Toronto FedEx Ground Linehaul Contractor Martin Gardner of Ontario, Canada was recently honored as the “Canadian Owner/Operator of the Year” by Truck News Magazine. This is the 15th year that Truck News presented this national award, and Gardner is now among the remarkable list of honorees.
“I have always read the magazine faithfully to keep up on what is going on with the industry,” Gardner said. “I cannot tell you how honored I am to have been chosen for this prestigious award.”
The decision for this Truck News award was based on safety record, commitment to the industry and the community, environmental awareness as it relates to the industry (excessive idling, speeding, etc), and community involvement. Gardner excelled on all of the criteria.
His safe driving record is commendable, never having been in an at-fault accident in his 22-year career. He is one of ten drivers to surpass the previous FedEx Ground “no at-fault accident” record by traveling more than 20 million miles with no at-fault accidents.
Gardner’s involvement and commitment to the community is also admirable. His efforts are focused on teaching “No Zone” safety to young children with the goal of increasing children’s awareness about sharing the road with large vehicles like tractors and trailers. Gardner was also asked to participate in the “Road Knights” program to promote safety.
He exudes heroism and an example that conveys that characteristic is when Gardner voluntarily assisted a motorist in need of help. In July 2001, Gardner witnessed a motorist drive off the road and roll over near Milton, Ontario. Immediately stopping and calling for help, Gardner then pulled the man from the upside down vehicle and stayed with the motorist until help arrived.
The award was also based on environmental awareness. Gardner uses fuel-efficient tires, which alone has reduced his fuel bills by 4%. He also strictly limits his idle time and meticulously maintains his equipment. He’s also a member of Natural Resources Canada’s Fleetsmart program.
Gardner has great pride in trucking. He joined FedEx Ground as a contractor on July 11, 1994. He spent the last fourteen years of his career as an owner/operator based out of the Toronto, Ontario Hub. His business began with one tractor in 1994, and he currently operates five tractors, continuing to grow, transcending the trying economy. As an owner/operator for 22 years, he runs Marty Gardner Trucking, Ltd. in Belle River, Ontario, which includes five FedEx Ground contracted linehaul routes and eight drivers who he employs.
The official “Canadian Owner/Operator of the Year” ceremony and announcement took place on July 25 at the Fergus Truck Show. Truck News magazine will print the photos and article on Martin Gardner in the September issue of their publication.
Corporate Overview
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $38 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 290,000 employees and contractors to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities.