The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) celebrated two drivers at its annual conference in Toronto on Oct. 30, recognizing Challenger Motor Freight’s John Weston as Driver of the Year and Mill Creek Motor Freight’s Eric Melo with the Truck Hero Award for his life-saving actions.

Weston was honored with the Volvo Trucks Canada-OTA Ontario Truck Driver of the Year Award for his dedication, safety record, and commitment to mentorship.

As a child in Swindon, England, he was hit by a truck, leaving him with a head injury that affected his ability to read, write, and speak. The resulting challenges made school difficult, but Weston discovered his strengths in hands-on work, eventually finding a passion for trucking through a family connection.

Moving to Canada to pursue his dream of “driving a truck with a hood,” Weston joined Challenger Motor Freight, where he has logged 4 million collision-free kilometers over 16 years. As a driver trainer, he has mentored hundreds of new drivers and has earned multiple awards, including the 2018 Highway Angel Award from the Truckload Carriers Association for assisting a fellow truck driver in distress.

“John overcame many challenges and much adversity in his childhood. Today, he is one of the most respected employees at a company that boasts a long tradition of developing many excellent drivers,” said Volvo’s Steve Woodward in announcing the award. “As a driver trainer, he is beloved by his trainees for his guidance, wisdom, and dedication to safety. He is known by colleagues, friends, and family as someone who is loyal, compassionate, and unconditionally helpful.” 

“He came to Canada as a truck driver for us and immediately became successful,” said Steve Newton, Challenger’s director of safety and driver development. “I think John lives and breathes trucking. He is a true professional. He’s the driver that you would want to clone and make hundreds of, because he’s got everything.” 

Mill Creek’s Melo saves couple from burning Jeep

Mill Creek Motor Freight driver Eric Melo was presented with the 2024 Bridgestone-OTA Truck Hero Award for his response to a life-threatening situation.

While driving near Monroe, Mich., Melo encountered a Jeep on fire. He turned on his hazard lights, moved into the right lane to protect other drivers, and ran toward the burning vehicle with his fire extinguisher.

When Melo arrived, he found a man in the driver’s seat struggling to escape, distracted by his belongings. Melo unbuckled the man’s seatbelt and insisted he exit immediately. Moments later, he saw the man’s wife stumble out, dazed, toward oncoming traffic. Melo quickly grabbed her jacket and pulled her to safety.

“I looked over at the wife, and she just had that thousand-mile stare. And then the husband goes, ‘well, that’s a wrap,’ because that car is gone … it was literally melting in front of their eyes.” 

Bridgestone Canada’s Mark Webb commended Melo’s bravery. He is someone who always behaves selflessly, always stops to help others – whether it’s from his truck or his personal car when he travels. He is a passionate, dedicated professional driver who is a crown jewel at his company,” he said.

“Eric always steps in and helps whenever he can. He’s not that guy that’s just going to drive for the day and go home. He’ll stay late to help a new driver. He’ll get on the phone and help someone if needed,” said Mill Creek’s general manager, Richard Hann.

Earlier this month, Melo was also recognized as Driver of the Year by Ontario’s Fleet Safety Council.

Reflecting on his actions, Melo downplayed the heroism. “I was there at the right moment,” he said. “What I did I had to do because it was the right thing to do. It’s all anyone has to do. Just be kind to each other.”