Manitoba Driver Named 2002 CTA/Volvo Trucks Canada National Driver of the Year

March 8, 2002

Edward Janzen, a professional transport driver with Reimer Express Lines in Winnipeg. Manitoba, has been named the 2002 Canadian Trucking Alliance/Volvo Trucks Canada National Driver of the Year. The award was presented today at the annual safety luncheon held during the Manitoba Trucking Association’s convention in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Fairmont Hotel).

The award has been presented annually for the past 27 years to a Canadian transport driver who demonstrates a high-level of professionalism both on and off the road and also courtesy, and sometimes bravery, at roadside.

Mr. Janzen has been a driver with Reimer since 1967 - his entire driving career. He has driven 4.2 million collision free kilometers in a driving career that spans 37 years. In honour of his achievement Mr. Janzen receives a trip for two to any destination of his choice within Canada, a $1,000 cash prize and a personal trophy courtesy of Volvo Trucks Canada Inc.

“Edward Janzen’s outstanding driving record, and his dedication to excellence exemplify the commitment to road safety made by Canada’s professional truck drivers,” said David Bradley, CEO of the Canadian Trucking Alliance.” But it is in the way he goes about his day-to-day work – both on and off the road – that makes him stand out.”

“Mr. Janzen is truly a great example of a professional truck driver; having driven 4.2 million collision-free miles, continuing to mentor new drivers, and also being involved in the community he lives," said Bob Dolyniuk, General Manager of the Manitoba Trucking Association. "He continues to uphold this high level of professionalism every day.”

Mr. Janzen travels one of the most treacherous stretches of the Trans-Canada Highway between Elie and Winnipeg, Manitoba on a regular basis. As a result, he has been able to assist many motorists throughout the years, something he says is “all in a days work”.

In the winter of 1982 he came across an elderly couple stuck on the highway, and drove them to their home in Winnipeg. In the summer of 1989, he assisted in freeing two people who were pinned under their vehicle at the site of a crash at the intersection of Highway #1 and Provincial Road #248 in Elie. And, in the record-setting winter of 1994-95, he pulled a driver out of his vehicle after the driver had rolled it in the ditch. These are just a few of the acts of goodness he has demonstrated in his driving history.

According to his terminal manager, Mr. Janzen’s “attitude and presence in our facility is one that portrays leadership and confidence both in our company and himself. He is a key member of our terminal team and we appreciate and value his contribution not only to our company but to the safety and image that our company and the trucking industry needs to better promote safety in our industry.”

Mr. Janzen is involved in safety and driver training at Reimer. He mentors new drivers and helps in their orientation and development, which includes not only passing along the benefit of his experience as a top-notch driver, but also customer service, freight needs and a process of customer interaction within his company, known as TEAM SELL.

During his career as a professional driver, Janzen has been the recipient of many awards, including a 2 Million-Mile Award, a 35-Year Service Award and a 32-Year Safe Driving Award from Reimer; the Manitoba Driver of the Month in May 1991 and February 2001; and, the 2001 Manitoba Driver of the Year.

In addition to transport driving, Mr. Janzen has coached hockey, baseball, fastball, and curling. He is deeply involved in church activities, and provides counseling and mentoring for the young people of his church.

Mr. Janzen and his wife, Anne, live in Elie, Manitoba. They have three adult children.

Media Contacts:

Rebecka Torn
rebecka.torn@ontruck.org
416-249-7401, Ext. 224

Stephen Anderson
stephen.anderson@ontruck.org
416-249-7401, Ext. 245