
The Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) recognized TransX’s Henrik Hansen, who received the MTA-Bridgestone Trucking Hero award at the MTA Fall Awards Gala on Nov. 15. The organization has also recognized several fleets and people who made outstanding contributions to the industry.
Rick Geller, a long-time safety advocate in trucking, was posthumously awarded the MTA-Payne Transportation Associate of the Year award. Among other honorees are Jason Dubois, recognized for service to industry, and Jade Transport, that was named MTA’s distinguished member. KAG Canada’s Trevor Dzioba was presented with an inaugural tech award, and Steve Brandt of Steve’s Livestock Transport was celebrated for his social contributions. Meanwhile, four new members were inducted into the MTA-Ocean Trailer Pioneer’s Club.
Hansen saves life on New Year’s Eve
Henrik Hansen, a professional driver with TransX Group of Companies for over two decades, was awarded the MTA-Bridgestone Trucking Hero award.
On New Year’s Eve last year, Hansen was traveling with his friend Norm along Highway 17 in northwestern Ontario. After stopping at a truck stop in Nipigon, they prepared to continue the day and keep driving in their trucks.

Norm signaled to Hansen that everything was good to go, so Hansen headed out of the parking lot. However, he noticed that Norm wasn’t following him. He gave his friend a call, only to be reassured that “everything was fine” and that he should carry on. Hansen went with his gut and returned to check on his friend.
When he arrived, he found Norm unable to move from his bunk and immediately called 911. Emergency services responded, stabilizing Norm at the hospital in Nipigon before transferring him to Thunder Bay for further care. Doctors diagnosed a potentially life-threatening condition, but thanks to Hansen’s actions, Norm survived. Hansen also assisted in the recovery of Norm’s truck and trailer from the truck stop and ensured Norm’s dog, Bandit, was safely reunited with his family.
Jade Transport receives top honors at MTA gala
Jade Transport was awarded the 2024 MTA Distinguished Member award for its decades-long contributions to the industry.

Founded in 1969 by Jake Dyck, the company transitioned into hauling bulk liquids in the 1990s and is now a cross-border transporter recognized for its commitment to safety and workforce development. Greg Arndt, co-owner and chair of the Canadian Trucking Alliance, has further strengthened the company’s industry presence, MTA said is a news release, “We can always count on them as subject-matter experts and supporters of the association. Jade Transport is a well-deserving recipient of this award.”
Dubois honored for service to industry

Jason Dubois, president of Len Dubois Trucking and past president of MTA received the MTA-Red Coleman Service to Industry award that recognizes significant contributions to Manitoba’s trucking sector and their efforts to elevate the industry’s reputation.
Taking over the family business in 1998 at the age of 24, Dubois expanded operations from 14 trucks to over 70 while fostering a strong workplace culture and community involvement.
He has supported various charitable initiatives, including the Truck Ride for Special Olympics and STARS Air Ambulance, and served as MTA president from 2022 to 2024.
Geller recognized posthumously
Rick Geller, a dedicated trucking safety advocate, was posthumously awarded the MTA-Payne Transportation Associate of the Year award. The award was accepted on Rick’s behalf by his spouse, Mona Geller.

Geller’s career was dedicated to enhancing safety in the trucking industry. Starting as a fleet safety manager, he held a range of positions over his career, including transportation underwriter, loss prevention director, risk manager, safety and training services manager, national manager, director, and vice-president.
“Even though his career was spent looking at numbers, Rick never lost sight of the people behind those numbers,” MTA said. “He knew that, in many cases, drivers could improve their safety records. He understood that it wasn’t a case of good or bad luck, but an investment in the person.”
Known as a mentor and leader, Geller contributed his expertise to the Professional Truck Driving Championships in Manitoba and Ontario and served on the MTA’s Associated Trades Division Executive Committee.
Dzioba receives inaugural Ken Moodie award
MTA presented its first-ever Ken Moodie award to Trevor Dzioba of KAG Canada. The award recognizes a mentor in a technical capacity who supervises apprentice technicians, expressing adesire to help and guide them.
With almost three decades of experience in the trucking industry, Dzioba has been described as an “exceptional mentor, with a genuine passion for the trade”, according to the release. “He is not only a leader and role model, but he has a thirst for knowledge and enjoys solving new technical challenges when it comes to equipment repair and maintenance,” MTA said.
Brandt recognized for his social contributions

Steve Brandt of Steve’s Livestock Transport received the MTA-Associated Trades Division Social Responsibility award that was created in 2022 to highlight efforts in areas such as environmental issues, community service, innovation, diversity, sustainability, and philanthropy.
Brandt spearheaded the Clean Water 4 Life initiative, which has drilled and installed more than 269 water wells in communities in the Solomon Islands since 2016. These wells supply clean drinking water and help prevent waterborne diseases, impacting over 42,000 people.
MTA-Ocean Trailer Pioneer’s Club, other awards
The gala also welcomed four new members into the MTA-Ocean Trailer Pioneer’s Club: Dean Omoto of Searcy Trucking, Ron Enns of Steve’s Livestock Transport, Colin Van Den Driessche of Penner International, and Craig Palz of Trappers Transport.
Award presentations from previous awards banquets that were shared at the MTA Fall Awards Gala include:
- MTA-Inland Group Industry Excellence award: Herb Martin and Marshall Timmer of Arnold Bros. Transport; Don Taylor of Big Freight Systems; Donald Simonson of Payne Transportation; John Cooper of Searcy Trucking; Leonard Swedick and Timothy Loughrin of Penner International; Mario Bulacso of Hylife; Randy Bielik of Gardewine; Tatiana Kulish of Penner International;
- MTA-Volvo Truck Canada Driver of the Year for Manitoba: Mario Bulacso, HyLife;
- RPM Safety award: Len Dubois Trucking.
Credit: Source link