The Livestock and Rural Transporters Association Victoria has awarded its Young Driver of the Year Award to Caleb Baldock from Mibus Transport.
Caleb, 29, does everything from carting livestock to oversize work, and has been commended for his positive attitude and dedication to his job.
Caleb’s uncle and employer Daniel Mibus, who nominated him for the award, told Big Rigs that he couldn’t be prouder of his nephew.
“For a 29-year-old driver from the Wimmera to win Young Driver of the Year for Victoria is a huge thing,” he said.
“He was up against quite a lot of people from across the state, so we’re very excited that he won.”
Daniel said that Caleb has a large amount of responsibility at work, but he does it all with a smile.
“He has a very positive attitude,” he said.
“He’s not just a truck driver, he’s also a certified pilot driver for oversize work.
“He handles all our permits and compliance, because he’s from a younger generation and he’s great with computers – where that just goes straight over my head!
“He runs the maintenance programs for us as well, and he’s right up with his mechanical knowledge.”
Daniel joked that he was “talked into” making a nomination by LRTAV, but really he just wanted Caleb to be recognised for his hard work.
“He’s got two-year-old daughter and another one on the way, and there’s a lot he has had to miss out on because of his job,” he said.
“When you jump in a truck and you’re doing interstate work, you don’t know when you’re going to be home, so you need a family that understands that.”
He said Caleb is also quick to help anyone who needs it.
“Say we’re chaining an oversize load on – he won’t just do it, he will always teach the person who’s with him why he does it that way.
“He’s pretty good for his age.”
He added, laughing: “He knows more than me – actually, I think he knows too much!”