The British Crane Truck Operator Challenge has been won for the second year running by Daniel Broda, PPC Transport operations director.
Launched last year by UK commercial vehicle dealer Mac’s Truck Group, the event tests the skills, precision and focus of the competitors.
This year’s event, held on 5 September at Mac’s headquarters in Huddersfield, England, saw fifty five crane operators vying for the title.
Entrants skills were tested to the limit during the competition which included all-new challenges designed and developed by Mac’s Crane Test Team, following feedback from the inaugural event last year.
Mac’s also raised the stakes by boosting the prize money from £1,000 to £1,500 for the winner, with second and third place awarded £1,000 and £500 respectively.
Competition was fierce but Broda held out to clinch first place yet again, closely followed by Sam, known as the HIAB Princess on socials, of Brookdale Transport in second place, with third place going to Nathaniel O’Riordan of FLX Logistics.
The family oriented event also featured local food trucks, an on-site bar, children’s entertainment, and music.
Visitors were also able to view Mac’s wide range of vehicles up for sale - from Beavertails to Removal trucks - and tour its 30-bay workshops, where Mac’s manufactures all of its trucks.
Lewis Ramsden, marketing manager at Mac’s Truck Sales, said: “This year’s event was a fantastic success, bringing together 55 exceptionally talented operators from every corner of the UK to put their precision and skills to the test.
“The feedback on the challenges was brilliant - competitors loved how testing the courses were, while noting how fair and balanced the scoring felt throughout the day by our FASSI Gold Rated Engineers.
“Beyond the competition itself, it was incredible to see the event evolve into a real community and industry hub.
“Transport managers and operators were networking and catching up, with one manager even telling us they were actively using the day to scout driving and operating talent.
“Paired with live music, a bar, great food trucks, and children’s entertainment, it created an amazing atmosphere for both industry professionals and their families.
“We’re already looking ahead to next year; the championship will definitely be returning - dates to be confirmed - surrounded by an expanded open day showcasing the full breadth of Mac Group’s vehicle range and lorry loader crane servicing through the recent acquisition of Walker Crane Services.”
Mac’s Truck Group bought Essex-based Fassi crane specialist Walker Crane Services in May this year to expand its geographical footprint and enhance after sales services.
At the time of the sale the group said it planned to establish Walker Crane Services’ site in Grays, Essex as a strategic Southern depot for Mac’s Truck Rental, and provide operators with access to the company’s fleet of commercial vehicles.
