The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) kicked off the 33rd annual Truck Driving Championship held at the Walt Disney World Property. Some of the foodservice industry’s best drivers – 133 men and women from all across the country – are putting their skillfulness to the test to see who will emerge as 2018 IFDA Truck Driving Champions.
“At IFDA, we know that safety is a top priority for our member companies,” says Mark Allen, President & CEO of IFDA. “Foodservice distribution drivers are the front line in this effort ensuring that food and supplies are delivered safely to over one million professional kitchens daily.”
The competition tests drivers on many levels, including skill behind the wheel, the ability to spot safety defects, and their knowledge of safety rules and regulations.
“Shining a spotlight on the skills and talents of professional truck drivers is especially timely given America’s record shortage of truck drivers,” adds Allen. The American Trucking Associations estimates 50,000 more drivers are needed to meet current demand.
The foodservice distribution industry employs 131,000 truck drivers in the United States. As a vital part of the supply chain, drivers in the industry earn an average annual wage of more than $63,000, well above the average for a U.S. worker.
