The Technology and Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Associations has scheduled its fifth annual National Technician Skills Competition for Sept. 14-17, during the council's 2009 Fall Meeting at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, N.C.


TMC SuperTech2009, as it's called, is meant to find the industry's top technician through pre-qualification tests and several troubleshooting tests. The contest is a way for technicians to showcase their high degree of skill and knowledge and acknowledges the "best of the best."

Any technician employed in the trucking industry can register for the competition for a $100 fee for TMC technician members and a $200 fee for non-members, which includes membership for the remainder of 2009.

The written test and pre-qualification challenge will take place on Monday afternoon. Contestants will be given two hours to complete the test.

New this year, contestants who attend the PTDC Technician Training Fair sessions on Monday and Wednesday will earn additional bonus points that will be counted in the scoring for the Hands-on Skills Challenge.

The Hands-on Skill portion, which will run Tuesday, includes 14 skill stations:

* Electrical
* 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
* Fifth Wheel

The winners of TMCSuperTech2009 will be announced during lunch on Wednesday. The first-place winner can choose an expense-paid trip for two to the 2010 Daytona 500 or equivalent package, plus other prizes. The second- and third-place winners will also receive trophies and valuable prizes. The top individuals in the "Best in Skill" category will receive a Toughbook laptop courtesy of Panasonic.

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.

More info: tmc.truckline.com