TORONTO- The rules are simple. We put word out that we’re looking for young (ish) leaders. Throughout the calendar year, Today’s Trucking‘s staff-editors, reporters, sales reps, basically anybody who comes in contact with our readers–plus our friends, contacts and contributors-watch for new candidates for the annual 20-Under-40 feature.

We suss out truck shows, show & shines, association conferences and truck stops. We ask at fleet events.

Indeed, one of this year’s candidates first met Today’s Trucking‘s Editor Peter Carter at a wedding in Winnipeg. He identified himself as a reader and seemed to be very enthusiastic about his career. Carter contacted the young man’s supervisor, and she agreed: David Wilson is one to watch. 

We always end up with more than 20 so we have to make judgment calls. Of course most candidates are young enough that they will be eligible next year. Plus we do our best to cross the country, to offer a truly pan-Canadian perspective. Trucking is nothing if not a seedbed for diversity.

Cultural differences notwithstanding, after we compile our 20 and assess the roster, we invariably realize that they all share certain attributes: They all love trucking. They all have ideas they’re eager to share with their colleagues, and they’re all optimistic.

A few trends worth noting: As with most fields of endeavor, there are lots more university-educated people going into trucking these days. They’re a well-travelled bunch and they’re also very community minded. On the East Coast, you’ll meet the Armours, who are doing their best to revitalize the Maritimes economy, and in B.C., there’s Jared Bragg, who wants to let the world know our left-coast province is “open for business.”

We think as you get to know these 20 leaders, you’ll feel good about the future of trucking in this country. It’s in good hands.