We would like to welcome you to the PDA, a website ran entirely by volunteers with a lot of help from our Members, who mainly work as full time lorry drivers. Membership is FREE, if you wish to join the online discussion please follow this link and register as a member of the forums. Alternatively have a look around the site by browsing the MENU on the left hand side. We also ask that you take the time to visit the PDF, a Foundation formed primarily for the welfare of Lorry Drivers, born through ideas put forward by a PDA member. Information about the PDF can be found below;

"I am very pleased to be supporting the Professional Drivers Foundation.
Having had a few accidents on the tracks over my racing career, it is good to see a charity specifically supporting lorry drivers, who we all know are the lifeline of this Country.
I am very honoured to be associated with the PDF."

In the future The Professional Drivers Foundation aims to be funded from within the Haulage Industry and from grants available. In the meantime we are striving to achieve that magical £5000 which will allow us to apply for full Charitable Status. Any donation you can afford to make, however small will help us on our way to that and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that every penny will be going to help a fellow lorry driver or their family in times of trouble. To donate click here or on the gift aid logo below and please give generously.

The Professional Drivers Foundation would like to take this opportunity to everyone who has made a donation, however small. It is from acorns that oak trees grow.
It was your help that enabled us to make the offer of financial help that was subsequently declined.
When a family member, and usually the breadwinner, is hospitalised at the other end of the country it can be a drain on finances to visit them and it is the last thing anyone should have to worry about, hence the emergency fund we make available.
Thank you all so much.

PDA Foundation – Established FOR Drivers, BY Drivers

The UK Professional Drivers Association (PDA) has established a charity specifically aimed at HGV drivers; the Professional Drivers Foundation.

PDA founder and spokeswoman, Pat Nicholson said, “The UK haulage industry is one of the UK’s largest employers, providing a vital livelihood for thousands of HGV drivers, many of whom are over 50 years of age.

“The Foundation was formed primarily for the welfare of lorry drivers. It is not a well-paid industry, and entails long hours with many of the workforce being away 4 nights a week and sleeping in their vehicles.

The Foundation is pleased to have British motor ace Steve Parrish as patron. Winner of over a dozen British, European and World Motorcycle and Truck Racing Titles, Steve is delighted to bring his support to the Foundation.

“Having had a few accidents on the tracks over my racing career, it is good to see a charity specifically supporting lorry drivers, who we all know are the lifeline of this Country. I am very honoured to be associated with the Professional Drivers Foundation."

“Regrettably, numerous injuries are caused to drivers, not necessarily while driving, but when delivering. The Professional Drivers Foundation feels there is a need to provide some help, both financial and advisory, to anyone holding a vocational driving licence and in need of support through no fault of their own.”

Novadata, one of the country's leading providers of transport-related training, services and products, is also pleased to pledge its support for the Foundation. Managing Director, Derek Broomfield says, “Our mission has always been to bring together transport experts and unite them in a single purpose, to create the very best results for our clients. That is why we are so keen to see the Professional Drivers Foundation grow.

“We firmly believe that the Foundation holds a unique position in the transport industry; a position which, with enough support, can only become stronger. We at Novadata want to help the Foundation move on to the next level. Therefore launching the fundraising campaign at the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show will give it a good kick start.”

For further information, contact Pat Nicholson on pat.nicholson@tiscali.co.uk or 07909 995615.

Novadata Gives Boost to Transport Charity

Novadata Transport Training has given a new transport charity a much needed cash injection.

Novadata’s donation of £2,500 will help the Professional Drivers Foundation (PDF) in its role of assisting lorry drivers and their families who are in distress. It will also enable the PDF to apply for full charitable status.

The presentation and launch of the PDF’S fundraising campaign took place at the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show at the NEC, Birmingham.

British racing ace, Steve Parrish, who recently became the patron of the Professional Drivers Foundation, was on hand to collect the cheque on behalf of the charity.

Winner of more than a dozen worldwide motorcycle and truck racing titles, Steve Parrish disclosed that he holds an HGV licence and is fully aware of the challenging demands placed on drivers.

PDF Trustee and representative, Pat Nicholson said: “We are extremely grateful to Novadata for this very generous donation."

Novadata’s Managing Director, Derek Broomfield, who presented the cheque, explained why the company has decided to support the PDF:

“Lorry driving is a profession with a high level of responsibility and its own set of unique challenges. The 21st Century Professional Driver faces a vehicle packed with technology and a mountain of legislation. It’s a demanding occupation and we recognise that if drivers fall on hard times there are few supporting resources.

“We believe that the PDF holds a unique position in the transport industry; it does a fantastic job, offering an extensive range of benefits and has already helped many drivers in need. We want to see that work continue and hope our donation makes a significant difference by helping it achieve registered charity status. This is vitally important for the PDF if it is to attract the support/corporate sponsorship it needs to be able to continue to make a difference to drivers who encounter hardship.”

Story By: Su Winch

Web Link: www.novadata.co.uk

Email Link: enquiries@novadata.co.uk

The Professional Drivers Association annual Training & Awareness Day

The Professional Drivers Association held its annual Training & Awareness Day on Saturday 31st July at Brett’s Transport Ltd. Guyhirn, Cambs.

It was the most successful and well attended day to date, with people travelling from as far afield as Dunfermline, North Wales and Thatcham. Everyone watched a mock up of the You Tube video clip of a DAF Lorry pushing a Clio car along the A1 and was able to sit in the lorry seat and confirm that they couldn’t see it from the driving position.

Afterwards, we managed to get everyone, even the car drivers, driving a fully laden artic and doing some reversing.

We then provided a demonstration of roping & sheeting where everyone had the opportunity to have a go at a dolly knot.

Many thanks to all who made donations and a total of £130 was raised for the Professional Drivers Foundation charity.

Thanks also to all who help on the day and to Brett’s management for allowing this to happen with their equipment.

• Professional Drivers Association
• Padborg-Express
• Arnes