Service-to-industry prize rewards passion for trucking, by George

TORONTO — One of the most respected people in the trucking game has won the prestigious 2010 Shaw-Tracking OTA Service to Industry award.

George Ledson, president and founder of Cavalier Transportation of Bolton, Ont., was presented with the prize at the Ontario Trucking Association’s (OTA) annual gala Friday.

Mike Ham, vice president business services at Shaw Tracking, says, “George exemplifies commitment, contribution, and dedication to the Ontario trucking industry and to OTA; he is a most deserving recipient.”

OTA President David Bradley adds, “George is passionate about the trucking industry and is one of the most respected people in the business.”

As for Ledson himself, he’s so passionate about his chosen industry that he is liable to begin or end a conversation with “I love trucking!”

He started as a credit clerk for Intercity Truck Lines where over the next 20 years he continued to move up from traffic manager, to costing manager, to vice president operations and Toronto terminal manager.

In 1978, he started Cavalier Transportation, which began as a consulting company with its offices at the Ledson kitchen table but evolved into a successful load brokerage.

In 1985, the company launched its own fleet, providing local cartage and regional service in the Greater Toronto Area.

(The fleet, with its distinctive equestrian-based logo, was named after Ledson’s father’s favorite horse.

Today, Cavalier has about 180 people in its stable with a fleet of 85 trucks and 265 trailers and a quarter of a million feet of warehouse space.

Cavalier trucks can be seen on highways across Canada and into the U.S.

Ledson and his wife Bonnieare long-time residents of the Caledon/Orangeville area. He is very active in several charities in his community. In fact, an entire wing of the Headwaters Health Care Centre is named after him.

He is also past chairman of the Caledon Chamber of Commerce and the Caledon Meals on Wheels.

Ledson has also served for many years on the board of directors of both OTA and the Canadian Trucking Alliance.

From 2002 to 2004 he served as chairman of OTA, which he claims was such an honor it was like winning an Oscar.

In 2007, he was inducted into the OTA Pioneer’s half-century club. He also continues to serve on the board of trustees of the OTA Education Foundation.