Side Trailer - Graphics designed by Kimberly Biback - Sharp Transportation Systems Inc.
Rear Trailer - Graphics designed by Kimberly Biback - Sharp Transportation Systems Inc.
The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) unwrapped seven winners of its 2022 Vehicle Graphics Design competition, calling them “the most colorful awards in the trucking community.”
The winners of the 37th annual honors, sponsored by 3M Canada, were announced during the PMTC’s conference in Niagara Falls, Ont.
Winners included ET Transport – tractor trailer; Feed the Need in Durham – straight truck; Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada – special events/promotion; Purolator – light duty commercial truck; Alex Coulombe – fleet identity graphics; Telus – night-time safety; and Sharp Transportation Systems Inc. – human interest.
The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) has inducted four more truckers – Brian Smith, Jim Burrows, Bernard Jinks and Bill Walker – into its Hall of Fame for Professional Drivers.
Together, the drivers have amassed 187 years and more than 18 million kilometers of accident-free driving. The announcement was made during the second day of its annual conference on June 9 at Niagara Falls, Ont. The Hall of Fame is sponsored by CPC Logistics Canada.
(Photo: John G. Smith)
“The skills of professional truck drivers are evident to all road users, and are especially valued by their employers,” said PMTC president Mike Millian. “These professionals compile safe driving records that are beyond amazing, considering all the adverse conditions they face every day. Only a select few can equal the caliber of the drivers in the Hall of Fame. The industry salutes these individuals, and we are pleased to honor them today.”
Brian Smith, Sharp Transportation Systems
Smith has amassed 4.5 million miles (7 million kilometers) of accident-free driving during his 45-year career, 14 of which — including the last five — have been with Sharp Transportation.
Smith started in the industry at the age of 17, working in the moving business and later hauled equipment for the TV sports industry, moving equipment for broadcasting junior and college football, baseball and soccer in the U.S.
He is always the first to stop and help travelers in trouble on the side of the road, helping change tires and other repairs when needed and ensure if someone is stranded that help is on the way.
Brian and his family are currently making plans to take in a family from Ukraine to assist with aid and relocation.
Jim Burrows, Air Liquide Canada
Burrows’ driving career spans 41 years, all of which have been with Air Liquide, amassing more than 3.8 million kilometers of accident-free driving.
He is very active in the local sporting community, having been involved in minor hockey as a coach and scout, as well as teaching skills to local youth. Jim is also involved in softball and has participated nationally in many events.
After 49 years at Air Liquide, 41 as a driver, Jim has announced he will retire this year.
Bernie Jinks, Linde Canada
Jinks has been driving for 46 years, the last 17 of which have been at Linde Canada, gathering 4.8 million kilometers of accident-free driving.
He unofficially began his driving career at age 12, when his uncle would put his straight truck in low gear and tell Jinks to steer it straight down the field while they picked tomatoes at the farm.
He has expertise in hauling dangerous goods and has trained drivers in different fleets.
In 2007 Linde asked him to take on the role of driver champion, which evolved into not only training new drivers but also assisting local management on various operational tasks.
Jinks is active in his community and is involved in many charities and is part of the guest services team at the Central Community Church serving the Niagara Region.
Bill Walker, Wellington Group of Companies
Walker began his driving career in 1967 hauling vegetables for his uncle. Over the past 55 years Bill has driven all over North America, amassing more than 5 million kilometers of accident-free driving.
He has worked at Wellington Motor Freight since 2019, and is described as a very conscientious worker, with a great personality and a safety-first attitude.
As part of a Christmas charity drive, Bill and his wife Joyce spearheaded a campaign to bring flowers and decorations to a public funded retirement home that had been ravaged by Covid earlier in the year. Bill and his wife have also volunteered at the same church for more than 55 years.
The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada is announcing its incoming Board of Directors for the 2022/2023 term. The New Boards term runs from July 1st of 2022 through to June 30th of 2023, except for officers, who serve a 2-year term, which expires on June 30th of 2024. The new Board was announced at the conclusion of the Councils Annual General Meeting held on June 8th in Niagara Falls Ontario.
OFFICERS
Chairperson Steve Lawn Parkland Corporation
Past Chairperson Jim Dimech Linde Canada Inc
1st Vice-Chairperson Jon Ratnasamy Wolseley Canada
Michelle Roberts Infrastructure Health & Safety Association
Michael Thomson MEE/ISB Canada
Donald Williams Aviva Canada
Steve Woodward Volvo Canada
“The interest level to serve on our board of directors was most gratifying this year. Our bylaws indicate our Council is governed by a board of not less then 16 and not more than 25. With 28 people expressing interest, 3 extremely dedicated and qualified individuals were unable to join our board this year once votes were completed. I look forward to working with this year’s board, who come from diverse backgrounds and have many years of experience serving the Trucking Industry. These individuals will only help to make our Council and Industry stronger” stated PMTC President Mike Millian. “I congratulate this years Board, and I thank everyone who put their name forward to volunteer their time for the betterment of this great Industry. “
The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada is the only national association dedicated to the interests of private fleet operators. The Council works with governments on issues affecting private carriers and delivers information to its members through an extensive network of communications material, including educational seminars, newsletters, magazines, and electronic bulletins. PMTC’s goals are to promote the safe and economic use of private trucking, to promote regulations that are beneficial to fleet operators, and to be a primary source of information for members.
Sharp Transportation continues to use its trailers to support charitable causes, with the latest wrap promoting Unbeatable Warriors.
The volunteer-led initiative combines programs in resilience, mental toughness, and functional fitness that will also raise funds and awareness for Canada’s Little Warriors organization. Little Warriors focuses on the awareness, prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse.
(Photo: Unbeatable Warriors Trailer designed by Kimberly Biback - Sharp Transportation Systems Inc.)
The fleet headquartered in Cambridge, Ont., has previously used trailer graphics to promote messages in the fight against human trafficking, and to encourage Canadians to help “flatten the curve” in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Details about the latest initiative are delivered through a QR code on the barn doors.
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