MONCTON, N.B. — The Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association named Fredericton native Stewart Finnamore its 2008 APTA Driver of the Year.

The award, sponsored by Volvo Trucks, recognizes drivers for their focus on road safety.

Finnamore’s career boasts an astonishing 6 million accident-free kilometers and no traffic violations, moving or otherwise. He is considered a role model for safe trucking and a mentor to his co-workers at Atlantic Pacific Transport, based in Clairville.

The organization presented the awards at their recent Christmas dinner and awards ceremony in Moncton. The event paid tribute to Finnamore and others for their outstanding contributions to Atlantic Canada’s road transport industry.

Another big winner was Gerald Battist of Lyons Brook, N.S. Battist took home the prestigious Service to Industry award, sponsored by Trailmobile, in recognition of his contribution to the strength and growth of the trucking industry.

This year’s recipient of the Safety to Motor Transportation Award was Bob Gay, Truck School Coordinator for the Commercial Safety College in Masstown, N.S. Gay was recognized for his commitment to safety, and his hard work and dedication in making the college a leader in driver training.

The coveted Shaw Tracking Dispatcher of the Year Award was given to Fran Hammond, a 25-year veteran of dispatch currently working with Classic Freight Systems. Known as a people person with a "can-do" attitude, Hammond proved an inspiration to co-workers and his general manager Blair Clack in particular, who nominated Hammond for this award.

The event was also an occasion to present APTA bursaries to support three students who are pursuing a career in the transportation industry. This year’s recipients were Sylvie Gallant, Kevin Basque and Jolin Benoit, all from NBCC’s Dieppe campus.