WINNIPEG — Manitoba’s best dispatcher, driver, and a couple other industry vets were recently honored by the Manitoba Trucking Association.

Kicking off the Industry Awards Dinner last week, was the Shaw Tracking 2007 Dispatcher of the Year Award, which was handed to Janet Murray, a dispatcher with Payne Transportation in Winnipeg.

Murray started her career in the trucking industry in the office before joining her husband as a long haul driver 13 years ago. After a year on the road she become a dispatcher and grew to be one of the best in the province.

“[Janet] takes very good care of her drivers,” said one trucker at Payne. “Within two hours of the Minneapolis bridge collapse, Janet was phoning from home to see if I was okay.”

Top Wheelman:

Later, Craig Cudmore of Winnipeg was recognized as the Volvo Trucks Canada 2007 Manitoba Driver of the Year. Cudmore, a long-time employee of Northern Deck, division of Gardewine North, was honored for his 32 years of accident-free professional driving, his constant attention to safety, his outstanding customer service and his contribution to the industry through driver training, says MTA.

A specialist on flat deck and B train equipment, Cudmore is also is the company trainer and road-readiness evaluator.

Known as the “go-to guy” among his co-workers, Cudmore is always ready to lend a hand whether for driver advice or cargo issues or anything else. He has also never hesitated to help motorists at the side of the road, including one event where he rescued another driver from a burning transport truck.

Industry Standouts:

The name Victor Switzer is a hallmark in this industry. Last week, the MTA recognized Switzer for his long-time work in trucking with the 2007 Manitoba Trailmobile Service to Industry award.

Switzer, an active and loyal supporter of the MTA for many years, was recognized by his peers for his ethical business conduct and his “many, many contributions to the trucking industry.”

Motivated by new challenges, Switzer began his trucking career as a driver, rising quickly from pick-ups driver through delivery driver, dispatcher, claims, sales, division manager and branch manager until he purchased the first of several trucking companies, growing and expanding the businesses to achieve Canada-wide recognition.

Switzer was active on many committees over the years, addressing both local and national issues. He was a member of the Board of Directors for ten years, the Executive Committee for several and President in 2004-05. In addition, his company actively participated in and supported MTA activities throughout this time.

Meanwhile, the 2007 Maxim Associate of the Year award was given to John Oades of Winnipeg, who was recognized for his contributions and dedication to the trucking industry and the association for over 25 years.

Throughout his long career Mr. Oades has given back to this industry through active participation in the MTA. His company has been active in the Associated Trades Division and the Vehicle Maintenance Council and an enthusiastic sponsor of many MTA events over the years.

John himself has been an active member of many MTA committees where he demonstrates his belief in the benefits of trade associations, volunteerism and participation. His many contributions to the MTA’s development and its efforts on behalf of the trucking industry have earned him the respect of his peers both within the MTA and beyond, says the group.