TORONTO, Ont. — Ben O’Hara, a dispatcher with Trimac Transportation in Sarnia, Ont. has been named the 2006 OTA/Cancom Dispatcher of the Year. O’Hara accepted the award in front of a packed Toronto Congress Centre during the OTAs annual convention Nov. 17.

The award is handed out each year to a dispatcher who has demonstrated a commitment to customer service, safety, driver well-being, courtesy, team work, problem solving and community service or volunteer work. O’Hara has been dispatching with Trimac for four years and has worked as a dispatcher for 15 years overall.

Upon accepting the award, he was quick to credit Trimacs team of owner/operators for making the award possible.

“To be successful, you need to be part of a great team,” O’Hara said. “We have a great team of owner/operators at Trimac.”

O’Hara oversees 33 O/Os every day, dispatching loads of liquid bulk products across North America. Those who know him best say he earned the award thanks to his ability to work well with those owner/operators and also for his customer service skills.

“Ben is the one person I think everyone would like to be around and work with,” said one Trimac O/O. “His professional attitude, work ethic, telephone manner and sense of humour promote an excellent atmosphere, and this has a very positive impact on the drivers he dispatches.”

Before O’Hara took to the stage, there was a moving tribute to another well-respected dispatcher. Pat Maslen, a dispatcher with Challenger Motor Freight for eight years, was recognized posthumously. Maslen was up for the award, but sadly he succumbed to cancer in June.

“Individuals like Mr. Maslen are definitely seen as role models. While inflicted with a deadly disease Pat was able to inspire others and motivate himself. We would like to congratulate his wife and family for having such a courageous family member,” said Mike Ham, Cancom Tracking vice-president.

Challenger president, Dan Einwechter, paid his respects to Maslen and pointed out he was so committed to the profession, that he arranged his cancer treatments around his work schedule.