The 6th Pal Line Driver Contest: A Showcase of Driving Excellence
On November 8, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the city of Ayase in Kanagawa Prefecture will host the highly anticipated 6th Pal Line Driver Contest. Organized by Pal Line Co., Ltd., a logistics partner of the Pal System Group, this thrilling competition reflects the company's commitment to ensuring safe and accurate delivery of products to customers' homes. With 42 talented drivers from various backgrounds, the event promises to highlight the skills essential for effective transportation in today’s fast-paced world.
Competitors from Across the Region
The contest features drivers selected from 14 offices across Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Shizuoka, representing a diverse range of experience levels. Participants include recent recruits with just a year of service alongside seasoned veterans boasting over 20 years in the field. Friends and family members of the entrants are expected to rally around them, offering support and encouragement throughout the day.
Competition Structure
The contest will be divided into two main categories: the
Living Logistics Division, which utilizes small trucks for home delivery, and the
Core Logistics Division, focused on medium-sized trucks transporting goods from logistics centers to delivery locations.
Each round of the competition simulates everyday driving scenarios, testing participants on precision and speed in activities such as slalom courses and reverse parking. Teams must strategize to navigate challenging course obstacles and utilize coaching techniques, which will also be factored into the judging criteria.
The Exciting Takotsubo Challenge
One of the event's highlights is the
Takotsubo Challenge, held in a one-on-one tournament format. Contestants start simultaneously, racing to maneuver their trucks out of a ‘takotsubo’ (octopus pot-like) area with frequent steering adjustments. This exciting challenge not only tests driving abilities but also showcases the competitors' agility and problem-solving skills under pressure.
Family Fun and Engagement
In addition to the driving contests, family members and supporters will enjoy a unique stamp rally. Those who complete the rally will receive a cardboard craft kit to create their own truck models. An exciting experience corner will allow attendees to try their hand at driving a 10-ton truck while dressed in driver uniforms, providing a memorable way for them to connect with the vital logistics sector, often referred to as the