- Discover the top driving skills showcased at the Energy Transfer Truck Rodeo, a premier safety event in Fort Worth, Texas.
- Learn how leading industry vendors and drivers collaborated to ensure the success of this high-stakes skill challenge.
- Unveil the unique challenges and winning strategies that set the Energy Transfer Truck Rodeo apart from other industry events.
The 2024 Energy Transfer Truck Rodeo
The 2024 Energy Transfer Truck Rodeo, held on July 19-20 in the Stockyards of Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the premier safety events in the crude transport industry in the US. Organized by Phillip Q McCracken, Senior Fleet Manager, since its inception in 2018, this event highlights the skills and precision of the best drivers from Energy Transfer. We at Tank Transport are proud to run this story for Energy Transfer, showcasing their commitment to safety and skill in the crude transport industry.
Event Overview
This skill challenge is designed to test the abilities of top drivers in a timed event, where speed and precision are crucial. The event features multiple challenges and could not happen without the support of participating vendors, who also act as judges. Vendors provide financial backing and driver day bags containing hats, mugs, T-shirts, and pens to every participant.
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Participating Vendors
Key vendors involved in the event include Ritchie Bros, Rush Truck Centers, Cummins, Penske, SS Inspections, PT Coupling, Black Water Iron Works, Jack Olsta, Bill Williams, Bullzeye, Michelin, Diamond B, Troy Services, Premier Trading and Transport, Lee Trans Services, Seneca Tank, L and K, CY Fair Tire, Dragon, PSI Tire Inflation, Werts Welding & Tank Service and Tank Transport Trader Magazine.
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Stay InformedEvent Organization and Structure
Seamless Event Management
A dedicated team of Energy Transfer employees ensured the event ran smoothly. From hotel accommodations and meals to setting up the awards banquet, the organization was top-notch. The event, resembling a trade show, featured a complex course with hundreds of cones for various challenges. Explore our news of factors influencing growth in Fleet Safety, visit this link.
Standout Features of the Event
One unique aspect of the event was the use of different colored T-shirts for vendors/judges, drivers, and employees, making it easy to identify each participant’s role.
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Driver Challenges
CHUTE 1: Truck Scramble
In this challenge, drivers had to identify DOT/ET violations on a sabotaged truck and trailer, mimicking a pre-trip inspection.
CHUTE 2: Maneuvering Challenges
Drivers navigated through a series of challenges with a 5-gallon bucket of water attached to the front of the vehicle. Tasks included opening and closing a pasture gate, barrel slalom, and a well right-hand barrel U-turn.
CHUTE 3: Advanced Skill Tests
Drivers demonstrated advanced skills such as driver-side backing, pulling trailers through obstacles, and blindside backing into a simulated dock.
Professional Drivers and Winners
Professional drivers who participated included Jeff Calhoun, Erick Contreras, Ismael Altamirano, Seth Brown, Ray Matlack, Dee Stratton, Kyle Foley, Jeff Perales, Ivan Sotelo, Dan Foster, James Aebi, Patrick Landers, Ryan Rio, and Zeb Willis.
Winners:
- First Place: Jeff Calhoun
- Second Place: Erik Contreras
- Third Place: Ismael Altamirano
- VIP: Seth Brown
These 14 drivers have a combined experience of 135 years, delivering 32,993,005 gallons of crude and driving over 13,985,157 miles safely.
Celebrating Camaraderie and Excellence in Safety
In the driver’s world, you mainly operate alone, doing your job day after day, mile after mile. What was really special about this event was that the drivers got to show off their skills to fellow drivers, the management team, and all the vendors who support them in the field. You could see it on their faces as they received their driver bags, awards, and were treated specially for a few days.
Absolutely a great event with Safety at the Forefront at all times!
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Energy Transfer Truck Rodeo: Celebrating Excellence in Safety and Skill
The Truck Rodeo stands as a testament to the commitment to safety and skill in the crude transport industry. This annual event not only brings together the best drivers but also emphasizes the importance of meticulous driving practices and teamwork. Participants, including professional drivers and key industry vendors, collaborate to create an environment where excellence in driving and safety is both celebrated and rewarded.
The Energy Transfer Truck Rodeo is a significant event for the drivers, allowing them to showcase their skills and gain recognition from peers, management, and supporting vendors. This year’s event highlighted safety, skill, and camaraderie among the participants, making it an exemplary showcase of the crude transport industry’s best.
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Key Developments at the Energy Transfer Truck Rodeo 2024
The 2024 Energy Transfer Truck Rodeo showcased several significant developments and achievements:
Key Highlights
- Successful Organization: The event’s seamless execution was a result of the meticulous planning and coordination by Energy Transfer employees. From arranging accommodations to setting up the intricate course, the effort was evident in every detail.
- Vendor Participation: Key industry vendors such as Ritchie Bros, Rush Truck Centers, Cummins, and others played a crucial role. They not only acted as judges but also provided financial support and gifts for the drivers, enhancing the event’s overall experience.
- Challenging Courses: Drivers faced a variety of skill tests designed to challenge their expertise. These included identifying DOT/ET violations, maneuvering through obstacles with precision, and demonstrating advanced backing techniques.
- Notable Winners: The event recognized top-performing drivers, celebrating their skill and dedication. Jeff Calhoun, Erik Contreras, Ismael Altamirano, and VIP Seth Brown stood out for their exceptional performance, highlighting the high standards of the competition.
Summary of 2024 Energy Transfer Truck Rodeo
The 2024 Energy Transfer Truck Rodeo showcased the pinnacle of safety and skill within the crude transport industry. This well-organized event, held on July 19-20 in the Stockyards of Fort Worth, Texas, brought together top drivers, key industry vendors, and dedicated Energy Transfer employees. The event featured a series of challenging skill tests, from identifying DOT/ET violations to advanced maneuvering and backing techniques.
With meticulous organization, the event resembled a trade show, complete with hundreds of cones outlining the complex course. The drivers demonstrated their exceptional skills through a variety of challenges, all while emphasizing the importance of safety and precision.
Professional drivers, including notable winners like Jeff Calhoun, Erik Contreras, Ismael Altamirano, and VIP Seth Brown, showcased their talents, contributing to a combined experience of 135 years and millions of safe driving miles. The camaraderie among drivers, management, and vendors highlighted the event, making it an exemplary showcase of the industry’s best practices.
Explore More About Energy Transfer and Event Location
- Learn more about Energy Transfer’s operations and initiatives: Visit Energy Transfer for detailed information about their services, projects, and commitment to safety and innovation in the energy transport industry (Energy Transfer).
- Discover more about the Fort Worth Stockyards and its events: For a comprehensive look at events and activities at the Fort Worth Stockyards, including the Stockyards Championship Rodeo and the daily cattle drives (Fort Worth Stockyards).
- Details about Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers in Fort Worth: For information on upcoming auctions and the types of equipment available, visit Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Fort Worth (RBAuction).