WINNIPEG, Man. — Manitoba’s Drivers of the Month, for the initial three months of 2006, were recognized by the Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) at a reception on April 21.

The Driver of the Month Awards recognize professional drivers who have exemplary safety records and who demonstrate outstanding customer service and dedication to the profession, says the association.

The three drivers honoured Friday together have contributed over 75 years and 12,500,000 kilometres to the driving profession and the motor transport industry.

Driver of the Month for January is Tom Klassen, a professional driver for 25 years. During that time Klassen has driven over 4,250,000 accident-free highway kilometres. Klassen currently drives for Reimer Express Lines and lives in Winnipeg.

Driver of the Month for February is Craig Cudmore. During his 31 years as a professional driver, Cudmore has logged over 1,000,000 city and rural kilometres, all accident-free. Cudmore drives for Gardewine North and lives in Winnipeg.

Driver of the Month for March is Richard Landry. A professional driver for 21 years, Landry has driven accident-free for over 7,250,000 highway kilometres. He is a driver for Arnold Bros. Transport and lives in Winnipeg.

MTA’s Driver of the Month awards have recognized outstanding Manitoba drivers since 1979, with Custom Truck Sales and Canadian Kenworth, sponsors of the program since 1991.