Bison driver named TCA Company Driver of the Year

by Nicholas Camilleri

NASHVILLE, TN – Bison Transport’s Murray Manuliak has been named the Truckload Carriers Association’s Company Driver of the Year.

With 25 years on the road with Bison Transport, Manuliak boasts an impressive 3.1 million consecutive accident-free miles and is an in-cab instructer in Bison’s Driver Finishing Program. In addition, Manuliak finished first in the Super B category in this year’s Manitoba Truck Driving Championships. Murray shares his experience with the next generation in his role as an in-cab instructor as well. 

“It’s such an honor to be here this evening, and I’m so humbled to be here to accept this award,” said Manuliak. “Bison has helped me get to where I am today, even though it is us the drivers that receive these awards each year, it’s important to remember that our accomplishments can’t be achieved alone.”

Manuliak also extended his thanks to dispatchers, fleet managers, safety staff and the whole Bison team.

“This award is as much yours as it is mine,” he said.

“Last but definitely not least,” Manuliak said while choking up, “I want to thank my beautiful wife Heather, and my children, and grandchildren. Driving can be especially hard on the families, but mine has always been supportive of me. I wouldn’t be standing on the stage if it weren’t for the love and support of my wife and my family and I can’t wait to celebrate my accomplishments with them.”

Manuliak said if there was one factor that helped earned him the award it was a commitment to safety.

“As professional drivers, we have a responsibility to ensure we are keeping ourselves and the people around us on the road safe,” he said. “I keep safety at the forefront of everything that I do. I drive safe, I teach safety to new Bison drivers, and safety is at the foundation of my success.”

In addition, the Owner-Operator of the Year Award was presented to Florida-based Gary Buchs of Landstar.

Accruing 2.3 million accident free miles in his 27-year professional trucking driving career, he has earned a 10-year safe driving award from the fleet, in addition to the 2015 Travel Centers and American Citizen Driver Award.

Buchs also dedicates his time to aiding others and staying active. He spends at least one week per year helping victims of major wind or flood damage and supplies produce from his farmstead to local food pantries. Buchs loves to run and completed the 2015 Chicago marathon. He attributes his good health maintains a balanced life. 

Winners of the grand prize received $25,000, while runners up received $2,500.


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