The finale of the new French edition of XPO Logistics' Top Driver Challenge took place in Le Creusot on Thursday September 24. The company’s in-house challenge, which was created in 2013, showcases the pioneering commitment made by the Group (formerly Norbert Dentressangle) to prevent road hazards and reduce the environmental impact of trucks, and speaks to the high calibre of its employees.
The Top Driver Challenge is intended for XPO Logistics’ 5,000 or so drivers in France with 3,000 UK drivers competing in a UK edition later this year. After several months of regional selection rounds, 12 drivers qualified to take part in the finale. They competed with a theory test on the French Highway Code and road transport regulations, and in five practical trials that reproduced the conditions for manoeuvres to be performed as part of their daily assignments.
One of the practical trials was specifically devoted to environmentally-friendly driving (also known as eco-driving), in which all of XPO Logistics’ drivers receive training as part of the Group’s “Safe Driving Plan” (see below for details). This is a preventive driving technique based on anticipation, and on optimising engine performance. The goals are to avoid accidents and enable a 10% reduction in fuel consumption, since driver behaviour behind the wheel has a significant impact on a vehicle's fuel consumption.
Kamel Hamaidi, aged 38, who has been a driver for XPO Logistics for more than 10 years, was awarded the title of 2015 Top Driver. “I am extremely proud to be honoured as XPO Logistics’ 2015 Top Driver. All of the competitive tests reflected our real-life day-to-day experience, calling on our know-how and our training in terms of safety and controlling our impact on the environment,” said Kamel.
As Luis Angel Gómez, Managing Director Transport at XPO Logistics Europe explained: “Road safety and reducing the environmental impact of trucks are priorities at XPO Logistics. The daily commitment of everyone in our operations, and the excellence of our drivers when on the road are key strengths that differentiate us to customers. Our drivers travel 650,000 km on average without an accident for which they are responsible – that equates to 16 times around the world! We wanted to showcase this exemplarity by creating a friendly in-house challenge, namely Top Driver. Congratulations to our finalists, and especially to our 2015 Top Driver Kamel Hamaidi! They are our best ambassadors among our customers and others who use the roads.”