Have you got the truck-factor?

Chadderton-based Mantra Learning is hosting a prestigious awards scheme to celebrate the industry’s best truck drivers.

The event, in association with the Road Haulage Association, Skills for Logistics and the Freight Transport Association, takes place on September 26 at Mantra’s impressive Manchester training facility.

The finals will celebrate the region’s most talented truckers in the following categories: Most Skilled Manoeuvring, Best on Road and Best Customer Service as well as crowning a North-West Best Truck Driver of the Year who will become an industry ambassador. Winners will be selected from both Cat C1 and E (Class 1) and Cat C (Class 2) drivers across all categories.

Entries are being accepted from employers who would like to nominate drivers from their own company and also from self-employed drivers who feel they have what it takes to become the best in this prestigious new scheme.

To enter, go to www.mantralearning.co.uk and complete the brief online form or call 0161-653 5767 for more information and ask for Richard Tavini. Closing date for applications is September 10.

A total of 25 finalists per category will be shortlisted and these talented truckers will be invited to the final.

Finalists will be put into real-life driving scenarios in Mantra vehicles and their skills will be put to the test on collecting goods, picking up pallet loads and so on and their masterful manoeuvring.

There is also a test where the cream of the region’s truck drivers will be scrutinised on their mode of driving and fuel efficiency, on a set route on the local roads surrounding Mantra’s headquarters.

Customer service skills outside the cab will be assessed by the judging panel as the drivers return to the Mantra site to deliver their goods and take part in real-life scenarios that demand customer-service expertise.

The practical test drives will be complemented by a theory questionnaire. Prizes include 35 hours of specialist driver training and King Dick Tools.

Mantra learning development manager Phil Barker said: “To be able to say your company’s drivers were shortlisted or won an awards scheme backed by some of the sector’s highest profile bodies will lift a business above the competition. The same goes for self-employed drivers.”