CALGARY, Alta. — The Canadian Petroleum Products Institute (CPPI) has recognized five transportation companies that completed the delivery of petroleum products in a safe manner during 2007, at an awards ceremony in Calgary today.

The carrier safety awards recognize western division contracted carriers for: reduction in incident frequencies versus the pervious calendar year; overall safety performance with related responsibilities; and the promotion of driver and fleet safety within the transportation industry.

“Our industry is safety-conscious and always tries to find ways to reduce incidences that cost time, resources, and money,” said Ted Stoner, the vice-president of CPPI, after the awards ceremony, who added that the industry has enjoyed steady improvement with a reduction in the number of unsafe incidents over the years.

The top award went to Denwill Enterprises of Burnaby, B.C., for “best overall carrier that excelled in all safety performance areas,” which was presented to the company’s general manager Jeff Salmon. He said he considered the industry recognition a “prestigious” honour, and credited the entire company, from dispatch-to-delivery, especially two driver-trainers who promote the company’s safety philosophy, with the company’s positive results.

“It takes a lot of coordination to orchestrate these loads, and to ensure that they’re loaded in the safest manner to each site,” said Salmon.

The other awards presented at the CPPI luncheon included: an “improvement award for reduced product mixes” which was presented to Wheeler Transport of Port Moody, B.C, and was received by general manager Grant Allan.; an “improvement award for reduced product spills” was awarded to Mantei’s Transport of Calgary, AB, and received by operations manager Glenn Dougan; an “improvement award for reduced vehicle accidents” went to Paul’s Hauling of Winnipeg, Man., and was received by general manager Barry Bembridge; and an “improvement award for reduced personal injuries” went to Bridgeway Transport, of Nanaimo, B.C, and was received by general manager, Frank Smitka.

Collectively, these carriers made over 82,007 deliveries in 2007 on behalf of CPPI member companies in Western Canada, according to the association.