Driving forward
In a display of professional prowess and industry camaraderie, HWR celebrated its 20th annual Driving Competition on August 24th. The event, hosted at the Freight Haulage yard in Invercargill, brought together 48 of the company's most skilled drivers, showcasing the depth and breadth of talent within the organisation.
The competition featured two distinct categories: the Concrete division, with 15 competitors, and the Transport division, boasting a field of 33 drivers. This year's event was particularly notable for its display of workforce diversity, including the participation of two drivers from Pacific Fuel Solutions in Australia, underscoring HWR's expanding reach across the Tasman.In the Transport division, Caleb Graham, of Freight Haulage, emerged as the standout performer. Caleb not only clinched the prestigious Bill Richardson Memorial Award but also secured the Transport Rookie title, taking home the Brent Mackenzie Award in an impressive display of skill and potential.
Caleb's success is a testament to HWR's innovative Accelerated Licensing Process (ALP) program. As one of the successful candidates who completed the ALP, Caleb represents the program's effectiveness in producing well-trained, highly skilled drivers. HWR is keen to see other companies adopt this initiative, recognising its potential to elevate the standards of driver training and safety across the industry. Caleb's achievements serve as a powerful endorsement of the ALP's value in nurturing top-tier driving talent.
The Concrete division saw Aldvin Chozas, from Allied Concrete Penrose, demonstrating exceptional expertise, earning the coveted Harold Richardson Memorial Award.
The event's success was bolstered by the generous support of numerous sponsors. Franchise dealers and suppliers contributed an array of prizes, including vouchers, jackets and bags. TruckStops received special recognition for its significant contribution, not only providing generous prizes but also actively participating in the event and prize-giving ceremony.
The competition reached its climax with the announcement of the grand prizes. The overall winners in both the Transport and Concrete divisions each received $5000 travel vouchers, sponsored by the HW Richardson Group and Allied Concrete Ltd. This substantial reward underscores the companies' dedication to recognising and rewarding excellence in their workforce.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team worked tirelessly to ensure the event's success. From organisers and judges, our HWR Brand Ambassador Greg Murphy, to support staff and volunteers, countless individuals contributed to bringing this spectacular competition to life. Their efforts ensure that the HWR Driver Competition continues to be a highlight of the industry calendar, celebrating skill, safety and professionalism in the transport sector.
