Three Bison drivers take home top honors for driver of the year

by Truck West

WINNIPEG, Man. – Bison Transportation was holding its head high after three of the company’s drivers were recognized as Volvo Canada’s Driver of the Year in their respective provinces.

In Manitoba, Roger Maltman took home the honor. A long-haul driver for years who has won several safety awards in the past and has been driving for over 40 years without a preventable accident, Maltman joined Bison in 1994.

Bison said Maltman was someone “who takes pride in what he does on a daily basis and holds himself to a standard which can be used as an example to other drivers in the company. His relationship with his fleet is outstanding. He is always willing to help out when they have a problem with a load. He is reliable and never complains. He believes that everyone works together to be successful.”

“Ultimately, it’s me behind the wheel, but there are a large group of people doing their jobs with expertise, which enables me to do mine at a high performance level,” Maltman added.

Getting his start with Bison in 1987, Randy Kuryk was honored by the British Columbia Trucking Association as driver of the year for his commitment to safety and involvement in the community.

“Drivers like Randy are the main component in Bison Transport having been North America’s safest fleet for so long,” said Garth Pitzel, director of safety and driver development for Bison. “Randy is a great example of what safe driving should encompass, and the level of professionalism he exhibits makes him a pleasure to work with.”

“These trucks now are the best,” Kuryk said, while accepting his award. “They make my job a whole lot safer and easier.”

Finally, Vern Stratton was named driver of the year by the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA).

Stratton started with Bison 17 years ago, and was awarded for over 30 years of safe driving.

“Safety has always been Vern’s top priority, not just for himself but also for the people he shares the road with,” Pitzel said. “We are proud to have nominated Vern for the AMTA Volvo Canada Driver of the Year, and know he will represent the award, Bison, our drivers and the industry with honor.”

“All those awards Bison wins are so well deserved,” Stratton said. “The focus on safety and the ‘people first’ attitude within the company make it an amazing employer to work for.”

Each driver is now eligible for the Canadian Trucking Alliance/Volvo Trucks Canada National Driver of the Year award.

In addition to its drivers’ success, Bison’s three companies – Bison Transport, Britton Transport and Searcy Trucking – were the recipients of the Volvo Safety Award.


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