OHL Names its 2011 ‘Top Gun’ Forklift Driver

OHL today announced that forklift operator Justin Hintergardt has won its companywide 2011 Top Gun forklift competition. In its 21st year, the competition tests the knowledge, skill and precision driving skills of OHL warehouse employees from 16 regions across the country. Hintergardt, of Fort Worth, Texas outmaneuvered the field of 300 to win a $1,500 cash prize, a trophy and a Top Gun jacket. Hintergardt also was named the best newcomer to the competition, winning the event on his first try.

Held at OHL's Nashville facility, the annual competition helps to build morale and provides a fun, challenging showcase for forklift operators to demonstrate their skills. Competitors take a written test, pass a forklift inspection and drive an obstacle course. Points are earned based on knowledge, skill, ability and safety throughout each of the challenges.

"The Top Gun competition has consistently been one of the most anticipated events in our company each year," said Bob Spieth, president of contract logistics for OHL. "All of our forklift operators have a natural competitive spirit to excel at their jobs; but the Top Gun competition offers them a chance to really show off their skills while building camaraderie with colleagues from around the company."

The championship round of the competition is highlighted by a challenging obstacle course that competitors are required to complete. The course’s demanding layout means competitors must be both precise and fast. Hintergardt earned his championship by completing the course in 15 minutes and 11 seconds.

The Top Gun event takes place over two days. The initial field of competitors was narrowed to 15 semi-finalists, who made the trip to Nashville. Five operators then moved on to the finals. OHL employs 2,500 forklift operators companywide.

Hintergardt has been with OHL for two years. Last year’s winner, Jamie Pearce of the Ohio region finished fourth.

Rebecca Mason of Winchester, Va., was OHL's first female forklift operator to reach the finals. She finished fifth, and even beat out her husband, who also works for OHL. The other finalists were: Bryan Jones from the Ohio/Michigan region and Freddy Ryberg representing the Missouri region. They finished second and third respectively.

About OHL
Based in Brentwood, Tenn., OHL is one of the largest 3PLs in the world, providing integrated global supply chain management solutions including transportation, warehousing, customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and import and export consulting services. OHL operates more than 130 value-added distribution centers, offers comprehensive transportation management services, employs nearly 7,000, and has offices worldwide. OHL has expertise in direct-to-consumer fulfillment, serves a wide range of business sectors from specialty retail to manufacturing, and specializes in the apparel, electronics, printing, food and beverage, and consumer packaged goods industries. www.ohl.com