READING, PA - Penske Truck Leasing and the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) announced they've teamed up to promote driver safety. Penske is the leading sponsor and primary vehicle provider for IFDA's 2009 Food Industry Truck Driving Championship to be held at the Orange County Convention Center, in Orlando, Fla., and at the Rosen Centre Hotel, September 11 through 13.

This is the only national-level competition held for the food distribution industry.  Drivers representing foodservice distributors, foodservice manufacturers with private fleets, retail/wholesale distributors, self-distributing retail supermarket companies, and other types of food companies across North America gather to compete each year in this important industry safety event.

"As an industry leading vehicle and maintenance provider, we're proud to support the IFDA Food Industry Truck Driving Championship," said Jim Molinaro, Senior Vice President, Sales - Penske Truck Leasing.  "We share a mutual commitment to safety and best practices in fleet management."

This is Penske's fourth consecutive year sponsoring the event, and the company has signed on as a sponsor for the next two years.  "This event reinforces safety by recognizing and rewarding the food industry's best truck drivers," said Molinaro.  "I thank the members of IFDA for the leadership role they have taken to promote safety in the transportation industry by hosting this event."

The Food Industry Truck Driving Championship is the only international safety event that recognizes the hard work and safe driving food distribution drivers do daily.  It provides an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in three key areas and includes a written exam, pre-trip safety inspection, and a behind the wheel field course.  Visit www.ifdaonline.org for more information.