IFDA Celebrates Winners at 40th Annual National Championship
MCLEAN, Va. (October 28, 2026) — The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) recognized the nation’s top professional truck drivers and warehouse associates at its 40th annual IFDA National Championship, held Oct. 22-24 in Orlando, Florida. The skills and safety competition brought together a record-breaking 321 competitors to demonstrate their precision, expertise and commitment to safety.
“For 40 years, the IFDA National Championship has celebrated the people whose skill and commitment to safety keep our industry moving,” said Mark S. Allen, president and CEO of IFDA. “This year, 189 drivers and 132 warehouse equipment operators showcased their skills, representing the dedication and professionalism that foodservice distributors bring to their work every day. Congratulations to this year’s winners and to everyone who earned a place at the championship. You are among the essential people behind every bite served in restaurants, schools, hospitals and communities across the country.”
The competition featured five categories: double pallet jack and reach truck for warehouse associates, and straight truck, 3-axle and 5-axle for truck drivers. Additional honors recognized perfect exam scores, perfect pre-trip scores, rookies of the year and the top team in both warehouse and transportation. Winners received medals, cash prizes and championship jackets at an Awards Banquet.
New this year, the Warehouse Competition and the Awards Banquet were livestreamed, offering spectators an opportunity to enjoy the excitement from home.
2026 National Championship Results
Warehouse Awards:
Reach Truck
- Third place: Raul Yanez-Sandoval, Shamrock Foods
- Second place: Gabriel Mendoza, Ben E. Keith Foods
- First place: Nathan Meisner, Performance Food Group
Double Pallet Jack
- Third place: Daniel Castillo, Shamrock Foods
- Second place: Joseph Baker, Performance Food Group
- First place: Israel Sustaita, Shamrock Foods
Transportation Awards:
Straight Truck
- Third place: Jose Jimenez, Christ Panos Foods Corporation
- Second place: Justin Calloway, Ben E. Keith Foods
- First place: Phil Trejo, Shamrock Foods
3-Axle
- Third place: Brian Litteken, Ben E. Keith Foods
- Second place: Luis Barker, Shamrock Foods
- First place: Bryan Telles, Shamrock Foods
5-Axle
- Third place: Jose Ibarra, McLane Foodservice
- Second place: Lawrence Becksmith, Performance Food Group
- First place: Mark Ditscheit, Performance Food Group
Team Awards
- Warehouse team winner: Shamrock Foods
- Transportation team winner: Shamrock Foods
Rookies of the Year
- Warehouse rookie of the year: Raul Yanez-Sandoval, Shamrock Foods
- Transportation rookie of the year: Adam Sanchez, Shamrock Foods
Perfect Exam Scores
- Gabriel Mendoza, Ben E. Keith Foods (Reach Truck)
- Israel Sustaita, Shamrock Foods (Double Pallet Jack)
- Adam McCafferty, Nicholas and Company (Straight Truck)
- Ronald Flatoff, Gordon Food Service (Reach Truck)
Perfect Pre-Trip Scores
- Joe Casarez, Ben E. Keith Foods (Reach Truck)
- Daniel Castillo, Shamrock Foods (Double Pallet Jack)
- Paul LaFrance, Mondelez International, Inc. (Straight Truck)
- Michael Zawchenuk, Performance Food Group (3-Axle)
- Shawn Barron, Ben E. Keith Foods (Double Pallet Jack)
- Seth Mims, Ben E. Keith Foods (Reach Truck)
- Shane Owczynsky, Performance Food Group (Double Pallet Jack)
- Joshua Woods, Performance Food Group (Double Pallet Jack)
- Eron Delacueva, Performance Food Group (Reach Truck)
- Jason West, McLane Foodservice (3-Axle)
- Raymond Novlan, Performance Food Group (3-Axle)
- Jason Herrick, Gordon Food Service (5-Axle)
- Pablo Gonzalez Estrada, McLane Foodservice (Double Pallet Jack)
The IFDA National Championship continues to showcase the talent within the foodservice distribution industry while promoting safety and operational excellence.
About IFDA
The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) is the premier trade organization representing the $426 billion foodservice distribution industry. This industry ensures a safe and efficient supply of food and products to more than 1 million restaurants and foodservice outlets in the U.S. daily. Learn more at ifdaonline.org.
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