Ron Martin, owner of Bridgeland Terminals in Elmira, Ont., was honored with the 2024 Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) Service to Industry Award at the 98th OTA executive conference in Toronto, Oct. 30.

The award celebrates individuals who demonstrate unwavering dedication, leadership, and vision in Ontario’s trucking sector.

Martin has been a supporter of OTA initiatives, regularly attending events and board meetings. In a news release, OTA said his career began with a strong work ethic rooted in his Mennonite family background. Early in his career, Martin gained hands-on experience driving commercial vehicles, eventually joining Beeline Express to manage its liquid bulk fleet.

In 1990, Beeline transitioned into Bridgeland Terminals and about eight years later was about to be sold to a larger company. But Martin then co-purchased Bridgeland Terminals in 1998 to ensure job security for his employees.

Today, Bridgeland Terminals has grown to more than 40 trucks and 80 trailers, recognized as one of Ontario’s most respected tank carriers. “It was his deep-rooted passion for the industry and his unwavering loyalty to his employees that led him to take a leap of faith – purchasing the company he now runs with immense pride and success,” said Zeina Gharzouzi, senior account executive at Solera-Omnitracs that sponsors the award.

Scott Tilley, president of Tandet and former OTA chairman, described Martin as a thoughtful leader who brings balance to OTA discussions. “He keeps us aware that we need to be doing things in the right way, but always very respectfully and thoughtfully,” he said.