Rodeo tricks and tips

Plan ahead. Since the event centres around drivers and their families, your biggest challenge may very well be to find a day when you’re most likely to have the bulk of your driver corps in town. Then, if you’re going to count on those drivers to give up their spare time (and put their skills in the spotlight), you’d better make it worth their while.

For the families, order plenty of food-don’t forget to give people places to sit-and have activities planned for the kids.

For the skills competition, work out a structure. Do you want to include driving only, or a written test and pre-trip inspection, too? If you want your test to be a preliminary event to a provincial driving competition, there may be standards to meet. Regardless, you’ll need tape to mark pavement, pylons, barrels, measuring tape, old tires, whistles for the judges, and something to simulate a loading dock for backing events. Decide who should judge the competition, and how you can make it fair. At FedEx Ground, an owner-operator fleet, Raymond Mercuri rents tractors for the day so drivers are competing on a level playing field.

Create a buzz. Some people are intimidated by competition. They see it as a test-an evaluation that might affect their day-to-day job status. While Mercuri does use rodeo results to help his staff make decisions about their training and safety-management efforts, he says it’s important to emphasize fun and family. Send invitations and put up posters announcing prizes and guests well in advance.

Invite suppliers. This is a chance for your drivers to meet your vendors and learn about the products. Your suppliers, in turn, can see the makeup of the fleet and rub elbows with the guys who use their equipment every day. Don’t forget to invite your fleet’s banker and insurance agent, as well.

Make it a prize day. Trophies, shirts, caps, and cash are obvious ideas, but your suppliers may offer to ante up much more. “I get thrown lots of stuff for free, like a set of car tires installed and balanced,” says Mercuri.