MONTAGUE, P.E.I — Shane Esson, the general manager of Moncton-based Keltic Transport, is the new chair of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association.

He replaces Gord Peddle of Mount Pearl, Nfld.’s, D.D. Transport, who winds up a two-year term with the election of Esson.

Esson, a native of Moncton and graduate of Acadia University’s business program, has been with the 150-truck Keltic for six and a half years. Before that, for 23 years, he was with Midland.

On his laundry list as leader of the association, Esson (his name’s pronounced Eeee-son) includes long combination vehicles (LCVs); continuing cooperation with other provincial and regional organizations like the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) and Marine Atlantic; the ever-evolving debate on electronic onboard devices, sleep-apnea concerns and, he says, the “general economic future of the industry.”

The organization is continuing its search for a new executive director following the recent resignation of Peter Nelson.

The APTA held its annual general meeting at the lovely and golfer-friendly Brudenell Resort, here on P.E.I.