Six City of San Antonio CDL Drivers Named Best in Nation

Published on November 01, 2022

EL PASO (November 1, 2022) – Six City of San Antonio Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) drivers were named best in the nation after competing in the annual Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Road-E-O competition held Oct. 15 in El Paso, Texas.

The competitors were: Raul Perez (tractor/trailer), Gerardo Saucedo (tractor/trailer), Gilbert De La Rosa (rear load), Leo Saldana (roll off), Felix Rodriguez (mechanic) and Sam Rodrigues (mechanic).

This year’s competition featured more than 150 competitors showcasing their best in solid waste collection, landfill equipment, and mechanic operations. The San Antonio team went up against competitors from across the country representing states including Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, New Mexico and Oregon, all vying for the title of best in the nation.

“I think that if you ask our drivers, they will say that they are drawn by the spirit of competition and by the respect of their peers,” said Ramon Diaz III, route supervisor with SWMD. “The international ROAD-E-O is like the Olympics, where they come from many states to win and prove that ‘they are the best of the best.’”

For the drivers, the maneuvers emphasized safe driving on a variety of skills including alley back up, serpentine turns, parallel parking and stopping abilities. Multiple types of trucks and equipment were included in the competition including automated side load trucks, tractor/trailer and off-road landfill equipment. 

Scores were based on time and accuracy. The mechanics performed timed diagnostics on either heavy trucks or landfill equipment. Only two seconds separated first and second place winners in the mechanic competition, both SWMD employees. Rodriguez won first place and Rodrigues took second place in the mechanic competition.

Perez garnered first place and Saucedo captured second place in the Tractor/Trailer competition.

“I enjoy the camaraderie and competition, feels great to be recognized as the nation’s best tractor-trailer operator,” said Perez  

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