SURREY, B.C., Dec. 8, 2008 – Coastal Pacific Xpress has been recognized as one of the best employers in B.C.

For the third year in a row, BC Business Magazine put the Surrey-based carrier on its list of “Best Companies to Work for in B.C.

CPx — the only trucking company on the list — ranks as the seventh best company to work for in the province among organizations with 100 employees or more.

Jim Mickey, co-owner of the long-haul fleet said CPx was honoured and humbled to win the distinction yet again, particularly in a year of extreme economic challenges marked by tight credit, sharply lower consumer demand for goods and pressure on freight rates.

“Regardless of the economic circumstances we are operating in, we never lose sight of our guiding principle — compensating our drivers in a way that reflects their value. And at CPx, no matter what financial environment we are in, we always put our employees first."

That isn’t just boastful rhetoric. The company is one of just a few in Canada that offers liberal job flexibility, profit-sharing, and larger than average annual bonuses and raises to drivers (23 percent last year).

The company was also noted for its efforts to ongoing driver-safety programs, staff-appreciation events and programs that encourage younger employees, employees from outside the industry, and early retirees to get into the profession.

In April, CPx was also named one of the Best Workplaces in Canada by Canadian Business Magazine. It was the second consecutive year that the company received that distinction.