Search is on for best young truck driver

Date: 19.03.2012

Scania has launched a new search for the best young driver on the road with the 2012 Young Australian Truck Driver Competition

March 19, 2012

Scania Australia is poised to start its third national search for the best Young Australian Truck Driver (YATD).

The 2012 competition will be run along similar lines to the successful 2010 program, with a web-based entry for eligible drivers followed by National Final to be held in Melbourne in November. The winner earns a prize of $10,000.

The Scania Young Australian Truck Driver 2012 competition aims to increase road safety, boost driver confidence and skills as well as improve the perception of professionalism of truck drivers in the wider community. It also aims to increase driver efficiency and reduce vehicle wear and tear, vital factors in enhancing operator profitability.

Scania’s YATD 2012 competition is affiliated with the worldwide Scania Driver competition, taking place in 40 countries and attracting 55,000 entries, making it the largest of its kind.

"The driver is the single most important factor for economy, environment and safety," says Leif Östling, President and CEO, Scania.

"Skilled and committed drivers deliver transport efficiently, reduce emissions, contribute to better road safety and improve any company’s profitability. These types of drivers are real assets and prove that environmental pursuits and positive financial results can go hand-in-hand."

"The Scania YATD 2012 competition will focus on best driving practises, from driving skills to knowledge of road rules, which in total will encourage safer truck driving and improved road safety conditions for all road users," says Roger McCarthy, Managing Director of Scania Australia.

Scania now welcomes entries from Australian truck drivers who have the skills and drive to meet the challenges of the competition.

In addition to exceptional driving skills, drivers must demonstrate a positive attitude, road safety awareness, stamina and professional pride.

Scania aims to use the promotion of the Scania YATD 2012 competition to raise awareness of some of the key issues affecting the Australian transportation sector.

"The Australian transport industry continues to face a challenging business and legislative environment, and that is before the impact of the Carbon Tax on the industry can be fully understood," McCarthy says.

"The Scania YATD competition brings a focus to the industry and shows that we are actively working to improve productivity, sustainability and road safety, as well as raising the profile of the driving profession in Australia. We appreciate how important it is to encourage new drivers to join the industry and we also want to help make the roads safer. This competition fulfils this joint aspiration very well.

"I would encourage all young truck drivers to enter the on-line competition if for no other reason than to test their professional knowledge.

"We look forward to welcoming the most knowledgeable to Melbourne this November to see if they stack up as well behind the wheel as they do in front of a screen," McCarthy says.

To enter the Scania Young Australian Truck Driver 2012 competition on the web, visit www.scania.com.au and follow the links to the YATD competition. Entries close on September 30, 2012.