Top Truckers Battle It Out For Top Spot
SOME OF the finest Bulk Powder tanker drivers in the business have been facing off in a unique test of nerve and skill - with a cash bounty up for grabs.
It's a competition organised by building and environmental materials company Buxton Lime, part of the Tarmac Group. The company is seeking the best of the best among its road hauliers.
Buxton Lime outsources all its road haulage needs to third party providers - and they're kept busy. Between them they make over 1000 deliveries of cement and lime a week, together in a year covering in excess of 5 million miles by road.
The competition was devised and organised by Buxton Lime's logistics manager, Andrew Smith. "We want to promote high calibre professional drivers, road safety, customer service and environmental awareness." he says. "And to continue improving the partnership with our contracted hauliers. This tough competition has thoroughly tested the drivers."
The one-day contest - which is unique for a firm that outsources its road haulage - covered three legs. The first, control of the vehicle in an Off Road section, allowed the drivers to demonstrate their close manoeuvring skills. Judging the efforts was SafeDrive, a firm that specialises in driver safety training. The next stage was a written test, where competitors were questioned on vehicle and road safety, and delivery requirements. Consultant Peter Brown adjudicated. Finally, a vehicle inspection, looked at how well the drivers maintained and operated their equipment. Bulk powder tank manufacturer Feldbinder totted up the points there.
In all, a comprehensive challenge, which really put the drivers through their paces.
So just who is Buxton Lime's King of the Road? Step forward Martin Leafe of Buxton-based Lomas Distribution, who bagged £1000. Runner-up David Parkins of RDL Distribution's Buxton depot took home £500, just pipping Tim Marshall of Lomas Distribution who picked up £250.
The prizes were presented by Andrew Smith, and by Buxton Lime's commercial director Phil Richards.
"The high standard of skill shown by the competitors was amazing," Andrew Smith adds. "It's a credit to our road hauliers, and for us, reinforces our reputation for reliable and professional delivery to our customers."
Editors' notes
Buxton Lime is the country's largest producer of lime and lime products. It is also a major producer of cement. Part of the Tarmac group, BLI has been producing lime products in Derbyshire for more than 100 years and cement since the 1960s.
