Canadian Freightways veteran earns top trucker status

VICTORIA — Adament that his equipment is always in top working order, John Beeler has racked up more than 3.75 million kilometres without a preventable accident or injury.

After 29 years of accident-free driving with Canadian Freightways, the Maple Ridge, B.C. trucker was named the B.C. Trucking Association’s 2010 Driver of the Year. Beeler received the award at the BCTA’s annual management conference in Victoria on June 12.

The Driver of the Year award is sponsored annually by BCTA and Volvo Trucks Canada to recognize and promote safe driving among professional drivers. In addition to excellent driving records, award winners have often distinguished themselves through service to their communities and acts of bravery.

John Beeler was named B.C.’s Driver of the Year
during the BCTA’s annual conference.

During his long career, Beeler pestered numberless mechanics about every aspect of his vehicles, so that he could identify problems himself and have them put right.

“John Beeler’s positive attitude, patience, courtesy and thoroughness are well known,” said Darshan Kailly, president and CEO of Canadian Freightways. “While training new drivers or assessing equipment, John provides insights that help us to make continuous improvements. We’re delighted that he won this prestigious award – he deserves it.”

Norm Romano, Canadian Freightways’ service centre manager in Kamloops, has worked with Beeler for almost 20 years and reports that Beeler has mentored numerous less experienced drivers and doesn’t hesitate to assist those who are stopped along the highway.

His willingness to help others has resulted in Beeler receiving several commendations from the RCMP for his aid at the sites of motor vehicle crashes.


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