News

(MTA-Red Coleman Service to Industry Award: Doug Harvey (pictured, l-r: Jordan Harvey, Gary Coleman, Meghan Furst and Lauren Harvey))

Members of Manitoba’s trucking industry gathered at the RBC Convention Centre on Friday, November 28, for the largest Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) Fall Awards Gala in the MTA’s history. The event, a celebration of those individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to Manitoba’s trucking industry, also included special guests the Honourable Lisa Naylor, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Mayor Scott Gillingham (City of Winnipeg).

Award recipients recognized at the 2025 MTA Fall Awards Gala included:

• MTA-Red Coleman Service to Industry Award: Doug Harvey founded Maxim Truck and Trailer in 1981 during the privatization of International Harvester dealerships, growing it into a national operation with 17 branches and over 500 employees. His leadership also expanded the DLH Group of Companies to include multiple manufacturing and service businesses employing more than 800 people across Canada. Throughout this growth, Doug has remained deeply committed to community service and industry involvement, supporting employee volunteerism and maintaining long-standing engagement with the Manitoba Trucking Association. His philanthropic impact extends widely across Manitoba through significant contributions to cultural, educational, environmental, and health organizations. Doug’s achievements have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Order of Manitoba and induction into the Manitoba Business Hall of Fame. Watch the award video here.
• MTA–Omnitracs | Solera Fleet Solutions Distinguished Member Award: Fort Garry Industries, founded in 1919 as a small tire repair shop, has grown into a national operation with more than 500 employees across 21 locations in seven provinces. Over more than a century, the company continually evolved alongside the trucking industry, expanding from tires and brakes into full automotive service, specialized equipment, and a dedicated truck equipment division. Its long history of innovation includes pioneering one of the first self-serve commercial parts stores and early adoption of new technologies and services. FGI has also been a steadfast supporter of the Manitoba Trucking Association, actively participating in committees, sponsoring events, and contributing industry leadership for decades. This enduring commitment and exceptional contribution to the industry have earned Fort Garry Industries the 2025 MTA–Omnitracs–Solera Fleet Solutions Distinguished Member Award. Watch the award video here.
• MTA-Payne Transportation Ltd Associate of the Year Award: This year’s recipient, Shawn Graydon of Rempel Insurance Brokers, has spent 25 years in transportation risk management and has been actively engaged with the MTA since 2001. His leadership roles—including ATD Executive Committee Chair, MTA Board of Directors member, and now ATD Executive Committee Past-Chair—reflect his long-standing dedication to supporting and strengthening the industry. Under his leadership, Rempel Insurance Brokers has consistently supported MTA initiatives through sponsorships, committee involvement, major donations, and enthusiastic participation in industry events. Shawn’s expertise, community spirit, and relationship-focused approach have left a lasting positive impact on the Manitoba Trucking Association and its members. Watch the award video here.
• MTA-Bridgestone Trucking Hero Award: Highway 11 near Longlac, Ontario is known for severe winter collisions, and on March 18, 2025, Ashwinder Singh of Arnold Bros. Transport unexpectedly encountered one of them. Driving home to Winnipeg after a weather-related road closure, he came upon a head-on crash involving two pickup trucks. Despite having no emergency or first-aid training, he recognized the gravity of the situation and 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. For his quick action and courage, Ashwinder Singh is the 2025 MTA-Bridgestone Trucking Hero Award recipient. Watch the award video here.
• MTA-Vehicle Maintenance Council Ken Moodie Award: This year’s award recipient began, like many in the industry, in the wash bay, where an early exposure to the trade sparked an interest in becoming a truck and trailer technician. From those beginnings, Trent Siemens built a career that has taken him from the wash bay to the shop and ultimately to the office. Today, as Vice President of Fleet Maintenance and BVT Operations at Steve’s Livestock Transport, he oversees three full-service maintenance facilities across two provinces. Colleagues describe him as responsible, genuine, and a natural leader. His strong support for apprenticeship has helped shape a new generation of technicians who understand that common sense varies—and that quality maintenance begins the moment new equipment arrives. Watch the award video here.

Inductees into the MTA-Ocean Trailer Pioneer’s Club this year include:

• Angela McIntyre, Mississauga Terminal Manager (Penner International Inc.)
• 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 Ltd.)
• Tom Payne, President (Payne Transportation Ltd.)
• Pauline Wiebe Peters, Vice President of Finance and Administration (Payne Transportation Ltd.)

The 2025 CTA-Volvo Trucks Canada National Driver of the Year was also presented with his award at the 2025 MTA Fall Awards Gala. Mario Bulacso, a longtime driver with HyLife, was announced as the award recipient during National Trucking Week. He was also the 2024 MTA-Volvo Trucks Canada Driver of the Year for Manitoba. Watch the award video here.

Special recognition as 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 at the 2025 MTA Fall Awards Gala was Payne Transportation Ltd, winners of the 2025 RPM Trucking Industry Safety Award (watch the award video here), as well as Larry Procure (Arnold Bros. Transport Ltd), winner of the 2025 MTA-Volvo Trucks Canada Driver of the Year for Manitoba. Watch the award video here. Both of these award recipients received their awards at previous ceremonies.

The Manitoba Trucking Association would like to extend special thanks to all of the attendees and sponsors of this event, including American Express, Beaver Truck Centre, BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services Inc., Bridgestone Canada Inc., Bulldog Truck Centre, Cenovus, Contempora Steel Builders, Coughlin Insurance Brokers, Craig Kelman & Associates, CTR – Central Transport Refrigeration, Denray Tire, Encore Global, Gallagher, Gary Coleman, G.J. Andrews Food and Wine Shoppe, GL Transport Consulting, Inland Group, Keystone Insurance Brokers, MTA Vehicle Maintenance Council, MTA Associated Trades Division, Nutech Digital, Ocean Trailer, Omnitracs/Solera Fleet Solutions, Payne Transportation Ltd, Pilot Flying J, Rempel Insurance Brokers Ltd, Rogers Sports & Media, RPM Trucking Industry Safety, Schinkel Properties, Volvo Trucks Canada, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

2025 MTA-Ocean Trailer Pioneer’s Club Inductees: