National Trucking Week

2013 National Trucking Week • 3 September 1-7, 2013 T he provincial trucking business has seen its share of changes over the past century, so it's good to know that time-honoured values like talent, skill and integrity are still the driving forces behind at least one industry success story. In October, Penner International will celebrate its 90th anniversary in business as part of Manitoba's highly competitive trucking industry. The Steinbach-based company provides truckload general freight service to customers across Canada and most of the continental U.S. from seven terminals. More than 600 employees and truck owner-operators currently make things tick at Penner, a family-owned organization established in 1923 by P.K. Penner. His son, Milton Penner, next took the company reins before current president and CEO, Allan Penner, stepped into the leadership role in 1998. Through it all, the key to success has been relatively simple. "We've always had good people here and that makes all the difference," said third-generation president and CEO, Allan Penner. "Our business philosophy is built on honesty which leads to integrity and respect from our staff, our contractors, our customers and our industry colleagues. That is why our company motto continues to be 'Our promises get delivered.'" That credo was set in place long before Allan joined the family business, as a dock worker and driver assistant during summers off from school. He eventually worked his way into the operations side of the business and he said that seeing all the minute-by-minute decisions that have to be made to keep a fleet running smoothly was a magnet for him. It eventually drew him into the CEO position where he enjoys the challenge and variety of leading a major trucking firm. "There is no such thing as a typical day at the office," said Penner. "Of the hundreds of things I oversee, I can never predict which ones will need my attention today or tomorrow. It can be a rollercoaster ride, but it's never boring." Staying true to their traditional business integrity, c o m m i t m e n t to safety and customer service has been a constant in Penner International's success story, though the industry itself has evolved over time and amid a variety of challenges. From modest beginnings, the provincial trucking industry has grown in size, scope and sophistication to a degree the early pioneers could never have imagined. Ford Model T vehicles were ultimately replaced by long combination vehicles and CB radios gave way to in-truck satellite technology allowing 24/7 communications and a highly accurate global positioning system. Indeed, greater professionalism, safety and advanced technology have made the trucking industry more productive and efficient than ever. Today's provincial trucking industry directly provides jobs for more than 13,000 Manitobans and spin-off employment for thousands more. For-hire trucking contributes $1.47 billion to the province's gross domestic product as it moves 75 per cent of Manitoba/U.S. trade. Of course, every industry has its challenges. "Economic slowdowns and recessions require us to manage on a more day-to- day or even hour-by-hour basis to ensure service and profitability," said Penner. "9/11 also brought changes that tightened trade restrictions and required additional paperwork for carriers. "Our industry continues to be a high- volume, low-return industry with lots of competition and changing markets. You have to have your finger on the pulse of the industry and the economy to be able to move freight quickly and efficiently." An industry-wide driver shortage also speaks to the challenges of long-haul trucking as a career path. But, for the skilled and dedicated, the profession offers portable skills and plenty of job opportunities. By NANCY BOOMEr For the Free Press Penner International celebrates 90 years in business Penner said seeing employees succeed in their professional and personal lives is one of the most satisfying aspects of life in a family business. The Penner team's work has garnered respect from its growing client list, as well as industry awards, including many driver-of-the-month honours from the Manitoba Trucking Association. He said that all Penner staff members will share in the anniversary festivities this fall, including social activities and commemorative gifts. "And many handshakes and 'thank-yous' thrown in for good measure," Penner said. A nostalgia-themed ad campaign will also remind the general public of the company's past, present – and future. "All goods movement involves a truck at some point," noted Penner. "I believe that, as the Canada and U.S. economies work out their respective issues and really start to grow, that we are well-positioned to solidify our foothold as a reliable carrier now and into the future."

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