Local UD drivers prove SA’s talent

Once again. South Africa’s contenders in the UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge driver competition have done well at the finals in Ageo, Japan.

Tatiya Sisilia, from Clover SA in Johannesburg, was awarded Best Green Band driver in the Quon category, while Chuttur Sunilduth, from Mauritius, walked away with the accolade for the Best Safety Mindset in the Quester category.

The local drivers were two of the nine finalists, selected from 300 initial participants who underwent local qualifying rounds held in nine countries. The countries represented at the finals were Japan, Australia, Singapore, South Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar and Thailand.

“We are very proud of their achievements and are sure that this once-in-a-lifetime experience will be invaluable as they continue their journey as truck drivers,” says Gert Swanepoel, MD of UD Trucks Southern Africa. “What the world needs today is smart logistics, and truck operators are key to achieving this objective through efficient, profitable, safe and sustainable driving.”

The UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge is the company’s signature annual competition and is part of its commitment to driver education and motivation, while shining the light on the unsung heroes of smart logistics – the truck drivers.

The competition simulates an actual truck operation cycle, assessing drivers in the three key areas of pre-driving inspection, fuel efficiency and safe driving, as well as manoeuvring and parking.

Kishi Nobuhiko, senior vice president, brand, communication and products, explains: “We have found that further efficiency in distribution is essential, for instance, to meet the rapidly growing demand for parcel delivery.

“Competition in the distribution sector is also becoming more intense, while at the same time there is a severe labour shortage, particularly of skilled drivers. Despite these challenges, we must remain mindful of environmental issues, congestion and safety.”

This year, the UD Extra Mile Challenge winners were Mohd Hisham from Singapore, in Quon, and Eko Yulianto from Indonesia, in Quester.