Third generation truckie named LBRCA Young Driver of the Year
Mark Fletcher, 24, has been named the Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) 2023 Young Driver of the Year at its annual conference in Tamworth.
A third generation truckie, he works for McCulloch Bulk Haulage, doing B-double work, hauling bulk commodities throughout regional and rural NSW.
Having grown up around trucks, he says that truck driving isn’t just a job, it’s a passion – and it’s one that he hopes to keep enjoying until the day he retires.
The LBRCA Young Driver Award is presented to an outstanding truck driver under 35 years of age, who demonstrates a best practice approach and commitment to driving and safety.
The award winner is a role model for the rural transport industry, helping to promote rural transport as a viable, long-term career choice for young people.
Other finalists for the award were Multiquip drivers Julian Byrne and Brody Southwell, Casey Edwards from Robertsons Yass and Alex Maloney from Maloney Livestock Transport.
The inaugural winner of the award, Raymond Sutton, explained how important rural transport is.
“Without rural transporters, Australian produce wouldn’t get from the farm gate to the table. The job can be challenging, there can be long hours, workplace safety challenges, and compliance can be complicated,” Sutton said.
“The Young Driver of the Year Award recognises our top young drivers and showcases their commitment to safety and best practice. It’s something we should all strive for and be proud of.”
The award, sponsored by SafeWork NSW and the LBRCA, includes a $5000 trip to the US where Fletcher will gain an understanding of international bulk transport and handling practices and attend the 2024 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) – the largest annual heavy-duty trucking event in the world.
Livestock Bulk Carriers NSW applauded the win, “Congratulations and thank you Mark, this is an amazing accomplishment at such a young age – you are such a fantastic role model for the industry,” it said on social media.