February is like opening day at the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada. This month marks the beginning of our annual awards season, which leads us towards our June conference during which we present the awards that celebrate and recognize some of the people and fleets that contribute so much to trucking in Canada.

The awards to which I’m referring are given out during our annual conference (June 19-20, Queen’s Landing, Niagara-on-the- Lake, Ont.) to some very deserving recipients. The awards have been come to be recognized as some of the most prestigious in the industry, and have been offered by the PMTC for many years -23 for the 3M Canada sponsored Vehicle Graphics Design awards -and represent the commitment to excellence of PMTC, it’s members, and the sponsors that help us maintain the programs.

Competition for the awards brings out the best in trucking and the awards ceremony has become a significant part of our conference.

It’s almost a daily occurrence for the news media and some pockets of government to point at what they see as failings within the trucking community. Seldom do those parties offset the negatives by recognizing the important contribution that this industry makes to our economy and way of life. There are so many positive stories about this industry that never get told outside of associations like PMTC.

For that reason we believe it is important to take the time to celebrate in a little more public manner some of the things that this industry and the people in it do so well. As an industry we often seem to take a typical Canadian approach to recognizing our important achievements -we downplay them.

The PMTC awards program, and others like it, offer the opportunity to reflect on the things that make this a great industry in which to work. So many people work so hard to do things ‘right’ and these awards are an opportunity to celebrate with them.

It’s definitely worth the time and the effort to participate and share the feeling of accomplishment. Here’s a brief overview of the awards and how to participate:

The Hall of Fame for Professional Drivers, sponsored by Shaw Tracking inducts up to four professional drivers each year.

The Hall of Fame resides on our Web site at www.pmtc.caand a visitor can review the outstanding records of the current 28 inductees dating back to 1990.

These are the type of drivers and safety records of which everyone in this industry should be proud.

Nomination forms are available on the PMTC Web site, along with a description of the criteria for entry.

While the award winners are, in the estimation of the judges the best of the best, it is also a mark of distinction for any driver to be nominated, and we encourage the participation of all our members.

The Private Fleet Safety Awards, sponsored by Zurich, are open to all private fleets in Canada. Awards are available for fleets in three categories based on fleet size.

Past award winners have not only demonstrated excellent on-road safety records, but have in place the programs that deliver those results.

The awards are as much about recognizing the whole package as they are about the on-road performance.

It takes a well-managed safety program built on solid principles to achieve long-term results.

Simply completing the application (available at www.pmtc.ca) will provide any fleet manager a clear pathway, or a ‘how-to’ for implementing such a safety program. The awards program criteria is based on the best practices of private fleets and winning is a significant achievement.

The Vehicle Graphics Design Awards, sponsored by 3M Canada adds the colour and drama to our annual awards luncheon.

This year marks the 23rd seasons for these awards and the competition attracts entries from across the country.

Awards are presented in a number of categories based on vehicle type, and are shared by the fleet and its graphics house.

The graphics competition is open to all truck fleets, private or for-hire, PMTC member or not, as we encourage the trucking community to put on its finest and strut a little.

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Award winners are featured in the PMTC’s own magazine, The Counsellor, and other industry magazines such as Truck News. So join in and enjoy some free promotion, whether a fleet or a graphics house, we welcome your entries. Visit www.pmtc.caand follow the links to submit your entries on-line, and join us at the June conference when the awards are presented. We look forward to another opportunity to award those that help make the trucking community a great one. •

-The Private Motor Truck Council is the only national association dedicated to the private trucking community. Your comments or questions can be addressed to trucks@pmtc.ca.