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PMTC ANNOUNCES RECEIPIENT OF THE 2025 RICK AUSTIN MEMORIAL DISPATCHER AWARD

The PMTC and CPC Logistics Canada announced the recipient of The Rick Austin Memorial Dispatcher of the Year Award on June 18th  as part of the  PMTC's 2024 Annual Conference in Niagara Falls, On. This award was established in 2018 to honor the memory of one of CPC's Fleet Dispatchers, Rick Austin, who passed away suddenly on March 15th of 2017.
Rick began his career in the Transportation Industry right out of high school, starting with a dry wall company loading, tarping and strapping trucks. Rick joined the John Deere Canadian Fleet on November 25, 1991, and quickly developed a reputation as a dependable driver with a great work ethic.  Rick earned his Million Mile Award and started to train to provide relief dispatch, and then moved into the full-time dispatch role in 2000. Rick received the CPC Logistics President's Award in recognition of his exceptional loyalty, service and dedication.
 
Because of his years on the road, Rick fully understood the demands and strains on a long-haul driver, and became not just a Dispatcher, but a good friend and wise council to many drivers over the years.  Rick always took the time to communicate with the drivers and tried to make sure that they kept life in balance.
 
This award is designed to help recognize the exceptional and often under-appreciated efforts of Dispatchers who have made an outstanding contribution to their company over their career.
 
The 2025 Rick Austin Memorial Dispatcher of the year award went to Ernie Streicher of Home Hardware Stores Ltd.
 
Information and background for Ernie.
                               
Ernie's introduction to the transportation industry began as a driver in the late 80's, hauling flatbed across Canada and the USA, then joining Home Hardware as a driver in 1990. As a driver, Ernie won several regional truck championships & was collision free until he transitioned to the dispatch team in 2010. Ernie is accountable for over 60 drivers & 300 assets & was instrumental in various initiatives during his tenure. Some examples include migrating the fleet over to digital ELD platforms. Supported optimizing routes for Home Hardware's BEV fleet transition, expanded back haul performance to optimize fleet inbound spend. Ernie's balancing of volumes & working with drivers to optimize routes has also led to an over 95% on time arrival to the dealer networks. Ernie's previous flatbed experience was also instrumental in helping Home Hardware start up their flatbed division in Kitchener.
 
In driver testimonials, the drivers say that what sets Ernie apart is his caring attitude, calm demeanor & his willingness to have frank, honest & fair discussions, regardless of the issue, even during times of peak volumes & demands. Ernie always does his best to rework schedules to meet personal demands a driver may have at home & frequently checks in with drivers to ensure they are doing ok. Ernie has the drivers trust & respect. This commitment has led to a near zero turnover rate amongst the drivers. Ernie also actively contributes to driver committees, collision review committee's as well as town halls.

Ernie's professionalism & dedication has played a significant role in Home Hardware being a 10 time PMTC Private Fleet safety Award Winner, an 11 time Top Fleet Employer, as awarded by Trucking HR Canada, as well as having several drivers inducted into the Hall of Fame over the years. Ernie has recently announced his retirement, & this is a very fitting way to cap off Ernie's career, & one that he has earned & is very deserving of.
 
For more information, please contact:
 
Private Motor Truck Council of Canada                  Tel: 905-827-0587
225 Main Street East, Unit 5                                      email:  info@pmtc.ca                    
Milton, Ontario, L9T 1N9                                            website: www.pmtc.ca

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