Comic and television presenter John Bishop presented the awards, known as the transport industry ‘Oscars'. The evening celebrates outstanding achievement in the industry and recognises innovation, customer service, efficiency and quality. They are judged by an independent panel of experts drawn from the industry.
The latter first: Volvo’s FH won out over the DAF XF and Scania R-Series as fleet truck of the year, and the Fiat Ducato was named fleet van of the year, over the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Vauxhall Vivaro.
The haulier of the year prize went to Wincanton, beating shortlisted companies Abbey Logistics and Elddis Transport. Fleet van operator of the year went to We Are Speedy. Temperature-controlled operator of the year was named McCulla of Northern Ireland. Technical excellence went to Tesco Distribution. Expect Distribution won the business excellence award.
DPD took not only the home delivery operator of the year award, and also the innovation award, for two new customer products, and the customer care award.
Parcels rival Hermes took the operational and compliance excellence award, while Palletline won the safety in operation award. Driver Exchange/Saint Gobain won the best use of technology award (for managing fleet drivers). The partnership award went to SP Transport/Meachers/RedFunnel.
Samworth Brothers won the training award; Pall-ex were named team of the year; Cemex won the apprenticeship of the year award.
Finally, John Lewis Partnership/Waitrose won the low carbon award, Topps Tiles won livery of the year, and outgoing DAF Trucks managing director Ray Ashworth won the service to industry award.