Miramichi man named highwaySTAR of the Year
TORONTO — Terrance “Terry” — as friend’s call him — Smith, a 55-year-old owner operator with Highland Transport, has been named Canada’s highwaySTAR of the Year.
The title was announced at the recent Truck World 2006 trade show in Toronto, Canada’s official truck show, owned by Today’s Trucking publishing company Newcom Business Media.
In addition to the distinction of being named Canada’s most outstanding driver, Terry collected $10,000 in cash; an Espar APU heater; a road-ready trucker-friendly laptop from the Owner-Operators Business Association of Canada (OBAC), and a special edition leather highwaySTAR jacket.
who complain trucking isn’t a good job
The award is sponsored jointly by Today’s Trucking sister publication highwaySTAR magazine, Freightliner Trucks, ArvinMeritor, Espar Heating System, Caterpillar, Delo, Michelin, Selectrucks and OBAC.
Smith, who traveled with his wife Roxanne to Toronto from their home in Miramichi, N.B., for the ceremony, is the second driver to be named highwaySTAR of the year. The first, Rene Robert, drives for SLH out of Winnipeg.
Smith boasts more than three million accident-free miles over his more than 35 years as an owner-operator. Not only is he a dependable and conscientious trucker, he’s also an active member of his local Shriner lodge. He and Roxanne have one son, Troy, an engineer.
Terry started driving for his father’s construction business and says that’s when he first “got the driving fever.”
“My mom,” says Terry with a laugh, ” says it’s incurable.”
He just purchased his 10th truck shortly after winning the award. Terry is a staunch believer that trucking as a good way to make living. He’s quick to dismiss the naysayers who complain trucking isn’t a good job, claiming that it’s only as good as you make it.
His employer say Terry is the consummate professional — quiet and unassuming and an excellent worker with a perfect safety record and good people skills. He also sits on Highland’s owner-operator committee, and is an unabashed participant in the meetings he attends.
For more on Canada’s newest all-star driver, watch for the June issues of Today’s Trucking and highwaySTAR magazines.
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