Last call for entries to FTA Driver of the Year 2017 competition

Tuesday 25 July 2017

Entries close this Friday (28 July) for the Freight Transport Association’s second annual Driver of the Year competition, sponsored by Bridgestone, so there’s just enough time for professional drivers to get their entries in before it’s too late. 

This year the competition has been opened up to all professional drivers from any business sector living in the UK, to recognise the valuable contribution that they make to the UK’s economy and acknowledge the skills of the best in the business.  FTA is calling on drivers of trucks up to 18 tonnes and up to 44 tonnes, as well as Van Excellence member drivers, to get their entries in as soon as possible or miss their chance to be named Driver of the Year 2017.

Three days of rigorous tests will reveal the country’s best drivers in each category, with an overall winner announced later in the year.  Competitors will be tested on their driving skills, manoeuvring ability, legislative knowledge and their ability to identify pre-use defects on a vehicle.  Drivers can enter themselves or employers can nominate up to three members of staff.

This year’s competition will also see the introduction of three new Young Driver of the Year categories, to recognise the emerging talent within the logistics sector.

FTA is delighted that  the world’s largest tyre and rubber company, Bridgestone, was so keen to sponsor the FTA’s Truck Driver of the Year competition for 18 tonne vehicles.

Bridgestone’s Truck & Bus Product Manager, Terry Salter said: “Bridgestone is proud to recognise the hard-working professionals who make the commercial motoring industry so great.  This year, the 18 tonne category resonated with us in particular.  We are always looking at ways to promote the hard work of commercial vehicle technicians, whether that’s through our award winning training programmes or suite of services that are tailored to meet their needs and make their lives easier.

“Our association with FTA’s Driver of the Year award represents the perfect fit for us and we are delighted to champion the hard work of these skilled professionals. We pride ourselves on serving society with superior quality and there are so many professional drivers who do likewise for their own companies, employers and customers.  We look forward to commemorating them and raising the profile of these diligent drivers.”

To enter the Driver of the Year competition, which is open to all truck drivers resident in the UK, please visit http://www.fta.co.uk/events/Driver-of-the-Year-2017.html.  Young Driver of the Year entrants must be aged under 30 on 12 September 2017.  

Those shortlisted for the finals of the competition will be invited to take part in an assessment day at Mercedes-Benz, where winners and Young Drivers of the Year in each vehicle class will be named.  The overall Driver of the Year title will be awarded at a presentation ceremony as part of the FTA Transport Manager Conference to be held at the Ricoh Arena on 29 November 2017.
 
 
FTA Press Office
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