Truck Topics

FedEx Custom Critical tests drivers' skills (in a friendly competition)

More than 22 contractors participated in the Third Annual Safety Takes Priority Skills Challenge on June 21 at the FedEx Custom Critical headquarters. The driving competition, which was open to all active drivers that were able to participate, tested the competitors' driving skills, as well as their knowledge of safe driving practices.

Over 130 spectators watched as competitors participated in a driving course that featured a serpentine and required them to parallel park, perform an alley-dock parking and make front-line and straight-line stops.

The competitors were also required to complete a 25-question exam that tested their knowledge of FedEx Custom Critical safety procedures. Finally, each competitor had to participate in a pre-trip inspection that required them to point out safety issues on a particular vehicle, such as a broken taillight, cracked windshield or under-inflated tires.

All the competitors received a Safety Take Priority T-shirt and were eligible for a raffle drawing for free fuel cards. Everyone in attendance received free food and was taken on a tour of the new building.

"It wasn't just a gathering, but also a new learning experience," said Michele Terwilliger, Safety specialist and program coordinator for the event. "Everyone there had a lot of fun and hopefully benefited from it as well."

Congratulations to the following winners:

Van Division
Winner: Linda Nierman (Lima, Ohio)
Second Place: Leo Roberts (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
Third Place: Judy Baker (Elyria, Ohio)
 
Straight Truck Division
Winner: Carroll Bean Jr. (Burlington, Vt.)
Second Place: Paul Campbell (Flint, Mich.)
Third Place: Mike Weeks (Cleveland, Ohio)
 
Tractor Division
Winner: Joseph Yelton (St. Louis, Mo.)
Second Place: Steve Wilson (Bristol, Tenn.)
Third Place: Lisa Wilson (Jackson, Miss.)

Note: First place winners won a leather jacket embossed with FedEx Custom Critical and a championship plaque. Second-and third-place winners won a commemorative plaque.

Congratulations also to the following winners of the diesel fuel raffles:
$500 fuel card winner: Joseph Yelton (St. Louis, Mo.)

$250 fuel card winners: Carroll Bean (Burlington, Vt.), Milt Ketron (Bristol, Tenn.)

$100 fuel card winners: Danny Thomas (Phoenix, Ariz.), Harold Ryther (Youngstown, Ohio), Ray Shaw (Elk Grove Village, Ill.), Judy Howe (Long Island, N.Y.)

Michelle Terwilliger says that The Fourth Annual Skills Challenge will take place June 2004 and advises all potential competitors to start practicing now!