Each week, TruckNews.com lists notable moves, promotions and awards in the trucking industry.
This week, Thomas Schmitt joined Nikola as chief commercial officer. Meanwhile, Manitoulin Transport won the 2024 Northbridge Insurance Transportation Safety Award and Trimac Transportation celebrated 79 years in business.
The Erb Group held a series of annual summer employee appreciation BBQs while celebrating its 65th anniversary, and Groupe Robert won three awards at the Truck ‘N’ Roll event in Quebec.
Nikola appoints Schmitt as chief commercial officer
Nikola Corporation has named Thomas Schmitt as its new chief commercial officer (CCO).
He joins Nikola with more than three decades of experience in transportation leadership, having previously served as CCO of Schenker from 2015 to 2018. Schmitt’s other experience includes roles as chief executive officer of Forward Air, Purolator, FedEx Supply Chain, and more.
In the new role, Schmitt will lead Nikola’s sales, commercial operations, dealerships, service, customer success, and marketing efforts as the company advances its focus on zero-emission Class 8 trucks and hydrogen infrastructure solutions, according to the news release.
“Tom brings a solid track record built over the past 35-plus years that will help drive forward Nikola’s strategic and operational goals, inside and out,” said Stephen Girsky, president of Nikola.
Manitoulin wins Northbridge Insurance Transportation Safety Award
Northbridge Insurance has announced that Manitoulin Transport is the national winner of the 2024 Northbridge Insurance Transportation Safety Award, which recognizes outstanding commitment to safety and excellence in the transportation industry.
Launched in 2021, the award celebrates carriers with industry-leading management practices. Winners are selected for the dedication to compliance, driver management, risk management, and excellent on-road performance, including metrics such as collisions per million miles and driver safety performance.
To be eligible for the award, carriers must have been policyholders for at least two consecutive years, demonstrated proven management and company-wide safety commitment, and shown great collaboration as a Northbridge Insurance partner.
“[Manitoulin’s] dedication to implementing best-in-class safety practices sets a benchmark for the industry, and their unwavering commitment to safety is commendable,” said Brian Mather, vice-president of national transportation and logistics at Northbridge Insurance, in a release.
“Safety is paramount in everything we do,” added Jeff King, president of Manitoulin Transport. “Receiving the 2024 Transportation Safety Award reaffirms our commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards across all facets of our operations.”
Trimac celebrates 79 years in business
Calgary-based Trimac Transportation celebrated its 79th anniversary last week. According to the company’s LinkedIn post, Jack McCaig founded Trimac in 1945 with the experience and knowledge he gained from transporting fuel during WWII.
Once registered as a federal company in 1968, Trimac became “the first and only highway bulk carrier” to offer a service across Canada. “As technology began to revolutionize the transportation industry, Trimac was at the forefront, which has been a key driver of our success, allowing us to operate efficiently and safely,” the post reads.
Today, Trimac is Canada’s 10th biggest carrier according to Today’s Trucking latest Top 100 ranking and operates more than 6,000 pieces of equipment.
Erb Group celebrates employees, 65th anniversary
The Erb Group is celebrating its 65th anniversary this summer with a series of employee appreciation BBQs, honoring its employees across nine terminals throughout North America.
While these BBQs are an annual tradition, this year’s events are particularly significant as they featured a grand celebration at the Erb Group’s home terminal in Baden, Ont. — which included a Show and Shine event, appearances by Tim Louis, member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga, the Local Tractor Club and a showcase by Isaac Instruments.
“Our employee BBQs are a way to express our gratitude to our employees and the communities that have supported us. It’s a chance to come together, celebrate our achievements, and look forward to the future,” said Alyssa Couvillon, senior director of human resources at The Erb Group.
A highlight of this year’s celebrations is the restored Truck 381, an important part of The Erb Group’s fleet. A glider kit purchased by founder Vernon Erb and assembled at the company’s first shop, this truck, initially meant for Vernon’s personal use, became crucial for Erb’s fleet as refrigerated trucking demand grew.
Throughout the summer, Truck 381 has toured local terminals and truck shows, bringing a piece of The Erb Group’s heritage to the events, symbolizing the company’s history.
Groupe Robert brings home trophies from Truck ‘N’ Roll event
The Groupe Robert team brought home three trophies from the Truck and Roll En Cœur event in Bedford, Que., a charity trucking show that donates funds raised during the event to children suffering from heart illnesses.
According to the company’s LinkedIn post, the fleet’s trucks were awarded in different categories including most beautiful antique, nicest aerodynamic truck, and most beautiful aerodynamic.
