Ryder named Warren Smith of Ontario, Canada, as the 2024 Ryder Top Technician, the company announced Monday. Smith takes home a $50,000 cash prize.
The Ryder Top Technician Skills Competition identifies, showcases and rewards Ryder's top performing truck maintenance professionals among its 4,800 U.S.- and Canada-based technicians. The 2024 championship event, the 23rd, took place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.
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"Since 2022, our Top Tech competition week and grand prize are just one of the many ways we highlight the value of our skilled technician workforce — celebrating their indisputable talent and showcasing why Ryder techs are the best in the business," says Robert Sanchez, chairman and CEO of Ryder.
Ten finalists competed in Pittsburgh in a set of skills challenges, rotating every 30 minutes across 10 trucks as judges evaluated their performance. Finalists were presented with diagnostic challenges designed to test their technical expertise in preventive maintenance, collision avoidance system diagnostics, electronic engine diagnostics, aftertreatment system diagnostics, multiplexing/diagnostics, automated transmission diagnostics, heavy duty electrical systems and more. The tests were designed with Ryder supplier partners and OEMs. The finalists outperformed 1,200 other Ryder technicians in the first round and advanced through the regional qualifier round to compete in the championship.
Placing second and third were Kyle Walton of Pennsylvania and Benjamin Cheaney of Indiana, respectively. Finalists were recognized at an awards ceremony at the Heinz History Museum, where each received a $10,000 cash prize.
"It was particularly fitting to celebrate Warren Smith and each of our finalists in the 'City of Bridges' this year. At Ryder, we serve as a bridge between our customers and their clients, helping to navigate obstacles to ensure they deliver on their promises to customers," says Bryce Kinsley, vice president of maintenance operations at Ryder. "Our skilled Ryder technicians are essential in this process, providing the expertise and support needed to keep operations running smoothly. We take pride in being the preferred employer of these top technicians as they continue to deliver the best service and workmanship in the industry."
