PITTSBURGH, Penn. – FedEx Ground has awarded three entrepreneurs, whose small businesses provide transportation services for the company, with its highest honours –the FedEx Ground Entrepreneurs of the Year award.

The award recognizes small business owners for their safety, customer service, business ethics and community involvement.

“Since 2007, we have bestowed the honour of Entrepreneur of the Year to exceptional small-business owners contracting with FedEx Ground to deliver reliable, safe, cost-effective, and professional service,” said Henry J. Maier, president and CEO of FedEx Ground.  “These entrepreneurs have built lucrative and thriving businesses alongside FedEx Ground, while also making substantial contributions to their local communities.”

The winners this year were:

Jason Brooks of Brooksy,Inc. (Bangor, Maine), Saul Lerma of Lerma Transport, (Yuma, Arizona) and Jack Webster of 6748067 Manitoba, (Winnipeg, Manitoba).

Brooksy Inc. has 15 employees an only 12 vehicles. FedEx says that Brooks understands that importance of keeping drivers connected. He is committed to safety and regularly quizzes his drivers on safety issues to keep them accident-free. Brooks and his employees also volunteer at a local park.

FedEx says that twice a week, Lerma meets with his customers to maintain its strong relationship. The company says Lerma has a passion for people and that safety is above all Lerma Transport’s top priority. Lerma Transport also contributes to a number of charities including, Harley Owners Group association, (a non-profit for which Saul is the assistant director), Yuma Community Food Bank, United Way, and March of Dimes.

Finally Jack Webster’s company, 6748067 Manitoba has been in business for 18 years. The company operates six vehicles and travels an average of 3,400 miles a day. The company makes sure to communicate with drivers on a daily basis while also offering a competitive salary and benefits packages to its employees. Employees are also provided a safety plan to help prevent accidents..

“We recognize that our drivers are the backbone of our operation, and believe we employ some of the most professional and dedicated people in the industry,” said Webster.