CHALLENGER MOTOR FREIGHT has purchased certain assets of the special commodities business of SANDROCK SPECIALIZED CARRIERS. Sandrock is an Ontario-based carrier that specializes in over-dimensional transportation. “The addition of the Sandrock business is a significant moment for both our companies,” said Dan Einwechter, chairman and CEO of Challenger Motor Freight. “With the addition of their equipment and expertise, we look forward to expanding our special commodities division to provide Challenger’s innovative transportation solutions to a wider range of customers as well as our combined existing client base. Having Mark Sandrock and his team join our new division, Sandrock Specialized Transport, will enhance service offers to existing Challenger accounts as well as provide Sandrock’s customers with much broader service offerings from a single source, a true win-win situation.” Sandrock was founded in 1999 and has focused on transporting heavy equipment and over-dimensional freight.

BRUCE R. SMITH has filed for protection from creditors under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act. The company filed with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, which will give it time to restructure its business affairs. KPMG is the court-appointed monitor and Hamilton, Ont.-based law firm Scarfone Hawkins LLP will assist the carrier in its restructuring efforts. Bruce R. Smith has been trucking since 1947 and celebrated its 60th anniversary two years ago. It operates about 250 tractors and 1,100 trailers out of six locations in Ontario and one in Montreal, Que. The company currently employs about 325 people. The company said its creditors are supportive of the application. Bruce R. Smith says it’s business as usual while it restructures, as far as its customers are concerned. It also said it will try to retain as many of its employees as possible.

SCHNEIDER LOGISTICS has honoured two Canadian carriers with its Carrier of the Year award. The company made the announcement at its seventh annual Carrier Recognition Conference in Green Bay, Wis. Sept. 16. Representatives from more than 140 carriers attended this year’s event, with 19 transportation companies earning the Carrier of the Year distinction. The two Canadian winners were OTTAWAY MOTOR EXPRESS of Woodstock, Ont. and TST OVERLAND EXPRESS of Mississauga, Ont. The Carrier of the Year distinction is presented to Schneider third-party logistics carriers that serve a variety of transportation modes and are deemed to excel in operational performance, exceptional service and ease of conducting business. Carriers recognized at this year’s conference represent the top 1% of service providers moving freight on behalf of Schneider Logistics’ customers, according to officials.

BISON TRANSPORT has won the inaugural Volvo Trucks Safety Award for fleets accumulating more than 10 million miles. The award was presented at the American Trucking Associations Management Conference and Exhibition. Participating companies were judged on accident frequency using US DoT definitions of a “recordable accident” in addition to fleets’ accident prevention programs. Bison boasts an accident rate of 0.19209 per million miles travelled, while operating 1,050 tractors and delivering 3,200 loads per week, Volvo reported. Bison provides drivers with a “toolbox” that contains promises such as the selection of safe equipment, a safe working environment, in-depth training and accountability “so that we don’t lose sight that safety is, in fact, a priority,” according to Bison president and CEO Don Streuber. “Bison has an intense focus on safety,” said Streuber. Bison provides ongoing training for drivers using 15 different courses and four simulators. It also performs risk assessments on every driver and uses targeted training to improve drivers who are identified as being high-risk. Each of the winning fleets received $25,000 from Volvo to put towards their safety programs.

MSM TRANSPORTATION, a provider of commercial trucking and expedited freight services, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in November. “We started MSM Transportation in 1989 as an alternative to the large American trucking companies that dominated the US/Canada transborder market at the time,” said Bob Murray, president and chief operating officer. “There was room for a Canadian carrier that combined excellent customer service with a commitment to moving freight across the border efficiently, securely, and with the fastest transit times possible.” Murray said the company has been successful by empowering the customer, guaranteeing satisfaction, delivering expertise, and maintaining financial stability, among other key points.