Commercial transportation would not be what it is today without the people who put in countless hours of effort in making the industry safe, responsible and professional.

The Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) recognized eight of those individuals at its annual Awards Gala, held virtually on April 23, 2021.

Hosted by AMTA Board Chair Jude Groves, the event celebrated the Association’s annual Service to Industry Awards, which included an introduction of the 2020/21 Road Knights team (sponsored by ISAAC Instruments) along with virtual exhibitor booths and prizes.

Driver of the Year

From the shoes on our feet to the food in our fridges, the public would not have access to everyday goods if there was not a commercial driver behind the wheel to keep things on the move. The Driver of the Year Award is presented to an individual from a pool of 10 drivers who have proved their mettle, safety records and esteem for the profession from the AMTA Driver of the Month Award.

The AMTA and Randy Muller, with award sponsor Volvo Trucks Canada, announced 2020 recipient Danny Dyck of Coalhurst, Alberta.

Driving since 1977, Danny has hauled flat deck, vans and tankers – 90% of which he says was as owner operator. “Trucking is in my blood,” he said. “My brothers are truckers, too.” Danny was on the road in Iowa during the event but was able to share a few words on
his accomplishment.

“I’d like to thank the AMTA first for choosing me as Driver of the Month, September of 20, then as Driver of the Year,” he said. “I’d like to thank my family and many friends who supported me and rooted for me being honoured.”

Safety Person of the Year

At the AMTA, industry safety is paramount. Safety Person of the Year exemplifies an individual who is accountable to the safety of their fellow employees and the company they represent.

Safety Person of the Year was presented by Ryan Wass, of award sponsor HighStreet Insurance. The 2020 winner was Robin Peterman of Reilly Transfer Group Ltd. Robin has been with Reilly as HSE Loss Control Manager for the last 10 years. Prior to that, he worked in safety, security and loss control within the forestry sector; managed project safety in industrial construction; was a Journeyman Machinist; and instructed at Grande Prairie Regional College.

Robin said he believes the closer a workplace is to being safety compliant, the closer they are to achieving world class safety results. He added, “Compliance is the foundation of a healthy safety system.”

Associate Trades Award

The Associate Trades Award is presented to an individual who regularly goes above and beyond in serving the AMTA membership and public in the commercial transportation field.

The Associate Trades Award was presented by Janet Andrews, of award sponsor GroupHealth Benefit Solutions, to Sonja Houston of ISAAC Instruments.

Sonja is Business Development Manager with ISAAC and is a regular attendee of AMTA Regional Meetings and volunteer events, such as Driver Appreciation.

Historical Award

We cannot move into the future without learning from the past; the Historical Award exists to celebrate individuals who have dedicated their life to industry and preserving its memories.

AMTA Executive Director Kimberley Burfoot presented the 2020 award to Lane Kranenburg.

Lane first served the then known Alberta Transportation Association (ATA) on the Board of Directors, from 1974-1989, during which he was Co-Owner of Lyal Custom Carriers. Integral in making both the Alberta Motor Transport Association and Partners in Compliance the programs they are today, Lane passed away February 13, 2021. Lane’s wife Vicki accepted the award in his honour.

Service to Industry

Commercial transportation is an industry full of passionate individuals, who live and breathe their work. With the unprecedented year that 2020 was for the world, the AMTA celebrated four executives of the Board for their support and commitment that was over and above a traditional year.

Along with award sponsor BFL Insurance, AMTA proudly announced the 2020 Service to Industry recipients were AMTA Board Chair Jude Groves (Rosenau Transport), Senior Vice-Chair Real Durand (Bison Transport), Vice Chair Tim Bennett (NCSG Crane and Heavy Haul) and Immediate Past Chair Doug Paisley (Lethbridge Truck Terminals).

AMTA would like to thank the award sponsors along with ISAAC Instruments, Trailcon Leasing, CN, Omnitracs and Cummins for their support.