The winner will receive a $5,000 trip to the US
The Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) is inviting nominations for next year’s LBRCA Young Driver Award (YDA).
Nominations are open to truck drivers aged 21-35 who demonstrate a best practice approach to driving and safety.
The award will be presented at the LBRCA and ALRTA joint national conference in Coffs Harbour from March 23 -24.
The winner will receive a $5,000 trip to the United States.
LBRCA says the winner will be “a role model” for the rural transport industry and will help to promote rural transport as a viable, long-term career choice for young people.
“Rural transport is an essential service and we have an aging workforce,” LBRCA president Lynley Miners says.
“Without rural transporters, Australian produce wouldn’t get from the farm gate to the table.
“The job is a lot more challenging than people realise – the hours are long, the work can be dangerous, and compliance can be complicated.”
“The LBRCA Young Driver Award, now in its fourth year, recognises our top young drivers and showcases their commitment to safety and best practice.
“It’s something we should all strive for and be proud of.”
YDA 2015 winner Raymond ‘Reggie’ Sutton says the award can help encourage other young people to join the industry.
“An industry where no two days are the same and you get to meet a range of people along the way. Plus, I get to explore this great country and get paid for doing so,” Sutton says.
“And, sometimes as young operators we get under estimated. But we’re serious about our industry and about protecting the future of it.
“We know we can’t get food to the supermarket shelves without trucks, so we’d better make sure we have some people to drive the trucks in the future and that means getting younger people involved now.”
Nominations are open until February 16, 2018.
For more information, contact LBRCA on 02 6295 6651 or office@lbrca.org.au.