SURREY, B.C. — One of Canada’s most innovative trucking companies on labor issues has been recognized by a leading business magazine.

Long haul carrier Coastal Pacific Xpress of Surrey, B.C. says its policy of “treating employees with fairness and respect” has resulted in the company being recognized as one of the Best Workplaces in Canada for 2007 by Canadian Business magazine.

The firm has a low employee turnover as compared to the rest of the trucking industry during a time of critical driver shortages.

“In light of this, CPX’s inclusion as one of the Best Workplaces in Canada is significant,” states the company.

CPX stands out within the Canadian trucking industry through its commitment to employee work-life balance, training, safety and fair compensation. Last year, it gave its drivers a 45 percent pay raise.

The 300-truck carrier also shelled out half a million dollars (on top of wage increases) in profits to its drivers and owner-operators last year as part of a unique profit-sharing program with employees.

“We didn’t achieve these results alone. That’s why we feel so strongly about sharing these good fortunes. Every single person played a role,” Glen Parsons, partner and vice-president of marketing at CPX, recently told Today’s Trucking when asked about its pay policies.