WINNIPEG, Man. — Three Manitoba truck drivers were recently honoured by the Manitoba Trucking Association and Custom Truck Sales.

The drivers were recognized as part of the MTA/Custom Truck Sales Industry Excellence Awards program. Combined, the drivers have nearly 90 years driving experience approaching 10 million miles.

Ken Bradley of Portage la Prairie has been working in the industry since 1980. He began with McCain Foods and then moved to Arnold Bros., where he works today. Bradley has put 17 years in with Arnold Bros. and has no preventable accidents during that time. Wayne Hickman, safety compliance officer with Arnold, says Bradley has a “strong commitment to on-time pick-up and delivery, while at the same time ensuring public safety through safe driving techniques.”

Steve Simmons, also a driver with Arnold Bros., has 14 years professional driving experience. He began his trucking industry career as a mechanic with Paramount Kenworth and as a driver has no preventable accidents. Based out of Winnipeg, Simmons is described by his employer as a team player with a great attitude.

Bill Gagnon of Brandon is a driver for Big Freight Systems with 43 years of driving experience. He has experience hauling over all types of roads and has moved all types of equipment, including Super-Bs, reefers and grain trailers, his company says.

He often helps other drivers with cargo securement and tarping and goes to great lengths to help drivers who are new to the company, his employer says.

The winners each received a trophy, jacket, pen set and mug and a cash prize. They are also eligible to be named the MTA/Volvo Trucks Canada Driver of the year in June.