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TCA names Ladds top company driver

Doug Ladds of MacKinnon Transport won the grand prize in the Truckload Carriers Association’s 19th Annual Company Equipment Driver of the Year contest. John Pipes of Con-way Truckload finished second, while Steven French of Anderson Trucking Service took third-place honors. The awards were based on the drivers’ excellent safety records, unblemished work histories, and involvement in their communities and industry.
     Ladds has been a truck driver for 24 years, working for MacKinnon since 1994. During his career, he has logged more than 3.6 million accident-free truckload kilometers. A member of his company’s Driver-Trainer Team for 14 years, Ladds is now the head driver trainer. He has attained certification as a Certified Professional Driver and is a member of the executive board for the MacKinnon Transport Drivers Association.
     Ladds is currently serving a two-year term on the Ontario Trucking Association’s Road Knight Team, a select group of 10 truck drivers who speak to the media, students, civic groups, driving schools and other interested parties about the trucking industry, safety and sharing the road with trucks.
     An avid motorcyclist, Ladds has logged many kilometers with the Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers. As the senior road captain, he provides safety training for group rides and explains emergency procedures and maneuvers. He also volunteers for the annual Santa Claus parade held in his community.
     “Doug Ladds is genuinely concerned about the transportation industry,” says Jeff Lehmann, safety and compliance manager for MacKinnon. “He portrays the image of a tractor-trailer driver with a courteous, professional attitude.”
     Ladds will receive a Dodge Ram pick-up truck, an all-expense paid trip for two to the Grand Ole Opry, roundtrip airfare for two to anywhere in the continental U.S., $10,000 in cash, $5,750 in truck stop gift cards and other prizes.
     Pipes has worked for Con-way Truckload since 1988 and has logged more than 2.9 million accident-free miles. He is a past winner of the Missouri Motor Carriers Association’s Roland Clark Award, a second-place winner of the Missouri Truck Driving Championships and a recipient of at least 11 major safety awards from his company. Pipes is also a certified driving instructor.
     When not driving a truck, Pipes completed basic firefighter and auto rescue classes so he can be better equipped to help stranded motorists if necessary. He also used to volunteer for the Route 66 Senior Center, helping to pack and deliver meals for the needy.
     Pipes will receive $2,500 cash, $3,000 in truck stop gift cards and other prizes.
     French has been a truck driver with Anderson Trucking Service since 1995. During his career, he has logged more than 1.2 million accident-free truckload miles. French is a member of Highway Watch, the roadway sector’s national safety and security program.
     French will receive $2,000 in cash, $1,700 in truck stop gift cards and other prizes.

Photo caption:
Doug Ladds, TCA Company Equipment Driver of the Year