(TORONTO, Sept. 9, 2025) — The top professional truck driver in Canada for 2025 is a livestock hauler, Mario Bulacso of Steinbach, Man.
Mario, who drives for HyLife, was named the 2025 Canadian Trucking Alliance/Volvo Trucks Canada National Driver of the Year during National Trucking Week (Sept 7-13) – an annual event to celebrate the many contributions of Canada’s dedicated truck drivers and industry workers.
Mario was previously named the 2024 Manitoba Trucking Association/Volvo Driver of the Year. He was chosen among last year’s other provincial Drivers of the Year to be named the 2025 national recipient. It is the most prestigious award that can be given to a professional truck driver in Canada.
Throughout his 10-year, collision-free driving career, Mario has shown unwavering commitment to his profession and to the livestock industry. He has dedicated many years to animal care in trucking as well as his prior, 18-year career in the pork industry.
He also participates in his company driver advisory board, career fairs and truck shows; acts as a driver representative, and is a driver trainer.
“His passion for driving radiates through his work ethic and energy. He exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated ambassador for trucking,” says Aaron Dolyniuk, Executive Director of the MTA.
Mario sees the potential in new drivers, often referring strong candidates to his company and then following though by supporting new drivers in their growth, going “above and beyond” to ensure they can safely and efficiently operate their own trucks.
He has also built a tight-knit community on the road, where drivers can rely on him for guidance, support, and camaraderie.
As a livestock hauler, he has extra responsibilities; his dedication to animal care is commendable. With a Bachelor of Science in agriculture, majoring in animal science, plus prior experience as a barn technician, he brings valuable expertise to his daily responsibilities.
When he’s not behind the wheel he enjoys spending time fishing, working in his yard, and sings karaoke!
He has three children with his wife Carla, as well as four grandkids.
“At Volvo Trucks, we are proud to recognize Mario Bulacso as the 2025 National Driver of the Year. His unwavering commitment to safety, professionalism and dedication to animal welfare reflects the very best of our industry,” says Matthew Blackman, managing director, Volvo Trucks Canada. Mario’s dedication to mentoring new drivers and building community on the road exemplifies the leadership and integrity we value in professional drivers. We are proud to recognize drivers like Mario who elevate our industry every day, congratulations on this well-deserved honour.”
Watch this video about Mario’s unwavering dedication to his team and the animals in his care – click here.
Each year, a panel of judges, made up of representatives from each provincial trucking association, selects a national winner from among recipients of the Driver of the Year Award in each province. The national winner is selected for excellence among peers who have maintained a collision-free driving record and otherwise demonstrated exemplary professionalism both on and off the road.
Photo via MTA