WINNIPEG, Man. — The Transport Institute at the University of Manitoba has announced the creation of the “Kleysen Award of Excellence in Logistics” to be presented to the outstanding graduating student in the Certificate in Logistics program. 

Hubert Kleysen established the endowment for this award, as part of a continuing commitment to the transportation industry in Manitoba and his recognition of the importance of education in the logistics and transportation field, states the Transport Institute. 

The former chairman and owner of Kleysen Transport is considered to be an outstanding entrepreneur and innovator, with a long career and success in trucking, railroad building, and road building. Hubert also patented numerous mechanical devices, inventions which brought Kleysen formal recognition from the transport industry and Transport Canada.

According to the Transport Institute, Kleysen was in his mid-twenties when his father suddenly passed away, and he took over the family business. Under his direction, Kleysen Transport grew from a small family-run cartage company, to a multi-faceted transportation company. Over the years, the company was successful in obtaining long-term contracts for hauling commodities, which included sugar beets, cement, potash and nickel. Kleysen was also part of Canada Post’s shift to truck movements, with the national mail.

In 2006 Kleysen Transport was sold to Mullen Income Fund.  Kleysen’s role has changed from that of owner to that of trusted advisor and director of the Kleysen Group.

Throughout his career, Kleysen emphasized the role of education for his employees. When the Transport Institute began the Certificate in Logistics program in 1995, Kleysen Transport stepped forward with financial support to make it a success. 

The Kleysen Award of Excellence in Logistics will be officially announced at the 13th Annual Fields on Wheels Conference, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008 at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg.