SPEEDEE TRANSPORT NAMED PEPSICO’S “FASTER” CARRIER OF THE YEAR
WINTER DRIVING SAFETY TIPS
2025 EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT SURVEY
CARGO THEFT OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
EDMONTON TERMINAL TEAMS UP WITH LINDE CANADA HHappy
As the year comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your dedication to our company.
Wishing you a joyful, prosperous, and peaceful 2026!
SPEEDEE TRANSPORT NAMED PEPSICO’S “FASTER” CARRIER OF THE YEAR
Speedee Transport, a division of Canada Cartage, is proud to announce that it has been recognized by PepsiCo Canada as the recipient of the 2024 “Faster” Carrier of the Year Award.
Presented annually, PepsiCo’s Carrier of the Year Awards celebrate outstanding transportation partners who exemplify the company ’ s “Faster, Stronger, Better, and PepsiCo Way” values.
“Speedee Transport continues to demonstrate what it means to be a true logistics partner,” said Hugh Tharby, DWD/Gatorade Canada Transportation Manager, PepsiCo Canada. “Their ability to consistently deliver ontime performance, proactive communication, and customer-focused execution has set them apart as one of our most trusted and dependable carriers.”
The “Faster” designation reflects Speedee’s ability to deliver with agility, responsiveness, and precision values that align closely with both companies’ shared commitment to excellence
“This recognition is more than just a milestone; it’s a testament to the commitment, integrity, and hard work of our people who show up every day with a shared focus on delivering value, reliability, and service excellence,” said Lisa Xu, Vice President, Speedee Transport. “It highlights how our core values drive everything we do. We’re deeply thankful to PepsiCo for their trust and partnership. Achievements like this are only possible through strong collaboration, and we look forward to continuing to grow and succeed together ”
Speedee Transport has been a trusted logistics partner to PepsiCo Canada for more than eight years, supporting deliveries to major grocers and retailers across the country By focusing on service reliability, sustainability, and longterm partnerships, Speedee continues to uphold its mission to provide the best customer experience possible and to do so with the “hustle” that defines the Speedee culture
“At Speedee, we pride ourselves on being customer-centric, agile, and dependable,” added Xu. “This award reflects our entire team’s passion for excellence and the pride we take in being part of PepsiCo’s supply chain success. ”
left to right: Steva Ariesta, Manager, Business Development; Hugh Tharby, DWD/Gatorade Canada Transportation Manager, PepsiCo Canada; Lisa Xu, Vice President, Speedee Transport; Melissa Del Rosario, Operations Manager; Lei Zhang, Operations Manager; Avtar Singh Bhatti, Operations Manager; Nina Zhang, Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis
Pictured
SAFETY CORNER
WINTER DRIVING SAFETY TIPS
Winter driving brings unique challenges, but a little preparation and extra caution can go a long way in keeping you safe on the road. Before heading out, take time to inspect your vehicle and plan for changing conditions
Pre-Trip Preparation
Emergency kit: Pack warm clothing, blankets, snacks, water, a first-aid kit, a shovel, matches, a flashlight, and a fully charged phone. Weather and road conditions can change quickly, and breakdowns may leave you without heat Windshield washer fluid: Top it off before you go. Tires and Chains: Ensure tires are properly inflated and have snow chains ready if needed.
Driving Techniques
On the Road
Watch for slick spots: Bridges and overpasses freeze first. Be cautious of hidden vehicles: Snow can obscure other cars.
Avoid ruts: Tracks left by other vehicles can be icy Stay smooth: Accelerate and decelerate gradually.
Slow down: Adjust your speed to prevent skidding, especially on slick roads and curves.
Increase following distance: Leave extra space between your vehicle and the one ahead. Brake and accelerate gently: Avoid sudden movements and brake early to prevent accidents. Use lower gears: Improve traction and reduce brake wear on hills. Turn off the engine brake: It can cause loss of traction on icy roads. Use headlights: Make yourself more visible to others
Winter roads demand patience and preparedness. By taking the time to plan ahead and adjust your driving habits, you’ll help ensure a safer journey for yourself and everyone sharing the road.
