WINNIPEG — The Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) recently handed out its Driver of the Month awards, which were earned at the end of 2007.

The association’s Driver of the Month Awards recognize professional drivers whose careers demonstrate excellent driving skills, exemplary safety records, outstanding customer service and a dedication to the profession. The three drivers honored have contributed more than 64 years and 9.2 million kilometres of driving to the transport industry.

Driver of the Month for October 2007 is Barrie Budd of Somerset Transfer, a professional driver for 31 years. During that time Budd has driven more than 3.5 million accident-free kilometres of highway, rural and city roads, across the prairie provinces and the U.S.

Driver of the Month for November 2007 is Brett Wideman. A highway driver for 15 years, Wideman has logged over 2.7 million accident-free kilometres across Canada and the U.S. Wideman drives for Len Dubois Trucking.

Driver of the Month for December 2007 is Michael Thiessen, a professional driver for 18 years. In that time he had accumulated 3 million accident-free kilometers of city and highway driving in Canada and the U.S. Thiessen drives for Bison Transport.

MTA’s Driver of the Month awards have recognized outstanding Manitoba drivers since 1979, for their safety and their career contributions to the trucking industry.