Two people standing beside a large silver truck outside a UD Trucks building at sunset.

UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge 2026

We are on the search for the Ultimate Driver, a true New Zealand UD Trucks road master to compete on a world stage in Ageo, Japan in October 2026 in the UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge 2026.

Participants will receive valuable training and compete in areas such as pre-drive inspection, fuel efficiency, safety, and advanced driving skills. In addition to gaining the recognition they deserve, the training and friendly competition provide an excellent opportunity to further enhance driver capabilities. Their increased motivation and improved skills will undoubtedly benefit the organisations the driver work for.

UD Trucks is committed to going the extra mile for smart logistics and better life, and part of this is to support and recognise ultimate drivers. UD Trucks is very excited once again to celebrate the unsung heroes of smart logistics – the drivers!

What's up for grabs

Flights, accommodation and other expenses paid to attend the Global Final in Japan and the chance to be crowned the Ultimate Driver 2026.
UD Trucks New Zealand uniform to wear during the challenge.
Bragging rights for 12 months as NZ’s Ultimate Driver and possibly the World Champion.

Definitions:

UDNZ - UD Truck Distributors (New Zealand) Ltd
UDIS - UD Trucks
Winner - the named winner of the New Zealand Extra Mile Challenge

Ultimate Driver Terms and Conditions

Eligibility Criteria

The following criteria are required by anyone competing in New Zealand for the Theory Test at stage 1 and the Interviews at Stage 2

Completion of the Registration form
Valid commercial driving license for heavy vehicles (Class 5).
Minimum 4 years of professional driving experience
Actively employed as a driver by the nominating company with time off for finals travel agreed by their employer.
UD Truck driver experience, specifically Quon experience, is recommended.
No major traffic violations or safety incidents in the last 12 months
Medically fit for professional driving duties
Willing and able to travel internationally (passport-ready)

International Travel Requirements

All finalists will be required to provide proof of eligibility to travel to Ageo, Japan on the travel dates specified.
The New Zealand Winner is responsible for all travel documentation, VISA’s required for travel, Passport and eligibility to travel.
Travels dates may change, depending on flight times and availability.
Flights will be booked and paid for by UDNZ. These will be any internal domestic flights and Economy Class seats to Japan on an airline of the choosing of UDNZ.
Additional persons wanting to travel with the Winner will need to be approved in advance by both UDNZ and UDIS.
All expenses incurred for the additional person will be that of the “Winner” or the Employer including accommodation and food in Japan.
The NZ Winner will be required to seek permission from their employer for their time away from the business.
No travel extension will be available for the winner outside of the travel dates.

Privacy and Personal Information

All information collected and held will be done so in accordance with the privacy policies of UDNZ - Sime Motors and UDIS.

Waiver for Use of Images

By agreeing to terms and conditions of this competition, participants agree to the use of images in relation to the stages of the competition and the use of Names, Company Names and information provided in the forms (excluding personal contact details and personal information). UDNZ will make every effort to share these with the participant.
Photographs may be used for a range of different marketing material(s) in New Zealand and In Japan including social media, websites, print articles and video
Photographs and video of the Finalists and Winners will remain the property of UDNZ
Additional waivers may be required to be completed for the final competitions.

Competition Dates and Details

Anticipated Travel Dates to and from Japan from New Zealand

Leave New Zealand for Japan: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Return to New Zealand from Japan: Friday 23 October, 2026

Please note that travel dates are subject to change depending on flight availability.

New Zealand Winner

Includes:

Flights (domestic and international), accommodation, transfers, food and refreshments, to attend the Global Final in Japan and the chance to be crowned the Ultimate Driver 2026. All other expenses will be at the participant's responsibility.
UD Trucks New Zealand uniform to wear during the challenge and dinner events.
Media and promotion of the employer and NZ’s Ultimate Driver, and possibly, the World Champion.

Competition Schedule in Ageo, Japan

The following schedule may be subject to change:

Please note that this schedule may be subject to change.

Driver Challenge Final Competition Overview - 20 to 21 October 2026