WINNIPEG, Man. — Bison Transport today will announce that it has embarked on a bold new plan to improve driver training and safety.

In a special event at its new Winnipeg headquarters, the fast-growing carrier will introduce its Tatonka Driver Development Center. Combining professional coaching with a multi-pronged learning approach, Tatonka includes interactive learning, instructor-led workshops, and full motion simulations giving drivers real-life experiences in driving techniques.

The Mark II simulator uses an authentic truck cab mounted on a motion base to give the driver a realistic training experience. The simulator offers specific skills development scenarios including diverse weather conditions, accident avoidance and technical details like shift points and pedal pressure.

Bison Transport has now become the first trucking company in Canada to invest in a computer-based driver skills development program that incorporates simulator technology used successfully in the aviation industry and military for years.

"Nothing is more important than the safety of the driver, the public that we share the roads with and our environment," says Don Streuber, Bison’s President.

Bison believes the Tatonka program will help improve driving behaviours and collision avoidance skills, while identifying and correcting poor driving habits.

"Tatonka is an investment in our people. We want the best-qualified and safest drivers delivering our customers’ freight. We also believe this investment will attract drivers to our doors, which is part of the answer to positioning ourselves for our next stage of growth and answering shipper concerns about capacity," says Rob Penner, Vice President, Operations.

With new corporate headquarters in Winnipeg and driver terminals in Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton, Bison has grown from just over 18 tractors and 32 employees in 1991 to an award-winning organization with 650 new model trucks and over 1000 full time staff today.

For more information please visit Bison’s Web site: www.bisontransport.com