Ross Mackie presented with inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award

by Truck News

OSHAWA, Ont. — Ross Mackie has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by North American Van Lines.

He received the honour at the North American Van Lines Convention in San Diego, Calif. on Oct. 21. Mackie is the first recipient of the award, which recognizes more than 60 years in the moving industry throughout North America.

Mackie the Mover was founded in 1928 by Ross’s parents, Amanda and Merle, who operated out of their Oshawa home. Ross began working for the company at an early age, washing the trucks after school.

At the age of 17 in 1951, Ross began his driving career by hauling household furniture belonging to a military employee to Whitehorse, Yukon.

“The early days were tough driving over gravel roads without the heaters and air-conditioners that are standard in today’s trucks, but I loved it and wanted to spend the rest of my life in the trucking industry,” he said.

In 1952, Ross’s parents started a North American Van Lines agency in Canada.

“This was a turning point that allowed an excellent opportunity to expand the business into what we are today,” Ross says.

Today, Mackie Moving and Storage is one of the largest privately-owned moving companies in Canada. It was also one of the founding North American Van Line agents in Canada.

Ross says the company’s success is due to the hard work of his parents, his sister Marilyn, his sons Norman, Paul, Dean and Scott and their families, as well as all the company’s employees, suppliers and customers.

“I still love going into work to meet with employees and customers,” Ross says. “It has been the people who I have met along the way that have made this a thrilling lifetime experience.”

(L-R): Bill Lyon - President, Agent Networks; Ross Mackie – CEO Mackie Transportation Inc.; and Dan Robertson – (retired) VP/GM northAmerican Van Lines.
(L-R): Bill Lyon – President, Agent Networks; Ross Mackie – CEO Mackie Transportation Inc.; and Dan Robertson – (retired) VP/GM northAmerican Van Lines.


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  • Congratulations Ross….you deserve every award you get.
    You have worked long and hard at establishing this very
    successful business with your family…..

    My kindest regards to you and yours….

  • I’ve met Ross Mackie and have spoken with him quite a few times. I absolutely adore him! I know he’s probably 30 years or more my senior but I am completely infatuated with him. He’s not someone you forget.

    LG,
    Oshawa, Ontario.