16-11-2016
On 16 and 17 November 2016, IPC organised the fourth edition of the IPC Drivers’ Challenge, this time hosted by our colleagues of bpost. The eco-driving event took place at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps Formula 1 track in Belgium.
The core concept of the drivers’ challenge is an international competition focusing primarily on driving in the most ecological and fuel-efficient manner. Other important criteria for our sector will be measured – such as (but not necessarily limited to) speed management, road safety, customer service quality and overall cost of delivery. This edition, eco-driving on a route standing out because of its uphills, downhills, curves and speed limitations has proven to be a real challenge for all participants. As in previous years, a series of car handling exercises and a delivery car handling and eco-driving under autumn/winter circumstances were an additional angle for the challenge. Participating postal operator teams were comprised of an experienced driver and a senior manager.
Unique to this year’s edition is the fact that simultaneously, the Belgian operator bpost organised its national drivers’ challenge, on the same track and with the exact same challenges. The winner of the Belgian competition was taken up in our international IPC Drivers’ Challenge results. Also, bpost organised at the same location a ‘green mobility and innovation’ expo, representing the latest in green delivery and eco-friendly mobility.