FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edmonton, Alberta – May 31, 2026 — Ankush Bhardwaj of FedEx was named the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) Professional Truck Driving Championship Ann Taylor Grand Champion May 30 at the 76th year of the event, recognizing the province’s safest and most skilled professional drivers.
Also taking top prizes were Brent Bell, Action Transportation Group who won the Fred Dedel Rookie Award, and Lethbridge Truck Terminals who won the Gerry Baptiste Team Award.
This year’s event saw drivers participating in a written exam, pre-trip inspection and running a course in categories that included straight truck, tandem steer tri-drive, day cab, bunk truck, and b-trains.
AMTA President Robert Harper thanked participants for their dedication and professionalism during a challenging period for the industry.
“I would like to start by thanking all the participants of today’s PTDC,” said Harper. “Despite the challenging times, every one of you exemplify dedicated, around-the-clock, service that ensures the steady flow of goods and materials.”
Harper also highlighted Alberta’s upcoming introduction of commercial trucking as a designated trade in June of 2027, noting that the industry’s commitment to professional development is clearly reflected in events such as PTDC.
The championship concluded with a celebratory dinner at Blackjacks Roadhouse in Nisku.
Out of the 32 drivers who registered, the entirety of the 2026 competition winners are as follows:
Straight Truck
First: Aaron Schaaf, Lethbridge Truck Terminals
Second: Brandy Abrahamson, Rosenau/GLS
Third: Dave Lowe, Bison Transport
Tandem Steer Tri-Drive
First: Pritpal Singh Sangha, FedEx
Second: Arvinder Bansal, Heidelberg Materials
Third: Robert Soos, Amrize
Day Cab
First: Travis Laboucan, Rosenau/GLS
Second: Darren Hodgkins, Bison Transport
Third: Cliff Lutz, Lethbridge Truck Terminals
Bunk Truck
First: Ankush Bhardwaj, FedEx
Second: Rob Young, Lethbridge Truck Terminals
Third: Brent Bell, Action Transportation
Trains
First: Jeffrey Zeeb, Bison Transport
Second: Francis Page, Bison Transport
Third: Randy Thomas, Lethbridge Truck Terminals
Fred Dedel Rookie of the Year
Brent Bell, Action Transportation
Gerry Baptiste Team Award
Winner: Lethbridge Truck Terminals
Runner up – FedEx
Ann Taylor Grand Champion
Ankush Bhardwaj
This event would not be possible without our 65 volunteers and our sponsors: CCA Truck Driving Training, Sobeys, Action Transportation Group, ATS Traffic, Bison Transport, Canada Cartage, Century Mile Casino, East West Express, Heidelberg Materials, Home Hardware, Lac La Biche Transport, Quick Sit, Stahl Peterbilt, and Sunbelt Rentals.
About Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) – Founded in 1938, AMTA is a not-for-profit advocacy and safety training association that serves as the Voice, the Standard, and the Resource for commercial transportation Alberta. AMTA offers a wide range of services to our members, including regulatory updates, workplace supports, and an array of safety and training initiatives. AMTA and its members have advanced the commercial transportation industry through safety programs, progressive policy and partnerships. We help move Alberta forward.
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