Hovis has won the Microlise Driver Excellence Award for 2020 after telematics data showed it had the best performing drivers.

The awards recognise logistics teams which have consistently displayed driving excellence and superior customer service, with Hovis selected as the overall winner in 2020 based on driver data captured from in-truck telematic systems.

Employees from the firm featured most in a list of Microlise’s top 1,000 drivers based on telematics data from 225,000 UK drivers.

Adam Bassant, general manager at Hovis Logistics, said: “This is a fantastic achievement that could not have come at a better time.

“The past few months have been very challenging for the nation. Hovis has responded to increased demand, virtually overnight, with our drivers playing a key role in supporting this unprecedented demand.

“It’s a tough job driving for nine or 10 hours a day, often in and around our big cities, so this is fitting recognition for the drivers, the in-house trainers and the managers who contribute to making that happen day in and day out.

“This also completes a triple for us as we were lucky enough to win the Microlise Driver of The Year award in 2018, the Young Driver of the Year in 2019 and now the Driver Excellence Award for 2020.”

Hovis signed a multi-year deal with telematics provider, Microlise, in 2015. The deal covered the entire Hovis fleet of 450 vehicles and 190 trailers. 

Bassant continued: “For a logistics team of our size, with approximately 625 drivers, I think we have cause to be rightfully proud of this industry recognition. We work hard to support our drivers to be the best they can be as we really believe that they are ambassadors not only for Hovis, but for the entire sector.”

The judging panel included Road Haulage Association (RHA) chief executive, Richard Burnett, the former Traffic Commissioner for Scotland, Joan Aitken, and executive director of Microlise, Bob Harbey.

Harbey said: “The standard of entries was simply outstanding and a true credit to all those companies who entered the awards. 

“Although for many, it has regrettably taken a global crisis to highlight the critical role of drivers, it remains our privilege to take part in recognising the best organisations and drivers who deliver with such commitment and expertise and literally keep our economy moving.”