Okay we know its not Wimbledon, the Open or even the World Cup and the coverage is never going to make it to Sky Sports , BBC or even Channel 4 but this month is the inaugural Moffett World Championship “Operator of the year”.
The competition is the first such contest ever to be held in the world of truck-mounted forklift truck driving, and is open to all owners and operators of MOFFETT truck-mounted forklift trucks of which DLR Transport has 15 machines
“As the market-leader in truck-mounted forklifts, this competition is the ideal way to challenge MOFFETT truck operators, who are our ambassadors worldwide, to hone and demonstrate the skill with which they use MOFFETT equipment in their everyday working lives, delivering goods to their customers,” says Keith Quigley, Senior Vice President, Truck- Mounted Forklifts, Hiab.
The challenge
Competitors will complete a grueling course, under time-trial conditions, that will test their ability to mount and dismount the MOFFETT, perform daily safety checks, negotiate obstacles, and pick and place various loads in designated areas, all in a confined space, safely, and with efficiency and precision.
Penalty points will be added for faults such as safety infringements, misuse of the equipment, and a lack of awareness of the surroundings, and the competitor with the best time on the day will be declared the winner.
The trial will be judged according to strict criteria laid down by the MOFFETT Training Academy, who will also set the course and the scoring mechanism. An independent expert, accredited by the Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB), and who wrote the LTG10 standard, the certification required to operate truck-mounted forklift trucks, will adjudicate in the Grand Final.
Only the best can win
Qualification rounds began this April, with the final to be held in Dundalk, Ireland on 23-25 October 2015. Heats were held in Australia, Germany, France, the UK, Ireland, the USA, South Africa, Sweden, Finland, and The Netherlands.
And if anyone needs to see what a real expert is capable of, MOFFETT will have their very own professional, the Mystery MOFFETT Operator, on hand to demonstrate what the perfect round looks like. (In case you were wondering, it’s 5 minutes and 30 seconds, with zero penalties.) “Have you got the skills and nerve to challenge the Mystery MOFFETT Operator and be crowned Operator of the Year 2015?” he asks.
“This competition is not for the faint hearted,” says Quigley. “We invite our MOFFETT ambassadors to step up to the challenge, and show everyone just how good they are. But only the best will have the chance to challenge the Mystery MOFFETT Operator on his home turf.”
UK heats – Coventry
The UK heat took place in Coventry last month over 2 days and 2 of DLR Transports finest, Anthony and Luke took part.
The first 2 places were guaranteed an all expenses paid, place in the final to be held in Dundalk Ireland. Competitors from various firms including Hardstaff Barrier Services, Topps Tiles, CCF, AW Lumb, Marshalls, Pennine Stone, FPS and Komforts Systems and many more all took part.
Unfortunatly DLR’s gallant pair (see picture above) just missed out with Luke finishing in fourth place and Anthony achieving a very credible 3rd, just missing out on the final. Anthony did not leave empty handed though winning a Moffett T-shirt as well as a trophy.
Well done lads, better luck next time.
