MONCTON, N.B. -- Newfoundland driver Stewart Finnamore of Atlantic Pacific Transport has been named the 2009 Canadian Trucking Alliance/Volvo Trucks Canada National Driver of the Year.

Finnamore has driven 6 million collision free kilometers over 40-year career.

Finnamore was presented with a keepsake plaque and a cash prize at an annual awards dinner held by the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Moncton, N.B.

"Stewart Finnamore exemplifies the outstanding truck drivers with whom Canadians share the road," says David Bradley, CEO of Canadian Trucking Alliance. "It is a great honor to recognize him with this highly coveted award."

Each year the award goes to a professional transport driver who has a collision-free driving record and is an exemplary truck driver both on and off the road.

The recipient is selected by a panel of judges made up of representatives from such groups as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada Safety Council, Transport Canada, Traffic Injury Research Foundation of Canada, Erleigh Associates, and Canadian Trucking Alliance.

Finnamore was the 2008 APTA Driver of the Year. He was picked from one of the truck drivers named provincial drivers of the year in their own province.
 

Volvo traditionally sponsors the award, as well as the provincial prizes, in recognition of the importance of safety to the trucking sector.

Well known for the leadership and mentorship qualities he brings to the Atlantic Pacific Transport’s team, Finnamore is also the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including perfect logbook audits, accident-free service awards, and fuel mileage and idle time bonuses.

Finnamore is married to Jeanette, his wife of 30 years. The couple makes their home in Fredericton where they raised three children.