Hotel, Travel & More Hotel Accommodations 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. 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. Disney Truck Driving Event Locations 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. 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 12:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Registration 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Judges Orientation 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Drivers Orientation immediately followed by Drivers Written Exam 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Spouse and Guest Orientation Saturday, September 17 6:00 a.m. 7:30 a.m. Registration 6:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. Shuttle to Field Course Area Loads Drivers/Judges 7:15 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Course Walkthrough Two courses include one for 5-Axle; one for 2-Axle and 3-Axle. 8:30 a.m. Completion Driving Competition and Pre-Trip Inspection 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. Sunday, September 18 The Sunday schedule is open for personal plans until the Sunday Champions Reception & Awards Banquet. 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. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EVENT: Contact Kayla Melamed at (703) 532-9400. ELITE, SELECT, & EVENT SPONSORS Integrate. Automate. Succeed. R Helping Our Members Succeed IFDA 1410 Spring Hill Road, Suite 210, McLean, VA 22102 www.ifdaonline.org