Logistics UK has announced the shortlist for its Van Driver of the Year Award 2021.

The shortlist features drivers from Wayfair, The British Shop, G4s Manchester, Alliance Healthcare, Alloga UK, SMS, Vow Europe, Truline, and Greencore. 

The contest takes place on July 10 at Bott in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, which will see 12 finalists take part in a series of practical and theoretical tests.

Kevin Green, Logistics UK’s marketing and communications director, said: “The role of a van driver is demanding; in addition to lifting potentially awkward goods, drivers must have good legislative knowledge and be able to manoeuvre the vehicle safely, efficiently and cost effectively.

“There has been an exceptionally high standard of entrants this year, with those shortlisted displaying outstanding levels of knowledge and skill.

“For many years Logistics UK has celebrated van drivers as the unsung heroes of Britain’s economy, and the coronavirus pandemic has proved this to be the case, more so now than ever before.

“This event is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the dedicated, and highly accomplished, drivers that have continued to keep the nation supplied throughout these challenging times.”

Entrants will complete tasks on the day and will be rated on ‘safe driving’ style, legislative knowledge, economical driving, manoeuvring, risk perception and pre-use vehicle defect checking.

A presentation will be made at the end of the day to celebrate the overall Van Driver of the Year, as well as the second and third place contestants. Prizes include a holiday voucher, a GoPro and Amazon vouchers.

The event is supported by the AA, Bott, Brigade Electronics, Hertz, Lex Autolease, Quartix and TVL.

For more information, visit the Logistics UK website.