TORONTO, Ont. — Vitran Corporation Inc. has announced that President & CEO Richard Gaetz has been honored with the Al Palladini Transportation Person of the Year Award, given annually by the National Transportation Week (NTW) Ontario Committee.

The Transportation Person of the Year Award recognizes an individual in the transportation sector who has assumed a leadership role during his/her career, which has advanced his/her company or the field of transportation.

During National Transportation Week, representatives from various Ontario-based transportation organizations hold an awards breakfast to recognize people from the industry for their outstanding contributions. This year’s 36th Annual Awards Breakfast was presented by the Ontario Minister of Transportation on Wednesday, June 8, 2005.

“During his 15-year tenure at Vitran, including the last three years as President & CEO, Gaetz has positioned Vitran as one of Canada’s premier transportation firms, with estimated annual revenues in excess of $400 million,” stated Rebecka Torn, Chair of the National Transportation Week Ontario Committee.

“Under his leadership, Vitran has seen phenomenal growth through operational excellence and acquisitions. A 25-year transportation industry veteran, Gaetz continues to lead Vitran to new heights and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the National Post Business magazine’s ‘Canada’s Top Performing CEO.’ We are pleased to recognize his stellar contributions with this award.”

Commenting on his award, Gaetz stated, “It’s an honor to be acknowledged by my industry peers, as I have dedicated my professional career to transportation. I am immensely proud of all we have accomplished at Vitran to date, including our seventh acquisition, announced last week. Chris Truck Line expands our geographic footprint into the Midwestern and Southwestern U.S., and I think it speaks volumes to the hard work and dedication of the entire Vitran team in North America.”