TORONTO, Ont. — Jeffrey MacLean, a driver with SLH Transport in Vaughan, has been named the 2007 OTA/Volvo Trucks Canada Driver of the Year. MacLean has driven two million collision-free kilometres during a career that has spanned 35 years on the road.

Each year the award goes to a professional transport driver who has a collision-free driving record and is an exemplary truck driver both on and off the road. MacLean was presented with his award at the Ontario Trucking Associations (OTA) 81st annual convention in Toronto. A keepsake trophy, cash prize and a trip to the OTA convention were all part of the award.

MacLean is an active participant in truck driving championships, having earned an astounding 10 first-place finishes at provincial competitions. Driving championships are held to put to the test a transport drivers skill and knowledge. It also includes a pre-trip inspection as well as a written and driving course.

At the 2006 National Truck Driving Championships he was presented with the Grand Champion trophy. He also served as media spokesperson at both national and provincial level competitions.

MacLean has also been recognized for safe driving with awards from the Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario (THSAO). He is also committed to the Fuel Economy Challenge a program designed to promote excellence in saving fuel through the use of good driving habits. The program rewards fuel savings earned as a result of skilled use of progressive shifting, proper speed management and gentle acceleration and stops.

Jeff is vigilant in protecting the well being of the motoring public through his defensive driving techniques, says Gord M. Gillespie, president of SLH Transport. He has a strong, professional work ethic and is a great ambassador not only for SLH, but our entire industry. His knowledge, skills and experience are second to none and we are extremely proud of his accomplishments over his 35 year career on our team. We congratulate Jeff on this achievement, and wish him continued success in the years ahead.

MacLean exemplifies the qualities of a professional truck driver both on and off the road, says OTA president David Bradley. It is a great honour to present him with this prestigious award in recognition of his achievement.

MacLean lives in Brampton. He has three adult children and a granddaughter.