For the first time, UD Trucks New Zealand has crowned a National Champion of the UD Extra Mile Challenge. Sam Pelosi from McLeod Group Ltd (McLeod Hiabs) is the 2026 winner of the UD Extra Mile Challenge 2026, earning the opportunity to represent New Zealand at the Global Final in Japan.
Zane Erwee, General Manager UD Trucks New Zealand explains the selection process, “The national champion was selected through a two-stage process with six finalists selected from across New Zealand. Sam stood out among the finalists through the final round, demonstrating exceptional knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to going the extra mile. We could not be prouder to have him represent us in the Global final”.
One Step Closer to Ultimate Driver
Sam has worked as a professional driver for 12 years and currently operates a UD Quon 11L – Crane Truck for Mcleod Hiabs, part of the McLeod Group.
Phil Hutchinson, General Manager at McLeod Hiabs says, “Sam’s achievement is about much more than winning a driving competition. It is recognition of the people who represent our company on New Zealand’s roads and at our customers’ sites every day."
He continues, "Our drivers are the public face of McLeod. We trust them with our equipment, our reputation, and most importantly, the safety of everyone around them. Sam has earned that trust by consistently demonstrating sound judgment, exceptional operating skill, professionalism, and genuine care for the job over several years.
What makes this achievement particularly special is the person Sam is. He is humble, dependable, and never seeks attention or recognition. He simply turns up, supports his workmates, and performs at an exceptionally high standard day after day."
Having Sam named New Zealand’s Ultimate Driver and selected to represent UD Trucks New Zealand in Japan is an outstanding personal achievement. It is also a proud reflection of the quality of people we have within McLeod Group."
Phil concludes, "Sam will carry the support of our entire team to Japan. Whatever the international result, he has already made McLeod and his workmates extremely proud. We know Sam will represent UD Trucks New Zealand with skill, humility, and professionalism.”
Sam adds, “Being named the New Zealand Extra Mile Challenge finalist is a huge honour and something I am very proud of.
I did not enter expecting to get this far. I simply approached the competition as I would any working day by focusing on safety, preparation, efficiency, and always aiming to complete the job/task to the best of my ability.
I am grateful to UD Trucks New Zealand and McLeod Group for giving me this opportunity. I am also thankful for the support of my family and workmates.
Representing New Zealand, McLeod and UD Trucks in Japan is a privilege. I will give it my best and hopefully make everyone proud.”
Sam will travel to Japan at the end of October to participate in the UD Extra Mile Challenge Global Final. The event brings together leading drivers from participating markets to demonstrate their skills, exchange experiences and celebrate the professionalism of the people who keep the logistics industry moving.
Celebrating drivers who go the extra mile
The UD Extra Mile Challenge is UD Trucks' global driver competition, created to recognize professional truck drivers who consistently go the extra mile in their daily work. Since its launch in 2014, the competition has grown into a global platform that celebrates the skill, dedication, and professionalism of drivers who keep businesses and communities moving.
More than a driving competition, the UD Extra Mile Challenge promotes driver development, motivation and best-in-class operating practices. It shines a spotlight on the people behind every successful delivery and reflects UD Trucks' commitment to providing the trucks, services and support that the world needs today and tomorrow.
National champions progress to the Global final in Ageo, Japan, where leading drivers from participating markets put their knowledge and practical skills to the test as they compete for the title of Ultimate Driver.
A showcase of professional excellence
At the Global final in Ageo, Japan, the finalists will go through practical challenges drawn from real-world transport operations, and would be evaluated across the following areas:
• Vehicle inspection and pre-drive checks
• Fuel-efficient and safe driving
• Manoeuvring, parking and overall driving performance
Together, these assessments reflect the broad range of knowledge, focus and professionalism required of drivers in their everyday work.
For further information, please contact:
Annie Monk
Marketing Executive
UD Truck Distributors (NZ) Ltd
+64 21 243 7515
annie.monk@simedarby.co.nz
