I don’t often speak to my own personal recognitions – like most of us, we do what we do because we believe in the trucking industry. And we are living and breathing this amazing sector every day.
I have reflected on this recognition for just over a month and I am as humbled today, as I was the day I received the Mentorship Award from the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada.
As this is a newly introduced award, many will not know this award is in memory of Richard Cripps, a Professional Driver who had a strong passion for the trucking industry. He believed Professional Drivers needed to continue to support professional driving practices and that being a Professional Driver was a great career. His strong beliefs led him to establishing Canada’s Trucking Forum.
Having an opportunity to meet his brother and sister while receiving the award was incredibly special. Having followed Richard on social media I knew how important Richard was to his fellow Professional Drivers. However, meeting his family and learning more about the person he was in all areas of his life added to the moment.
On the award is #SA1 and when I asked what it meant, Richard’s brother and sister quickly shared it means Stand As 1. Richard believed strongly that the professional drivers need to stand together – they need to support professional recognition of the occupation. And they need to support entry-level training standards.
I think Richard left us with a valuable lesson. At no point should our professional drivers feel isolated from industry. As such we should all be prepared to #SA1 when it comes to professional driver recognition, entry-level standards and the amazing opportunities this industry offers.
What I want to challenge us all to think of as we approach 2019 is how can we support one another? Regardless of our role in the trucking industry – how will we demonstrate that? And most importantly – let’s all #SA1 and keep Richard’s message alive!
