(Sunday, May 31, 2026 – Winnipeg, MB) – The Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) and Volvo Trucks Canada are proud to announce that Ted Wachna of HyLife has been named the 2026 MTA-Volvo Trucks Canada Driver of the Year for Manitoba.
Presented during the MTA Driver Awards Banquet held on Saturday, May 30, the Driver of the Year Award recognizes one professional driver from among the ten MTA-Inland Group Industry Excellence Award recipients who best exemplifies safety, professionalism, leadership, and dedication to the trucking industry and community.
Wachna has spent 37 years in the trucking industry and has accumulated more than 3.6 million miles with zero preventable accidents over the course of his career. In addition to his exceptional driving record, he is recognized as a mentor, trainer, and respected leader among his peers.
For more than a decade, Wachna has served as an in-cab coach, helping train and guide newer drivers entering the industry. He is also known for consistently going above and beyond his regular duties, including volunteering personal time to help maintain equipment and support fleet operations.
“Ted represents the very best of Manitoba’s trucking industry,” said Randy Fleming of Volvo Trucks Canada during the award presentation. “This award is about more than miles driven — it’s about the example you set every day, both on and off the road.”
Aaron Dolyniuk, MTA Executive Director, said Wachna’s career reflects the professionalism and commitment that keep the industry moving safely every day.
“Ted has built a remarkable career through consistency and an unwavering commitment to safety,” said Dolyniuk. “He is the kind of driver younger professionals look up to, and the kind of person this industry is proud to recognize.”
Raised around trucks and farm equipment, Wachna developed a passion for trucking early in life and built a career defined by professionalism, leadership, and commitment to safety.
The MTA-Volvo Trucks Canada Manitoba Driver of the Year Award is selected by a panel of judges representing industry and law enforcement and is considered one of the highest honours for professional drivers in Manitoba.
Image: 2026 MTA-Volvo Trucks Canada Manitoba Driver of the Year (l-r): Randy Fleming (Volvo Trucks Canada), Ted Wachna (HyLife)