A competition to find the UK’s best HGV drivers using telematics data to assess entries has announced its 24-strong shortlist, from 120,000 entries.
The Microlise Driver of the Year Awards is now in its third year and the overall winner and category winners will be announced at its conference at The Ricoh Arena in Coventry on 17 May.
Three finalists have been selected for Short, Medium and Long Distance categories, where the shortlist was assembled after analysis of data collected by Microlise telematics.
Additional categories, based on nominations from industry, include Extra Mile, HGV Hero, Lifetime Achievement, Most Improved Driver of the Year and Young Driver of the Year.
The shortlisted drivers are from a range of organisations including B&Q, Bibby Distribution, Brocklesby, Ceva, Chamberlain Transport, Culina, DHL, DX Freight, Eddie Stobart, Goldstar Transport, Hovis, Muller, Royal Mail, Samworth Brothers Distribution, Tesco and Warburtons.
Winners will be chosen by an independent panel, including Road Haulage Association Chief Executive Richard Burnett, Freight Transport Association Deputy Chief Executive James Hookham, Motor Transport Editor Steve Hobson, RTITB Head of Technical Services Nick Welch and Microlise Executive Director Bob Harbey.
Richard Burnett said, “These awards are unique in that they focus squarely on drivers and the essential work being done to raise the calibre of our industry. Each year I am astounded at the lengths drivers go to, their performance and consistency. This year has been no exception.”
Nadeem Raza, Chief Executive Officer at Microlise, added, “These awards were launched and are designed to identify the best of the best. Those shortlisted have performed exceptionally over a 12-month period, showing high levels of skill, dedication and professionalism. The data doesn’t lie and to be identified from over 120,000 drivers just shows how good these drivers are.”
