AMTA  E-News

May 2010

Westfreight's Richard Warnock, Service to the Industry Award

RICHARD WARNOCK, Westfreight Systems Inc. was presented with the 2010 Service to the Industry award at a special ceremony held at the AMTA’s 2010 Management Conference in Banff. The award, sponsored by BFL Insurance Canada, is the highest honour bestowed on a trucking executive and recognizes an individual who, by his/her commitment, vision, leadership and unstinting service, has made an outstanding contribution to the development and success of AMTA and the trucking industry in Alberta.

Presentation ceremony remarks:

This year’s Service to the Industry Award recipient is celebrating his 45th year in the trucking industry. Richard Warnock was a farm boy when, at 16 years of age, he took a part-time job in the office of a trucking firm. Little did he know at the time, but he would soon be seduced by the industry.

Young Richard quickly formulated a career goal – that of upper management – and then went about learning the business inside and out by serving in any capacity he could. From when he began working full-time at age 18, he drove (both city and highway routes), worked dispatch, spent time in safety and basically worked in every corner of the operation.

According to Richard, "it’s the people – they’re a different breed, but when they accept you into their fraternity, you couldn’t ask for a better, more loyal friendship. They really are more like a family.”

Richard worked hard, kept his eyes and ears open and learned from everyone with whom he came in contact, especially drivers, who are the industry’s front line. He also learned from industry executives such as Paul Rubak of Canadian Freightways, who was so selfless in helping competing companies move into utilizing Rocky Mountain doubles.

In 1990, Richard’s career goal was achieved when he was named Vice President of Operations for Orlick Transport. This also gave Richard a greater opportunity to associate with Tom Orlick, a man he calls his ‘guiding star’ and one of the reasons we are honouring Richard today. Tom taught Richard that it was important to give something back to the industry from which one makes a living, and that the role of a trucking executive involves so much more than simply ‘8:00 to 5:00.’

We are saluting Richard this evening for his efforts as President of the AMTA. What some of you may not know is that this was his second stint with the Association’s Board of Directors. Richard served on the Board in the 1980s but had to step back in 1989 when he joined the leadership of Westfreight Systems Inc. The company started with six trucks and everyone in management was required to devote all of their time and energies into growing the fledgling operation. The effort obviously was worth it as Westfreight is now home to over 100 trucks. In 2007, Westfreight was purchased by Transforce, a company that believes in industry associations. This was a huge bonus for the AMTA as Richard once again had the freedom to become involved.

His time on the Board and in the President’s chair has held many highlights for Richard. Working successfully with Alberta Transport on the Ring Road / Highway 84 access issue was one of these highlights. The industry’s input into hours-of-service, which is a truly contentious issue, was another highlight.

While he doesn’t take credit for it, Richard says the evolution of safety within the trucking industry pleases him immensely. Initiatives such as the AMTA’s Million Mile Award have raised the profile of the professional driver throughout society and raised morale throughout the industry.

Another success specific to the Association is the new training centre, which recently opened its doors. According to Richard, the centre is a real boost to professionalism within the industry. He is confident it will attract people and provide a significant return on investment.

Before receiving his award, Richard wishes to issue a plea to everyone in the trucking industry in Alberta. Simply put the AMTA needs more. It needs more members, it needs more funds and it needs more companies to allow their employees the time to get involved.

Richard states unabashedly that he loves the industry, the Association and its staff. He is looking to retire from his present position with Westfreight, but not from the company. He wants to keep on giving and use his experience to help the company’s next generation of leaders. Similarly, he hopes to continue as an AMTA Board member following his term as Past President. Obviously, this man serves his industry.

When he finally leaves the office at the end of a day, Richard goes home to wife Lois in Airdrie. The couple enjoys spending time with their six grown children and 10 grandchildren. Richard also enjoys golf and trail riding horses in the mountains. He used to fly small planes, but simply doesn’t have the time to pursue that hobby anymore.

Richard still maintains his Class 1 license and every once in a while gets behind the wheel. He still can’t believe how beautiful the new rigs are and what a joy they are to handle. Yes folks, he is still hooked! Thankfully for us and the entire Alberta trucking industry it looks like he’ll remain hooked on trucking for some time to come.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the AMTA’s outgoing President, a credit to trucking and this year’s Service to the Industry Award recipient, Westfreight’s Richard Warnock.

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