For the 8th consecutive year, Annual Truckers Appreciation Day was a great success. The numerous truckers in attendance enjoyed their “day in the sun” under great weather conditions and far away from student protests taking place in other parts of Montreal.
Annual Truckers Appreciation Day has become an important occasion for the management of Montreal Gateway Terminals Partnership (MGT) to meet informally with trucking companies and their personnel, who, in return, appreciate the opportunity to meet with MGT management.
Maurice Naud, a driver with Express Mondor for over 30 years, reported that his experience has made his daily tasks easier to handle, but that there is nothing he can do about road construction, congestion and bad weather. Throughout his long career, he has transported all sorts of cargo between Quebec and Ontario, and travelled throughout the United States. “I am proud to be part of the Express Mondor group and I thank MGT for such a special day.”
Alex Masone, who worked for Highland Transport for 26 years, explained that, compared to today, trucking was financially more rewarding 30 years ago because of increased competition. However, today’s trucks are more modern with air conditioning and other conveniences, and offer a better technology. He plans to retire in about a year and a half, and expressed his gratitude to MGT for organizing this annual event.
Marie-Ève Lamarche has worked for Simard Transport since 2002 and said that it was not always easy for her, as a woman working in an occupation that has traditionally been dominated by men. However, she says that there are good days and bad days, as in all professions. She chose this profession because she does not have any children and can dedicate more time to the business at hand. She worked in California for one year, but prefers the work between Quebec and Ontario.
Over 1,200 people attended the event, and each driver was presented with a small token of MGT’s appreciation along with coffee, doughnuts and a BBQ lunch.
As in recent years, MGT used this event to collect donations to help Mariners’ House of Montreal in looking after the needs of seafaring crews while passing through Port of Montreal. This year a total of $842 was collected.