Ryder System has crowned Warren Smith of Ontario as the 2024 Ryder Top Technician, awarding him a $50,000 cash prize. Now in its 23rd year, the annual competition recognizes the top-performing truck maintenance professionals among Ryder’s 4,800 U.S. and Canada-based technicians.

The competition, held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Penn., featured 10 finalists who competed in a series of hands-on skills challenges.

They rotated every 30 minutes across 10 trucks, facing diagnostic challenges in preventive maintenance, collision avoidance systems, electronic engine diagnostics, after-treatment systems, and other technical areas. These challenges were developed with Ryder’s supplier partners and OEMs to reflect the technical training required to maintain the nearly 250,000 commercial vehicles under Ryder’s care.

“Congratulations to Warren Smith as this year’s Top Tech and a heartfelt thank you to all our finalists and competitors for another successful and inspiring display of truck maintenance mastery,” said Robert Sanchez, chairman and chief executive officer of Ryder, in a news release.

“It was particularly fitting to celebrate Warren Smith and each of our finalists in the city of bridges this year. At Ryder, we serve as a bridge between our customers and their clients, helping to navigate obstacles to ensure they deliver on their promises to customers,” added Bryce Kinsley, the company’s vice president of maintenance operations.