FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (October 25, 2022) – The 2022 International Foodservice Distributor Association’s (IFDA) Truck Driving Championship is designed to showcase the skills necessary to be a truck driver today. But the event is also a chance for families and industry colleagues to show their appreciation for many of America’s hardest-working individuals.

Trucking and the transportation system are vitally important to the economy. Here in the United States, foodservice distributors play a critical role, where the industry has a total economic impact of $330+ billion and a total employment impact of 1+ million .

To celebrate these hard-working professionals, The IFDA Truck Driving Championship was held this year at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando and continues to be the premier event for foodservice distribution drivers to compete and showcase their safety skills. The event is a three-day program that begins with a written exam followed by a pre-trip inspection and field obstacle course. This year’s event took place October 13 through 15.

Fleet Advantage has been a sponsor and co-organizer of the event’s annual Kids Essay Contest for the past 6 years, where children of truck drivers are given three essay questions to share why they are proud of their truck-driving parent, including what animated character reminds them of their parent and why.

“On behalf of IFDA, we thank Fleet Advantage for its continued support of the Kids Contest for the Truck Driving Championship,” said Lisa Broyhill, Vice President of Industry Relations International Foodservice Distributor Association. “We truly appreciate and value the company’s tremendous support of our organization and the industry we represent.”

Seventeen-year-old Roman Skorupa, son of Daryl Skorupa from Gordon Food Service, won first place in the 11-17-year age range and says: “My dad works countless hours to provide for our family. He always puts our family first and makes us proud of our last name. My dad taught me to have a great work ethic.” Nine-year-old Celena Russell, daughter of Anthony Russell from US Foods says: “The animated characters that reminds me of my dad is the Hulk and SpongeBob because he is funny and strong.” These are just some of the many wonderful submissions that were received.

“We recognize the daily sacrifices these professionals make alongside with their families, and we’re proud to be a leading supporter and sponsor of such an event that celebrates their contribution to the economy and our ability to enjoy our everyday goods and services,” said Katerina Jones, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Fleet Advantage.

In addition to the essay contest, there was also a “Draw Your Hero” contest for children 7 and under.

About Fleet Advantage

Fleet Advantage is the largest independent lessor for heavy-duty Class-8 trucks and has over $1.8 Billion assets under its Life Cycle Cost Management (LCCM) program for more than 50 customers which includes America’s top corporate fleets, including five (5) of the top 10 private fleets in the country. Fleet Advantage guarantees the absolute lowest cost of operation by providing fleet asset management, financing solutions, and fleet analytics, using the latest equipment technology to achieve optimum vehicle productivity and maximum safety. Our model of TCO, clean diesel, and safety-enhanced trucks with shorter life cycles complement our customers ESG goals. The accomplishments of Fleet Advantage and our leadership team continue to be recognized for tremendous growth and industry leadership with numerous awards, including Top Private Independent and Most Innovative Firm by the Monitor Daily, Top Software & Tech Awards, Top Women Associates in Finance, and Green Supply Chain Awards to name a few. The company has also been named to Inc. magazine’s 500|5000 list of fastest growing companies in the nation, and CEO John Flynn was a recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year- Florida – Emerging Category award.

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