Manitoba Trucking Association

Members of the Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) gathered together on Friday, November 3, 2023, for the Fall Awards Gala. This annual event is a celebration of
the people and companies in Manitoba’s trucking industry who are dedicated to moving the industry forward.

 MTA-Omnitracs Distinguished Member Award: Searcy Trucking Ltd.

Searcy Trucking Ltd. was recognized for decades of dedication to improving Manitoba’s trucking industry and the Manitoba Trucking Association. They have been actively engaged with the Manitoba Trucking Association for decades. Searcy employees are actively involved in labour and recruitment issues facing Manitoba’s trucking industry. Searcy drivers are regular recipients of the MTA-Inland Group Industry Excellence Award, and Searcy staff and management can be counted on to lend a hand when the MTA puts out the call for help. 

Searcy Trucking employees are very active on various MTA committees. RPM: Trucking Industry Safety was created with input from Searcy Trucking representatives from day one. The current chair of the RPM Safety Council is from Searcy. They are supporters of the MTA Human Resource Council. They currently hold two seats on the MTA Board of Directors. The presidency of the Manitoba Trucking Association was filled twice by Searcy employees, including the MTA’s first female president. They are also represented on the Canadian Trucking Alliance Board of Directors and actively engaged with other industry associations.

MTA-Red Coleman Service to Industry Award: Peter McDonald, TransX Group of Companies

Peter McDonald of TransX Group of Companies has been described as ‘the real deal,’ a detail-oriented problem-solver and mentor who wants to make a difference in our industry. Given his background as a driver and in safety, Peter is all those things and more. 

Peter’s career in the trucking industry began in the truck as a commercial driver. His move into the office was first into safety and then operations. He spent time in Toronto as TransX’s Terminal Manager before returning to Winnipeg and taking up his current role as Director of Safety. He has been in this role for the past 16 years. Peter has been a member of the MTA’s Board of Directors since 2016. He is not afraid to speak his mind on issues and is passionate about ensuring safety, which is
a key consideration in Board motions and decisions. 

MTA-Payne Transportation Ltd. Associate of the Year Award: Scott Kinsman, Maxim Truck & Trailer

The 2023 Associate of the Year is someone known as a technical expert in his field. Scott Kinsman has been involved in the heavy equipment industry for over thirty years. The past sixteen years have been spent as the Sales Account Manager at Maxim Truck and Trailer. Scott is customer-focused and works hard to stay on top of regulatory changes and design evolutions to ensure he is meeting the needs of his customers. 

Scott is dedicated to the trucking industry beyond his professional life. In 2015, Scott was named to the Associated Trades Division Executive Committee. During his time on the Executive Committee, he oversaw new initiatives, including the Social Responsibility Award and the Board of Directors Fishing Derby. He also represented the MTA at various events and ensured the Associated Trades Division was meeting the goals of its strategic plan.

MTA-Bridgestone Trucking Hero Award: Mario Tyszuk, Bison Transport Inc.

Earlier this year, while driving in Texas, Mario Tyszuk of Bison Transport noticed a northbound SUV lose control and become airborne, landing on the passenger side.

Tyszuk was able to pull over safely and immediately ran across the highway to help. Upon arriving at the vehicle, he saw both occupants trapped inside. Mario punched his way through the windshield to remove the passengers. He assisted the driver in crawling out of the vehicle, but the passenger was more seriously injured. As he went into the vehicle to remove her, he noticed a serious gash in her leg, which was bleeding heavily. Creating a tourniquet from his shirt, Tyszuk applied pressure to the wound while others called 911. Tyszuk applied pressure until the ambulance arrived approximately twenty minutes after he first stopped. Even as paramedics loaded the passenger into the ambulance, Mario stayed at her side, applying pressure to the wound. 

After speaking with law enforcement and her husband, Mario was able to make his way to a truck stop for a shower. And, as is always the case with these heroic drivers, he carried on with his trip to make his delivery.

MTA Associated Trades Division Social Responsibility Award: RBC

RBC, the 2023 recipient of the MTA Associated Trades Division Social Responsibility Award, embodies the MTA belief that Manitoba’s trucking industry is part of the social fabric of the communities in which we work and live.

Launched in February 2023, the RBC Communities Together Fund in Manitoba has so far benefitted 36 charitable community partner organizations. Employees have accumulated 527 combined volunteer hours, earning a combined $54,000 in donations to benefit these organizations directly, supporting their emerging, pressing, and tangible needs. RBC is committed to helping communities thrive and prosper. They are an example of how companies in any industry can partner with community groups on the ground and be in tune with the needs of their areas and those living there.