The Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) is thrilled to announce Charlie Pittman, of Pittman Transport, as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 LBRCA Young Driver of the Year award.
Orange-based Pittman, 25, was presented with the prize at the LBRCA’s recent annual conference in Wagga Wagga, an event focused on addressing driver shortages, particularly among young drivers entering the industry.
Judges said that Pittman’s “outstanding dedication to safety, excellence in best practices, and notable contributions to the road transport industry have rightfully earned him this esteemed accolade”.
Hailing from a family immersed in the transport business for over a century, Pittman’s journey into the industry began after completing a business degree.
He embraced the family legacy by actively engaging in the transport of livestock and bulk commodities throughout Australia.
Pittman’s commitment extended beyond driving, as he diligently learned all facets of the business, including allocations, scheduling, and compliance.
“Charlie’s nomination for the award is a testament to his passion for the transport sector, continuous learning, ongoing professional development, and his advocacy for young people within the industry,” the judges added.
Upon receiving the award, Pittman highlighted the allure of the job, emphasising the independence and autonomy it provides.
“The job is really exciting as you can be your own boss behind the wheel, and the opportunity to travel is also quite attractive,” he said.
“In the last three years, I have travelled through most of NSW and as far as Far North Queensland and Tasmania.”
Lynley Miners, the award initiator, praised Pittman’s outstanding best practice approach and commitment to driving and safety.
“Charlie displays an exemplary work ethic, a proactive approach to safe work practices, and is a brilliant role model for the rural transport industry,” Miners said.
“The professionalism and leadership qualities Charlie possesses are a real win for our industry. He is hungry to learn and absorb every detail of the industry to be the best at what he does.
“Charlie will work closely with LBRCA over the next 12 months to showcase the heavy vehicle industry to young people as a safe, rewarding and viable career choice.”
Pittman expressed gratitude to LBRCA and SafeWork NSW for supporting the award over the past decade. He also thanked his parents, Jeremy, and Annabel, for their unwavering support in pursuing a rewarding career in the heavy vehicle industry.
Miners confirmed that the calibre of nominations received for this year’s award was outstanding.
“This award is so important as it not only recognises and showcases rising young industry talent but also builds their confidence and reaffirms to them that they are doing a great job and to keep doing what they are doing,” she said.
Among the other finalists for the award were Brett Dawson from Dawson’s Livestock Transport Wagga, Nicholas Hamilton from Cavanagh’s Stockmaster, and Christopher Wisniewski, a driver for Divall’s Earthmoving and Bulk Haulage.