ETOBICOKE, Ont. – Wilson’s Truck Lines honoured its long-term service drivers in a new way this past fall.

Since the early 1980s, Wilson’s has had a President’s Million Mile Club in place and drivers who have driven 12 consecutive, accident-free years are inducted into this club.

But at this year’s annual Million Mile Club function, held recently at the Valhalla Inn in Toronto, Million Mile Club president David Chapman announced there would be a new milestone for Wilson’s drivers. A Two Million Mile Club was introduced, in addition to its Million Mile Club, and 14 drivers were named as the first members of this new club. In order to become a member, a driver has to drive for 23, or more, accident-free years.

Presently 54 of Wilson’s 220 drivers are members of the President’s driver clubs, and Paul Harvey, human resources manager for Wilson’s, said these 54 drivers are great role models for the new generation trucker.

“It is publicized around the company, we make sure that people are aware of the program and who is involved. We always go to this group when we look for drivers to mentor new drivers joining the company,” said Harvey. “The younger drivers look up to them and aspire to become part of the group someday.”

Club drivers have a special badge stitched on their company uniforms just to further recognize their efforts.

“It means a lot to the drivers to be part of these prestigious clubs and it means a lot to the company to have such a classy and talented group of people representing it,” said Harvey.

Recognition is key for maintaining good working relationships with employees and it goes a long way in retaining drivers, he added.

“The transport field is such a labour-intensive industry and it’s the driver that does all the work so it is very important that you do recognize them and show your appreciation,” said Harvey.

“Drivers have a tough job out there because they have to satisfy a customer, a boss, a dispatcher and they’ve got the motoring public to watch over too. So if you have someone who has dealt with all of these factors and has still gone accident-free for all those years you want to let them know you appreciate them.”