Logistics UK urges members to put forward their best drivers for its Van Driver of the Year competition

The annual competition puts its applicants through a rigorous online risk assessment, before shortlisting 15 finalists. The finalists will be invited to complete a series of six challenging tasks in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, at the premises of Bott, a Logistics UK Van Gold Partner, on Saturday 10 July 2021.

On the day of the competition, the tasks will assess each finalists’ driving style, their knowledge of key driving legislation, their ability to detect defects on their vehicles, as well as their performance manoeuvring a vehicle along a set course.

Winners of each task will receive a prize, while the overall winner will win a holiday voucher worth £1,000.

WINNING WORDS

Chris Shenton from Asda (pictured above) was the last person to be crowned Van Driver of the Year.

“I love my role as a driver, and I have always taken it very seriously,” he said on being named as best van driver in the UK in 2019, “To be recognised for my dedication, hard work, and constant thirst for improvement over the years is overwhelming. I would like to thank my fellow drivers at Asda whose brilliance pushes me to be the best I can.”

THE RISE OF VANS

Vans are now the fastest-growing vehicle segment, with more than four million currently on the roads of the United Kingdom. The COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the demand for their services, as more and more people choose to buy goods online and have them delivered direct to their doorstep.

David Wells, Chief Executive of Logistics UK, said: “More vans on our roads could potentially equal more road risk, so it is essential that our van drivers are equipped with a unique portfolio of skills – spatial awareness, hand-to-eye coordination, safety awareness and a sound grasp of the fundamentals of transport legislation.

“As more and more large brands use their vehicles to advertise their services, safe and considerate driving and a high level of customer service are an increasingly important part of a van driver’s toolkit. Because being the best in the business also means being a first-rate ambassador for the company that you drive for.

“It gives me great pleasure, therefore, to be able to invite our members to put their best drivers forward for this exciting and exacting competition. The finalists will be put through their paces and tested on a wide range of challenging tasks, from being able to detect vehicle defects to executing a tight manoeuvre. The competition promises a challenging but rewarding day out, where finalists can meet with other driving colleagues at the very top of their profession.”

* www.logistics.org.uk/vdoy21

Published On: 13/05/2021 17:00:17

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