GFL’s team riding high after the NC SWANA Road-E-O

Although the dust has settled, GFL’s team of drivers, mechanics and landfill operators are still riding high after their performance at the SWANA Road-E-O held in Raleigh by the North Carolina Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA).

GFL had first, second, and third place winners in auto side loader, front loader, rear loader, roll-off, mechanics, compactor and bulldozer categories.

“The competitors at the SWANA Road-E-O are the cream of the crop,” said Jordan Weiner, regional environmental, health and safety manager in Raleigh. “The event is a great way to showcase the waste industry and the talented people who work in it.”

Held on May 16 and 17, the GFL team competed against the best and safest drivers, and top operators and mechanics from public and private solid waste organizations across North Carolina.

In total, GFL fielded 42 contestants: 25 drivers in the truck competition, along with 5 mechanics and 12 heavy equipment operators who competed in their respective categories.

To qualify for the Road-E-O, all participants must be accident and injury free for the year leading up to the event, and be nominated by their manager or supervisor.

The competition is a two-part event for drivers and mechanics who must first complete a written test. Drivers then navigate pre-set obstacle courses and mechanics perform troubleshooting and diagnostics tests. The heavy equipment operators were tested on their skills at the South Wake Landfill. All categories are judged on time and accuracy.

Driving courses are specially configured for each type of vehicle, including front loaders, side loaders, rear loaders, roll-off trucks and tractor trailers.

“Congratulations to all of the GFL drivers, mechanics and landfill operators who represented GFL in this challenging, skill-testing competition,” Weiner said.

The winners of each category received trophies and cash awards.

The first and second place winners in each category are also eligible to enter the SWANA International Road-E-O which will be held in Florida in October.

The first, second and third place GFL winners are:

Auto Side Loader:

Second Place: Antonio Watson, Raleigh

Third Place: Chris Thomas, Raleigh

Front Loader:

Second Place: Gary Smith, Vance Granville

Rear Loader:

Third Place: Wylie Winborne, Greenville

Roll-Off:

Second Place: Shawn Swafford, Raleigh

Third Place: William Godwin, Jr., Raleigh

Mechanics:

First Place: Tracy Hendricks, Vance Granville

Third Place: Silas-James Metz, Tri East

Compactor:

Second Place: Johnny Aguilar, South Wake Landfill

Third Place: Pat Holland, South Wake Landfill

Bulldozer:

First Place: Joe Mills, South Wake Landfill

Second Place: Garrett Conroe-Riddle, Apex Landfill

Third Place:  Brad Fenner, South Walke Landfill

Congratulations to all the GFL winners and competitors!

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