Driver Antonio Watson shines at the 2025 SWANA International Road-E-O

Driver Antonio Watson of GFL’s Garner, North Carolina hauling station, took to the big stage at the SWANA International Road-E-O in Seminole County, Florida where he placed second in the side loader competition!

To reach this international competition, drivers from private and public waste companies across North America have to place first or second in a Road-E-O put on by their local chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). Mechanics and landfill operators also compete in specific categories.

This is just the second year that Watson has participated in his local North Carolina Road-E-O.

“The first year I entered the Road-E-O just to get the feel of it and the second year I went in determined to place,” Watson said.

In May, Watson’s determination led to him placing second in side loader at the SWANA Road-E-O held in Raleigh, which qualified him for the International Road-E-O in Florida in October.

There, Watson competed against seven of the best side loader drivers in the US, from Washington State to Florida. The drivers put their side loaders through a series of maneuvers including parallel parking, backing into an alley and driving a figure 8 between cones.

“There was definitely a lot more pressure at the International Road-E-O because the course was set up differently and I performed the truck maneuvers in a different order than I did in Raleigh,” Watson said.

Despite feeling nervous at first, he focused on executing each maneuver with precision which earned him second place and an engraved glass award, a special shirt and a mug.

Watson always wanted to be a driver. Prior to joining GFL, he was a long-haul truck driver with a plan. He drove long haul for two years, saved to buy a house and found an opportunity to drive with GFL which allows him to work close to home and still enjoy the sense of freedom that comes with driving.

He expresses his appreciation to Operations Supervisors Andew Guerrero and Zachary McCormick and Operations Manager Eric Principe for giving him the opportunity to participate and encourages drivers to get involved in their local SWANA chapter and compete in a Road-E-O.

Congratulations, Antonio!

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