Feb 27, 2013 - 6 years ago

By Supply Post

Ten new outstanding Ontario truck drivers have been selected to be part of the 10th Ontario Trucking Association Road Knights Team.

The esteemed members of the 2013-2014 Road Knight Team were selected due to their impeccable driving record, demonstrated commitment to safety and desire to share their trucking industry expertise.

Sponsored by the OTA Allied Trades Division, the OTA Road Knights are a group of professional truck drivers who serve as ambassadors throughout the community, represent the industry in public while exemplifying the highest code of conduct and chivalry on the highway.

The 2013-2014 OTA Road Knights are:

• Chris Bender, Steed Standard Transport Ltd;
• Barry Elkiw, Meyers Transport;
• David O’Neill, Kriska Holdings;
• Dale Fearman, Kim-Tam Truck Leasing;
• Michael John Paolozzi, Trimac Transportation;
• Wayne Simpson, Liquid Cargo Lines;
• Jim Jackman, Thomson Terminals Limited;
• George Sutherland, Bison Transport;
• Cynthia Sutherland, Bison Transport;
• Rick Cameron, KBD Transport.

“I am extremely pleased with the level of response from the industry for this latest Road Knights selection process,” said OTA President David Bradley. “The quality of the 2013-2014 team is tremendous. Their wealth of experience and knowledge will make them excellent ambassadors to the industry.”

Over the next two years, the Road Knights will present important road sharing tips to motorists, raise awareness of the vital role trucking plays in the economy, talk to young people about careers in the trucking industry and represent the trucking industry at community events, business club meetings, driver education classes, public schools, truck driving schools and to the media.

This year’s selection panel committee included representatives from: Ministry of Transportation; Ontario Provincial Police; Truck News magazine; Today’s Trucking/Highway- Star magazines; 680 News Radio; Infrastructure Health and Safety Association; OTA Allied Trades Board members Kee Human Resources & Freightliner Trucks Canada; Barry Wicklum, a Meyers Transport driver and member of the 2011- 2012 Road Knights team; and OTA staff.

Each of the candidates who were short listed for the program were required to deliver a well-organized and clearly presented speech before the panel of judges, undergo a screening of their safety records, submit a detailed application outlining why they want to become a team member and then participate in a rigorous interview by the selection panel.

The 2013-2014 OTA Road Knights Team will complete training and begin community outreach in March.