The Microlise Driver of the Year Awards are a celebration of the very people that keep the UK’s supply chains moving all year round. Often the unsung heroes of our industry, our annual awards shine a much-deserved light on the hard work, professionalism and dedication shown by HGV drivers up and down the country.

This year’s shortlist features drivers from leading organisations including Aldi, Co-op, Hovis, Tesco and Waitrose, reflecting the breadth and diversity of talent across the UK road transport industry.

Across 11 award categories, we recognise drivers achievement that span consistency, efficiency, compliance and of course outstanding contribution – from lifelong service to commitment to improve.

So, without further ado, from a pool of more than 220,000 drivers, meet our 2026 finalists…

Recognising drivers across the board, our awards are split across data-led categories, determined through independent analysis of driver performance, and nomination-based categories, where drivers are put forward by employers and industry peers.

Short Distance

John Mckinney, XPO Logistics

Andrew Phillips, Tesco Distribution

Andrew Toll, Gist Ltd

Medium Distance

Peter Gunthorpe, Maritime Transport

David Hallam, Gist Ltd

Daniel Szebeni, Maritime Transport

Long Distance

Paul Dowdalls, Co-op

Timothy Stocks, Sainsbury’s/GXO

Christopher Sullivan, Aldi Ltd

Compliant Driver

Arjan Berisha, Europa

Declan McAdams, Hovis

Christopher Sullivan, Aldi Ltd

Extra Mile

Dale Cox, CCF Ltd – (Travis Perkins PLC)

Sally Jones, Celtic International Freight Limited

Paul Moir, Howard Tenens

Rookie Driver

Shanalee Johnson, Tesco Distribution

Fletcher Peart, Brian Yeardley Continental Ltd

Vanessa Porter, Sainsburys/GXO

Lifetime Achievement

Ben Cooper, Floorspan Contracts ltd

Geoffrey Dixon, Tesco Distribution

Graham Whitby, Matthew Clark

Commitment to Improve       

Ionut Budurca, Great Bear

Mareks Kvetins, Sainsbury’s/GXO

Ian Wheatley, XPO Logistics

Driver Hero       

Connor Brennan, Sainsbury’s/GXO

Sharon Longthorne, Loveden Travel

Outstanding Mentor

Jason Brennan, Waitrose & Partners (John Lewis PLC)

Gavin Jones, Warburtons

James Tollitt, Schenk Tank Transport

Speaking about this year’s shortlist, Nadeem Raza, our CEO, said, “Professional drivers play a critical role in keeping the UK’s supply chains moving every single day. Behind every delivery is a driver whose skill, commitment and professionalism ensures goods reach businesses and communities safely and efficiently.

“The Driver of the Year Awards are about recognising the individuals who consistently demonstrate those qualities. The standard of entries this year has once again been extremely high, and we are proud to celebrate the drivers who represent the very best of the industry.”

Winners will be selected by an independent judging panel including Phil Roe, President of Logistics UK; Richard Turfitt, Traffic Commissioner for the East of England and Scotland; Stephen Hards, Head of Operations at the Road Haulage Association; and Jackie Mitchell, Director of HR at Microlise Group.

Richard Turfitt added, “As a regulator, I often deal with drivers who have not complied with the law, so it is a genuine pleasure to read about the nominees and their outstanding achievements.

“They represent the industry at its very best, and each nominee deserves recognition for their outstanding contribution. Their dedication sets a powerful example for the sector, highlighting the professionalism and commitment that are essential to the industry’s future.”

The winners will be announced on 12 May 2026 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, following the Microlise Transport Conference.

Join us

The Microlise Transport Conference is Europe’s largest one-day road transport conference – and you’re all invited!

📅 Tuesday 12^th May

📍 Co-op Live, Manchester

🔗 Register for Free

A huge congratulations to all our shortlisted drivers – we can’t wait to see you for a night to remember at the awards ceremony in May.