The deadline for entering the Motor Transport Awards 2023 is looming.
If you’re thinking of going for it, here’s everything you need to know:
- What are the Motor Transport Awards?
- What are the award categories?
- How do I enter?
- When and where are the 2023 Motor Transport Awards?
What are the Motor Transport Awards?
Now in its 37th year, the Motor Transport Awards is the largest awards ceremony dedicated to celebrating Britain’s transport industry. As prestigious as it is wide-ranging, the ceremony recognises the achievements of the remarkable, hardworking people and businesses within the sector.
It’s been a difficult few years for businesses in Britain. But, as the award organisers say:
“The UK road freight transport and logistics industry is always up for a challenge and the Motor Transport Awards are all about recognising the achievements of the people and operators who continued to deliver the goods in 2022.”
What are the award categories?
The awards are varied and free to enter. If you’re thinking of putting yourself forward, check out the Motor Transport Awards categories below to find the best fit.
The Best Use of Technology Awards, in partnership with Hankook
“This Award is for the best use of applied technology to solve a problem or improve service by a road transport fleet operator.”
The Business Excellence Award, in partnership with Hireco
“A fleet operator may be highly compliant and deliver great service but if it does not have a successful business model it won’t be around for long. This award recognises the fleet operator with a proven record in delivering a sustainable financial performance.”
The Clean Fleet Van of the Year Award, in partnership with Close Brothers Vehicle Hire
“The end of sales of new diesel and petrol vans in 2030 means that in the next seven years low carbon or zero emissions van will have to step up and start delivering for fleet operators. This award is for the clean van that is already showing that alternative fuels are a viable proposition and not just green window dressing.”
The Customer Care Award, in partnership with Pall-Ex Group
“Unlike some other truck of the year awards which are chosen by journalists, the Motor Transport Fleet Truck of the Year is selected by a panel of operators with real world experience of running fleets. The award goes to the 44-tonne 6×2 tractor unit that best delivers what fleet operators want.”
The Haulier of the Year Award, in partnership with MAN
“The blue riband Award for UK HGV fleet operators running 11 or more trucks, the MT Haulier of the Year is the ultimate mark of excellence in road freight transport.”
The Home Delivery Operator of the Year Award, in partnership with Palleyways
“The rise and rise of online retail has meant a boom in home delivery and this Award is for the best operator in this fast-growing innovative sector.”
The Innovation Award, in partnership with Goodyear
“The road transport sector is going through unprecedented levels of change as it strives to deliver great service while cutting emissions, improving safety and addressing the skills shortage – all while turning a decent profit. This Award is for the most innovative new product or service that addresses any of these issues.”
The Livery of the Year Award, in partnership with Tiger Trailers
“Trucks are mobile billboards seen by millions of people every year and this Award is for the fleet operator who has come up with an eye-catching livery that both informs and entertains.”
The Low Carbon Award, in partnership with Fraikin
“Never has the issue of climate change and carbon emissions been higher on the agenda. This Award is for the fleet operator who can show real progress in cutting carbon emissions over the past 12 months.”
The New Talent Development Award
“This award is for the transport operator that has come up with successful methods to recruit, develop and retain the best new talent to meet the company’s future business needs.”
The Operational Development Award
“The operations team of any fleet operator are often the unsung heroes who make the business tick. Balancing the need for the business to make money and deliver great service while remaining fully compliant is what is needed to win this Award.”
The Partnership Award, in partnership with Palletline
“The word ‘partnership’ is often misused to describe a long-term contract – to win this Award a fleet operator must show they are in a successful and genuine partnership with a customer, another operator or a supplier to deliver measurable gains for all the partners.”
The Safety in Operation Award, in partnership with TVS Interfleet
“Making sure everyone in a fleet operation gets home in one piece every night should be the top priority for every business. This Award recognises excellence in a company-wide safety culture or a specific safety-related initiative.
The Service to Industry Award, in partnership with Aquarius
“This is the only Motor Transport Award given to an individual and is for the person who has made an outstanding contribution to the road transport industry in the previous 12 months.”
The Sustainable Transport Award, in partnership with Vertellus
“Open to fleet operators of any type of commercial vehicle, this award is for companies that can show they have a clear strategy to ensure the business is environmentally, socially and financially sustainable.”
The Team of the Year Award, in partnership with Hiab
“Teamwork is the essence of a successful fleet operation and this Award recognises the best examples of pulling a group of people together – often from different departments, disciplines or companies – to solve a particular problem. Or it could be recognition for a particularly strong team that goes above and beyond every day to deliver strong results.”
The Training Award
“It is no coincidence that some of the UK’s most successful companies show a real commitment to training and staff development. This Award is for the fleet operator who can demonstrate the true value of training other than apprenticeships within the organisation.”
The Urban Operator of the Year Award
“As the UK’s towns and cities get more crowded the challenges of delivering goods and services in these urban environment get ever more complex. Clean air zones, safety of vulnerable road users and dealing with congestion and limited kerb space are just some of the challenges. This Award is for the fleet operator specialising in urban operations of any kind who can demonstrate excellence in difficult environment.”
How do I enter?
If one (or more!) of these awards sounds like it would be a good fit for your business, its people or initiatives, it’s simple enough to start the application process.
The process consists of an entry form and a 1,000-word PDF submission that fulfils the category criteria. This submission is your opportunity to really sell your business and highlight why it deserves to win!
Just make sure that you’re clear on what the category requires from you and that you’re eligible to enter. Any entries that don’t tick all the required boxes may be rejected.
When and where are the 2023 Motor Transport Awards?
The 37th annual Motor Transport Awards are due to be held on the 6th September, 2023, in Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
So, clear your calendar! Your business might just be in the programme as one of the winners…
But, if not, don’t worry. You can still book a table for yourself or your business, even if you don’t end up entering. It’s a great networking opportunity, and you’ll enjoy entertainment, drinks, and a three-course dinner!
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(Image credit: Motor Transport)
