Organized by TMC's Professional Technician Development Committee (PTDC), TMCSuperTech2009 is designed to determine the industry's top technician through a pre-qualification tests and a variety of troubleshooting tests at 14 skill stations.
In addition to finding this year's top truck technicians, the competition provides a showcase for the high degree of skill and knowledge shown everyday by trucking industry technicians and acknowledges the "best of the best."Any technician employed in the trucking industry may register for TMC's National Technician Skills Competition. The entry fee for TMC technician members is $100.00. The entry fee for non-member technicians is $200, which also includes TMC technician membership for the balance of 2009. The entry fee is waived for verified champions of 2009 state technician skills contests.
A maximum of 96 contestants (limit is tentative, subject to change depending on available resources) will advance to compete in the Hands-On Skills Challenge. Certified grand champions from State Trucking Association contests will automatically be included in the Hands-On Skills Challenge. All finalists will receive a special prize package.
All contestants will compete in a written test and pre-qualification challenge round on Monday afternoon consisting of a written multiple-choice examination and a hands-on skill pre-qualification test. Contestants will be given two hours to complete the test.
New this year, attendance at the PTDC Technician Training Fair sessions on Monday and Wednesday will earn contestants additional bonus points that will be counted in the scoring for the Hands-on Skills Challenge.
The Hands-on Skill Challenge runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and includes the following 14 skill stations:
• Electrical/Electronics;
• Starting and Charging;• Tires and Wheels;
• Wheel Ends;• Trailer Alignment;
• Engine (Electronics);• Engine (Hardware);
• Steering/Suspension;• PMI;
• Drivetrain;• Service Information;
• Repair Order;• Fasteners/Fastener Repair; and
• Fifth WheelLunch will be provided for all contestants, judges and other registered guests. Spectators will be welcome on the competition floor.
TMCSuperTech2009 first-, second- and third-place winners, along with those receiving the high score at each skill station, will be announced at Wednesday's Awards Luncheon. The first-place winner will have the choice of an expense-paid trip for two to the 2010 Daytona 500 or equivalent package, plus other prizes. Second- and third-place winners will also receive trophies and valuable prizes.Individuals who are awarded "Best in Skill" category from each of the skill stations will receive a Toughbook laptop courtesy of Panasonic.
Technician Training Fair In addition to TMCSuperTech2009, PTDC is holding a Technician Training Fair on Monday, Sept. 14, and again on Wednesday, Sept. 16. The hands-on training sessions are designed for technicians, shop supervisors and fleet managers. Other TMC meeting attendees are also welcome to attend the training.The training qualifies for National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation continuing education credits. The sessions will be repeated to maximize training opportunities.
Training sessions include:• Basic HVAC Principles;
• Basic Electronics;
• Proper Tool Usage and Repair Orders;
• 2010 SCR Update;• Proper Electronics and Wiring Repair; and
• Enhanced Safety Systems.Registration information and TMC's guide "How to Conduct a Technician Skills Competition" are available at tmc.truckline.com/.
Meeting and registration information is available online at tmc.truckline.com/.TMC, a technical council of American Trucking Associations, is North America's premier technical society for truck equipment technology and maintenance professionals. TMC features a diverse membership of equipment managers, service-dealers, owner-operators, industry suppliers and manufacturers, educators, academia and others that support the trucking industry. TMC member fleets represent the broad range of industry vocations, including truckload, less-than-truckload, municipal, private, on/off-highway, construction and other operations. Find out more about TMC online at tmc.truckline.com.
American Trucking Associations, Inc., the national trade association for the trucking industry, is a federation of affiliated state trucking associations, conferences and organizations that includes more than 37,000 motor carrier members representing every type and class of motor carrier in the country. ATA serves the interests of more than nine million people and 420,000 companies involved in trucking before Congress, the courts and regulatory agencies. www.truckline.com
