The Manitoba Trucking Association awards night was held Saturday evening, and a few professional drivers from the Steinbach area came away with awards. 

Manitoba Trucking Association Executive Director Terry Shaw, says they held a driving competition with several categories, and three local drivers from Penner International came away with championship trophies.

Frank Klassen took first in the single tandem category, David Mikkola placed second in the Super B category, and Volodimir Zakrevsy was third in the straight truck category.

Shaw says they also handed out awards to professional drivers who were nominated by the company they work for and notes it was a good year for drivers in the southeast. “The awards criteria is a point system based on safety, driving record, company dedication, industry dedication, volunteerism, participation in the community, in events like our truck championships, Special Olympics convoy, and a whole host of elements that make this individual shine.”

Four drivers in the Southeast met these criteria and received their award and recognition in front of their peers and family at a banquet Saturday evening. The three drivers who received the Industry Excellence Awards from Steve's Livestock were Tim Reimer, Myron Penner, and Marcito Kehler, also local driver Darren Bray from Arnold Bros. Transport.

Shaw says these awards are prestigious and come with layers of opportunity. “There were a couple hundred people there, and these folks get their name in lights, called up on stage, and are presented an award. They get a plaque, a jacket, a cheque, and bragging rights. To get formal recognition from your employer amongst your peers, family, and company mates is something special and we certainly congratulate this year's award winners.”

He adds, these drivers literally have millions of safe miles and many decades of truck driving excellence.