The Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) has announced Charlie Pittman of Pittman Transport as the recipient of its 2024 LBRCA Young Driver of the Year award.
Pittman received the award at the LBRCA annual conference on February 23 to 24 which was held in Wagga Wagga.
Pittman, aged 25, from Orange, NSW, was recognised for his outstanding dedication to safety, excellence in best practices, and notable contributions to the road transport industry, earning him the much sought after accolade.
Hailing from a family immersed in the transport business for over a century, Charlie 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.
The LBRCA says Pittman’s commitment extended beyond driving, as he diligently learned all facets of the business, including allocations, scheduling, and compliance.
In addition, his nomination for the award was said to be a testament to his passion for the transport sector, continuous learning, ongoing professional development, and his advocacy for young people within the industry.
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 says.
“In the last three years, I have travelled through most of NSW and as far as Far North Queensland and Tasmania.”
Ironically, the announcement of Pittman’s victory at the conference coincided with the event’s focus on addressing driver shortages, particularly among young drivers entering the industry.
Lynley Miners, the award initiator, praised Charlie’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 says.
“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.”
Pittman will work closely with the LBRCA over the next 12 months to showcase the heavy vehicle industry to young people as a safe, rewarding and viable career choice.
At the presentation, he expressed gratitude to the 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.”
Among the other finalists for the award were Brett Dawson from Dawson’s Livestock Transport Wagga Wagga, Nicholas Hamilton from Cavanagh’s Stockmaster, and Christopher Wisniewski, a driver for Divall’s Earthmoving & Bulk Haulage.