IFDA TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP

The Only National Competition for a Single Industry
IFDA TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP
SEPTEMBER 14-16, 2012 • GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER • NASHVILLE, TN
DESIGNED FOR THE FOOD INDUSTRY – SAFETY CULTURE AT ITS FINEST!

THIS THREE-PART COMPETITION TESTS DRIVERS ON MANY LEVELS INCLUDING THEIR
SKILL BEHIND THE WHEEL, KNOWLEDGE OF SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND
ABILITY TO SPOT SAFETY HAZARDS DURING PRE-TRIP INSPECTION. 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 challenges simulate everyday operating
conditions and test the skills of the driver in handling
individual problems and in evaluating the overall driving
situation when moving from one challenge to another.
This championship now includes dual courses to speed up the
competition. One course is dedicated to 5-Axle and a second
course is dedicated to 3-Axle and Straight Trucks. Spectators
have a great view of both courses!
Written Examination
The written exam consists of 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 examination.
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.
*The 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 in their “Online Catalog”)
and the 2012 Facts for Drivers available through the ATA.

Driver Safety, Driver Knowledge, and Driver
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-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 a “CLEAN”
driving record for ONE YEAR prior to
September 13, 2012. A “CLEAN” driving
record means no chargeable accidents, and
no 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, a duffel bag, and a
certificate of participation. Prizes for the
winners in each category of the competition,
are as follows:
1st Place: $1000,
Championship Medallion,
Champion’s Jacket
(letterman style with logo
on back and driver’s name
on front), and large Champion’s Magnet to
display on their company vehicle.
2nd Place: $750 & Championship Medallion.
3rd Place: $500 & Championship Medallion.
How many drivers will be
competing?
The competition is limited to 150 drivers and
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
detailed information on registration
procedures and fees. All registrations must be
received by August 20, 2012. Remember,
driver and judge registrations are on a “firstcome,
first-served” basis.

Skills are all put to the TEST!
A Call for Judges! To speed up the
competition, the championship
includes two field courses. If you
are in management, you can help
as a judge.
We need volunteers to score the truck drivers during
the competition. This is the great way to be involved
in the event, meet other transportation professionals,
and support your drivers. Judge attendance is complementary. Please note, you do not have
to have a driver in the competition in order to be considered for a judge role.
PLEASE NOTE: To be considered for a judge role, contact Carolyn West at (703) 962-9934
prior to sending in a registration form. Please also note, judges must attend the Driver/Judge
Orientation at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 14.
Reserved Tables are available at the Awards Banquet!
Many companies have asked to reserve tables for their team at the Awards Banquet.
To reserve a table, or multiple tables, contact Grace Hong at (703) 962-9943. Tables
seat 10 individuals and the cost for each reserved table is $50.
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 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
of $325 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 5 to 17 years of age is $50
per child. Children under 5 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
child on the registration form.
Children must be registered to
attend.

Hotel, Travel & More
Gaylord Opryland Resort
Hotel Accommodations
Participants will be staying at the Gaylord Opryland Resort &
Convention Center in Nashville, TN, near the energy and
excitement of Music City. The hotel is located on the banks of the
Cumberland River, just minutes from Nashville International
Airport and a short drive or riverboat cruise from downtown
Nashville. The hotel also features nine acres of indoor gardens, an
indoor river with its own Delta flatboat, fine dining and casual
restaurants, unique shopping experiences, and a spa and fitness
center.
Truck Driving Event Locations
All competition events take place at the Gaylord Opryland
Resort & Convention Center.
Airport Information
The Nashville International airport is located approximately five
miles from the Gaylord Opryland 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. This rate also applies for three
days prior and post of the event dates.
GAYLORD OPRYLAND HOTEL
2800 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
Main Hotel Phone: (615) 889-1000
Reservations: (888) 777-6779
www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-opryland/
A link for reservations is available on the IFDA Website
ROOM RATES:
Traditional Rooms (exterior view)
$135 + taxes and $15 resort fee
Premium Rooms (atrium view - based on availability)
$195.00 + taxes and resort fee
Cut-off date: Monday, August 20, 2012
Reservations made after this date are subject to rate
and space availability. The Gaylord Opryland Resort requires that
all reservations be secured by a deposit equal to one night’s room
and tax. Deposits are refundable if cancelled up to three (3) days
prior to 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.
This year’s IFDA Truck Driving Championship takes place in
Nashville, TN, Music City USA and home of the Grand Ole Opry.
Shuttle Service
Shuttle service is available for $40 round trip or $30 one way
to/from the Gaylord Opryland Resort. The shuttle runs 5:00 a.m. -
11:00 p.m. daily, departing from the airport ground
transportation area every 30 minutes. A link to the Gaylord
Shuttle is available on the Truck Driving Championship page at
www.ifdaonline.org.
Weather Policy
The 2012 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 in Nashville, on
the day of the outdoor championship, that could endanger
attendees.

2012 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
(SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Friday, September 14
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Registration
5:00 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 15
6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Registration
6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.
Shuttle to Field Course Area Loads
Drivers/Judges
7:30 a.m.
Course Walkthrough
Two courses include one for 5-Axle;
one for 2-Axle and 3-Axle.
8:15 a.m. – Completion
Driving Competition
and Pre-Trip Inspection
Please 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.
Drivers are required to stay at the
field course until their class of
competition is completed.
Sunday, September 16
Please Note: The Sunday schedule is
open for personal plans until the
Sunday Reception & Awards Banquet.
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Champions Reception
7:15 p.m. – Completion
Champions Awards Banquet
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EVENT: Contact Carolyn West at (703) 532-9400.
Helping Our Members Succeed
IFDA • 1410 Spring Hill Road, Suite 210 • McLean, VA 22102 • www.ifdaonline.org