Canada’s best dispatchers honored

TORONTO — One was in the room, the other watched from way up high. But both dispatchers were honored today at the Ontario Trucking Association’s 80th annual convention as two of the country’s best.

Cancom Tracking, in partnership with the OTA, named Ben O’Hara, a dispatcher based in Sarnia with Trimac Transportation, Ontario’s 2006 OTA/Cancom Dispatcher of the Year.

The award goes to a dispatcher who has demonstrated a commitment to customer service, safety, driver well being, courtesy, teamwork, problem solving and community service-volunteer work.

Months ago another dispatcher would have qualified for the same award.

Pat Maslen, who was a dispatcher at Challenger Motor Freight, was honored posthumously at the OTA luncheon for his years as an outstanding and dedicated dispatcher. Pat passed away on June 12, at the age of 40, after a battle with cancer.

During his illness, despite extended periods of pain and discomfort, Pat came into work and provided excellent customer service to Challenger’s customers and took excellent care of the fleet’s drivers.

He even made sure to schedule his treatments so he could punch in for work a couple times a week.

“His positive attitude, no matter what stumbling blocks life had thrown at him, was an example to drivers and coworkers alike. Pat was a leader. He led by example,” said Challenger Motor Freight CEO Dan Einwechter.

Pat is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter Kristy age 16, and son Dylan age 14.

Luckily for trucking, there’s a few other dedicated professionals like him around.

Just ask Ben O’Hara’s colleagues: “Ben is the one person I think everyone would like to be around and work with,” says owner-op Jim W. “His professional attitude, work ethic, telephone manner and sense of humor promote an excellent atmosphere, and this has a very positive impact on the drivers he dispatches.”

Says Penny of NOVA Chemicals (Canada): “We are fortunate to have Ben O’Hara dedicated to our account… Ben is always a pleasure to speak to, willing to walk that ‘extra mile’ to make that last shipment happen.”