The Manitoba Trucking Association named Mario Bulacso the 2025 CTA-Volvo Trucks Canada National Driver of the Year. The longtime driver with HyLife was honored during the MTA Fall Awards Gala on Nov. 28.
Bulacso was also the 2024 MTA-Volvo Trucks Canada Driver of the Year for Manitoba, according to a news release.
Ashwinder Singh of Arnold Bros. Transport was presented the MTA-Bridgestone Trucking Hero Award for helping a victim of a crash.
While driving home to Winnipeg on March 18 after a weather-related road closure on Highway 11 near Longlac, Ont., he came upon a head-on crash involving two pickup trucks.
Despite having no emergency or first-aid training, he immediately stopped to help. Working alongside bystanders and two nurses, he provided CPR for more than 30 minutes in harsh roadside winter conditions until paramedics arrived.
Other award recipients include:
- MTA-Red Coleman Service to Industry Award: Doug Harvey, founder of Maxim Truck and Trailer
- MTA–Omnitracs | Solera Fleet Solutions Distinguished Member Award: Fort Garry Industries
- MTA-Payne Transportation Associate of the Year Award: Shawn Graydon of Rempel Insurance Brokers
- MTA-Vehicle Maintenance Council Ken Moodie Award: Trent Siemens of Steve’s Livestock Transport
Inductees into the MTA-Ocean Trailer Pioneer’s Club this year include: Angela McIntyre, Mississauga terminal manager (Penner International); Joe Zirino, director of fleet maintenance (Trappers Transport); Mark Neudorf, branch manager – Brandon (BVT Truck & Trailer Repair, Steve’s Livestock Transport); Trent Siemens, vice president of fleet maintenance and BVT operations (Steve’s Livestock Transport); Thomas McKee, vice president of driver services and innovation (Payne Transportation); Tom Payne, president (Payne Transportation); and Pauline Wiebe Peters, vice president of finance and administration (Payne Transportation).
Special recognition
Special recognition was also given to Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement, celebrating 100 years of operations in 2025, as well as Janice Miller, director, Manitoba safety and permits, and the team at Manitoba Safety and Permits for their role in the development and implementation of the New Entrant Training Program, a required course for anyone planning to open a trucking company in Manitoba or needing extra training.
Also recognized was Payne Transportation, winner of the 2025 RPM Trucking Industry Safety Award, as well as Larry Procure (Arnold Bros. Transport), winner of the 2025 MTA-Volvo Trucks Canada Driver of the Year for Manitoba. Both received their awards at previous ceremonies.
