'Gold Seal' of Approval For Two Trucking Firms

By Michelle Cyr-Whiting

John Bandstra and David Livingstone receive 'Premier Carrier' certificates

Red Rock, B.C. -  Bandstra Transportation Systems Limited and Lomak Bulk Carriers Corporation are the inaugural members of the province's new 'Premium Carrier' program.

Speaking at yesterday's official opening of the new Red Rock Inspection Station on highway 97 south of Prince George, Transportation Minister Shirley Bond says the program is a way to recognize and reward qualified carriers who show an exceptional commitment to safety.  It's available to trucks and bus operators that currently have more than 20 B.C.-based plated commercial vehicles in their fleets, have operated continuously for the past three years, and meet or exceed other strict safety criteria.  "Carriers can use this designation to promote themselves in the industry," says Bond.  "In essence, it's going to be a great marketing tool, it will be like that golden seal of approval that says, 'We are a premium carrier'."

The B.C. Trucking Association collaborated with the government on the program and President, Paul Landry, says, "It's a program that recognizes there are carriers out there that do an exceptional job in terms of safety:  they hire the right drivers, they monitor their equipment, day-in and day-out -- they know that it's good for business, they know it's good for the community and they know it's the right thing to do."

Landry says the designation for some "frees up resources, of course, to deal with other carriers who are on the road who, perhaps, are not doing as good a job as they can."

John Bandstra, President of Bandstra Transportation Systems Ltd says, "It's great to be recognized as a carrier that has a good safety record -- we've been working for a long time with driver training programs and training our drivers about all the regulations."

"It's become more important in our world these days to become recognized for that because other corporations are looking for companies that are safe carriers because it's going to reflect on them, as well."

Bandstra adds, "We're very pleased to be part of the initial program."

A benefit of being a Premium Carrier is free Weigh2GoBC transponders for the carrier's entire fleet, allowing individual trucks to pass B.C's Weigh-in-Motion scales without stopping.

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