The vice president and COO of Atlantica Diversified Transportation Systems said he’s committed to raising awareness and promoting sound HR practices in the trucking industry.

“The opportunity to serve as chair of the Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council is a true honour. I believe in the council and its work, particularly as it relates to promoting careers in the trucking industry. These efforts are vital as we reach out to the next generation of employees,” Peddle said. “The council also continues to develop tools that help to improve the HR management practices which are important to every fleet’s ongoing success.”

His first official role as CTHRC chair — overseeing an industry outreach session in Montreal — reflected his focus on raising awareness of the Council’s work and HR tools during the coming year.

“It sometimes feels like the work of the CTHRC is our industry’s best kept secret,” he said. “We must continue to engage our peers across the trucking industry, and eliminate any of the real or perceived barriers that exist between their businesses and a trained workforce.”

From the Canadian Trucking Alliance: Bob Dolyniuk, Manitoba Trucking Association (Secretary); Barry Urbani, Alberta Motor Transport Association; Daniel Brulotte, Quebec Trucking Association; and Vicki Stafford, Ontario Trucking Association.

From the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada: Bruce Richards, PMTC (2nd Vice Chair); Kevin Riley, Maple Leaf Consumer Foods; Mike Millian, Hensall District Co-operative (1st Vice Chair); Steve Ropp, Molson’s Coors Canada Inc.; and Dennis Shantz, Home Hardware Stores

From Teamsters Canada: Phil Benson, Teamsters Canada (Treasurer)

From the Owner-Operator Business Association of Canada: Joanne Ritchie, OBAC.

Representing driver Agencies: Luke Sebben, Advantage Personnel

Representing training providers: Rob Gorrie, Fanshawe College

Representing the Iinsurance industry: Rick Geller, Markel Insurance

Representing sector councils: Kelly Henderson, Trucking Human Resource Sector Council – Atlantic; Brian Oulton, Prince Edward Island Trucking Sector Council; Mario Sabourin, CAMO-Route Inc.

Representing Allied Trades and Suppliers: Gord Box, Chair – Allied Trades, Ontario Trucking Association.

Peddle has served as chair of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA), board member of the Nova Scotia Trucking HR Council, and board member of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA). He was also recognized with the APTA’s 2009 Service to Industry Award.

He was first introduced to the trucking industry at DD Transport, which was founded in 1975 and purchased in 1979 by his father, Lavern. After serving in management roles throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the younger Peddle bought the family business in 2005. Last July, the fleet was merged with Warren Transport to become Atlantica Diversified Transportation Systems.

The business based in Rexton, N.B. has almost 140 power units, delivering open deck, dry van, refrigerated and over-dimensional freight throughout Atlantic Canada.