Leonnie Carter
It was a triumph for driver and employer when Road Freight NSW named Carter Heavy Haulage & Transport’s Jake Perrett its Professional Driver of the Year at the organisation’s 2023 Excellence Awards.
RFNSW combined a conference with a special ceremony at Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf in Sydney on Thursday 2 March, recognising the outstanding contributions its members make to the industry. The organisation is the voice of the road transport industry in NSW and its chief executive Simon O’Hara described the men and women award winners as the “best of the best”.
“They represent the very high standards, professionalism, productivity, leadership, and an all-important commitment to road safety achieved across the trucking industry over the past 12 months,” Mr O’Hara said.
Perrett’s recognition is fitting reward for a young man dedicated to his career. RFNSW said he embraces learning and development, having completed his Construction Industry Induction training as well as various client-specific induction courses. Judges noted he had obtained a High-Risk Work Licence, a Work From Height Licence and successfully completed and obtained formal qualifications in Working with Powerlines, Work Health and Safety Procedures, and Apply CoR Legislation and Regulations. In 2022, Jake obtained his Dangerous Goods Licence.
“Jake provides an exceptional level of customer service and ensures breakdown rates are extremely low,” said RFNSW. “He oversees qualified heavy vehicle mechanics to maintain the fleet in-house and presents the fleet to the highest standard. Jake constantly communicates with customers to manage and monitor their expectations, engaging with clients at every step from the planning of a project to final delivery.”
Last year, we saw the demand for this more than ever. Our clients needed support to transport bigger and heavier machinery – further than ever before. And this requirement kept on coming well into 2022.
“It’s fantastic for Jake, but it’s important for us too,” said Leonnie. “We are an employer of choice. Truck driving is a professional career, and we know we can create opportunities for our employees when we work together.
“And when it all comes together, well, Jake and I had a wonderful day at Dockside for the conference and awards.”
No wonder. Senator Glenn Sterle emceed the event. Never one to let a chance go by, Leonnie sought out the Senator to discuss rest breaks and conditions of road stop amenities.
“I often email Senator Sterle the pictures of rest stops and amenities conditions with dates and location that I receive, not only from our drivers, but others in the industry,” she said. “It’s part of my campaign of action to get better conditions for all drivers travelling on the road network. Roads, rest stops, and public amenities all form part of a driver’s workplace and they need to be at an acceptable standard.”
The Australian Trucking Association was the major sponsor of the award ceremony and BP the individual sponsor of Jake’s award. Road Freight NSW began as ATA NSW in 1983. The organisation has developed to become a respected advocate for trucking operators as a conduit to government, regulators, and enforcement agencies. The name change to Road Freight NSW came about in 2015 to articulate the independent and authoritative viewpoint of its respected executive leadership.
It is not the first recognition for Jake. In 2018 he was a finalist in the Australian Supply Chain and Logistics Future Leaders Award. After finishing school in 2011, Jake completed a heavy vehicle road transport mechanic’s apprenticeship with well-known and respected firm Gilbert and Roach in 2016.
At the conclusion of his apprenticeship, and still only 21, Jake ventured into the world of the supply chain and logistics industry and joined Carter Heavy Haulage & Transport as a heavy haulage, heavy vehicle operator.
“It was a credit to Jake that, although younger than most drivers in the industry, we considered he would be an asset to our organisation,” said Josh. “We based this on his mature attitude, passion for the industry, professionalism, and willingness to continually grow and develop his knowledge and skills.”
How right he was, and now RFNSW agrees and also the entire team at Carter Heavy Haulage.
See the award winner in action below!
