Microlise has announced the shortlist for its Driver of the Year Awards today, ahead of its Transport Conference on May 18.

The list includes three drivers in each category including Short, Medium and Long Distance, as well as Extra Mile, HGV Hero, Lifetime Achievement, Most Improved and Young Driver categories, which are new for this year.

The shortlisted drivers work for a range of organisations including; B&Q, Bibby Distribution, Bidvest, BOC, Ceva, Culina, Downton, Fowler Welch, Hovis, John Mitchell Haulage, Next, Samworth Brothers, Synergy, Warburtons and WM Armstrong Transport. All 24 drivers will enjoy a Porsche track day courtesy of MAN Truck and Bus UK.

The independent judging panel gathered recently in London to review the many entries received. It comprised of Richard Burnet, Road Haulage Association ceo; Des Evans, honorary professor at Aston Business School and former MAN Truck and Bus UK ceo; Christopher Walton, Road transport media managing editor; Sharon Clancy, Motion Magazine editor; and, Microlise executive director, Bob Harbey.

Burnett said: “The judging was tough this year with so many strong entries and a lot of extremely skilled drivers with A-grade Microlise reports.

“The role that drivers play often goes unrecognised and we are pleased to once again be supporting the Microlise Driver of the Year Awards as they shine a light on the brightest performers in our industry.”

The short, medium and long award shortlists, which are now in their second year, are defined by analysing data from 100,000 drivers assessed against a range of criteria, based on data collected by Microlise telematics units throughout 2015.

For the new categories this year, the judges reviewed nominations which were submitted online through the Microlise Transport Conference website.

The shortlisted drivers will have the potential to be named winner of their category at the Microlise Transport Conference on 18 May at the Ricoh Arena.