Schelle, 11 July 2020 – Erik Leysen (49) is the winner of the prestigious competition Love2Truck. He received the trophy from Marijn Devalck, alias Balthazar Boma. Due to the corona crisis, the ceremony was more modest than originally planned, but that does not matter to Erik. With pride, he says: ‘I am very happy with this recognition. I am particularly pleased with the attention this initiative has given to the entire transport sector and our attractive profession. I am very happy to take on the role of ambassador, and I will continue to do what I was already doing: being fully committed to road safety.’
The initiative Love2Truck is backed by some ten companies* who engage in and for the transport sector. The campaign is designed to find as many motivated drivers as possible, but also, on the basis of the many positive stories, to make people enthusiastic for the profession of truck driver. Five finalists were in the running for the coveted title. Erik Leysen came out as the winner from the public voting and voting by the competition jury.
Making people happy every day
Erik has been married for 25 years with Heidi and together they have five children. He has been a truck driver for over 30 years, including 12 years at Van Moer Logistics. For Erik, his job is more a hobby. Being a truck driver makes him happy every day: getting up early, enjoying the view from behind the wheel, making people happy with his delivery, passing on his experience to young and new colleagues… He has meanwhile passed on his enthusiasm to his son, who has been a truck driver for four years now.
Nikki Feyen, prevention consultant at Van Moer Logistics: ‘Erik really does deserve this trophy! He is an exemplary driver, he is enterprising, a figurehead of different campaigns (TruckVeilig, beloofd.be) and provides voluntary lessons about blind spots.’
Two passions
But Erik’s passion goes much further. He has two passions: road safety and training. Moreover, he knows how to combine these passions perfectly. As a driver instructor, he encourages his colleagues to drive even safer and guides all new drivers. He also visits schools to talk about blind spots and makes accompanying children aware of the dangers they hold during the Truck Run event.
In addition, he has arranged for the installation of a mirror adjustment site at Van Moer Logistics. As a trade union representative, he strives to ensure that the employer always takes the maximum number of safety options that are possible on new lorries. In the meantime, as a known ‘figure’ in the transport world, he supports as many actions as possible with a focus on safety. ‘Road safety is a common thread throughout my driving life. That this will continue in the future is a certainty!’, says Erik.
* Go4Logistics supports this campaign together with DKV Euro Service, Randstad, Renault Trucks, Suivo, Transport and Logistics Flanders, Transportmedia, TVM Belgium, the Flemish Foundation for Traffic Knowledge (VSV) and the Institute for Mobility (IMOB, UHasselt).