2025 EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT SURVEY YOUR VOICE – OUR FUTURE!
A big thank you to everyone who took part in the 2025 Employee Engagement Survey! With an impressive 1,358 responses — representing over 50% of eligible employees we ’ re thrilled by your engagement and the opportunity to hear from so many of you.
Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of our workplace. We are currently reviewing the results and look forward to sharing key insights, including top positive trends and areas for improvement. These findings will guide our efforts to enhance employee experience. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved—your voice continues to guide our way forward!
Thank you for helping us build a better future, together!
VOICE OF THE CUSTOMER
Congratulations on receiving the PepsiCo “Faster” Carrier of the Year 2024 award. This recognition is a testament to your outstanding dedication, reliability, and commitment to providing top-quality service. Your professionalism and consistency have truly set a benchmark in the transport industry.
We’re proud to partner with a carrier that continuously goes above and beyond to ensure safe, timely and efficient deliveries. Please extend our congratulations to your entire team for this well-earned achievement
Regards, Nathalie Haynes
Transport Supervisor, Gatorade at PepsiCo Toronto, Ontario
CARGO THEFT OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
Cargo thefts typically increase during the Christmas holiday period. Therefore, it’s crucial to implement measures to safeguard transport and warehouse operations.
Here are key practices for protecting cargo:
Always lock and seal loaded trailers and trucks, storing them in a secure, fenced area.
Avoid leaving loaded vehicles in non-secure locations like shopping center parking lots or truck stops.
Regularly check and maintain camera and terminal alarm systems
Ensure outdoor lighting functions properly, especially from dusk to dawn.
Station security guards at any site where cargo is stored outside docks or warehouses.
Lock all power units and safely store keys with dispatch.
Verify that all gates at terminal and warehouse sites are functional and locked when unattended.
For facilities that close during the holidays, ensure the last staff member leaving thoroughly checks, locks, and secures them
Encourage drivers to be extra cautious during stops.
Prevent drivers and operations staff from disclosing cargo details to outsiders.
High-Value / High-Risk cargo should be positioned within CCTV range and secured with rear doors, pin locks, and glad hands.
Treat every alarm as genuine and not a false alert.
Immediately report any suspicious individuals or vehicles near terminals to the police
Ensure all visitors are properly identified before allowing access.
This advice is particularly relevant for the 2025 Christmas season, from the evening of December 19, 2025, to the morning of January 2, 2026. Everyone needs to stay vigilant and collaborate during this time to ensure safety.
WELLNESS CORNER
STAYING ACTIVE THIS WINTER
As temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten, it can be tempting to trade workouts for blankets and comfort foods. However, staying active and nourished during the winter months is one of the best ways to boost energy, support your immune system, and improve your mood.
Move a little more often.
You don’t need lengthy gym sessions to stay active consistency outweighs intensity. Incorporate brief, 10-minute movement breaks throughout your day: stretch between meetings, take brisk indoor walks, or follow energizing online workouts. If you work from home, commit to standing every hour and moving for at least two minutes each hour
Bring the outdoors in.
When the weather allows, bundle up and get outside for a walk during daylight hours. Exposure to natural light helps regulate your sleep and improve your overall well-being. If that’s not possible, open curtains wide or position your workspace near a window to soak in as much natural light as you can.
Warm up your plate — the healthy way.
Winter is ideal for hearty meals, but comfort food doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Choose lighter takes on classics: vegetable-rich soups with lean proteins, roasted root vegetables instead of fries, and herbal teas or infused water to stay hydrated. Even slight dehydration can drain energy and intensify fatigue.
Listen to your body.
Winter wellness isn’t about perfection it’s about balance. Move in ways that feel good, eat foods that nourish, and prioritize rest By making small, consistent choices, you can stay strong, warm, and energized throughout the entire season.
Take charge of your winter wellness: choose one small step today - go for a quick walk, try a nourishing recipe, or schedule a movement break. Your body and mind will thank you.
CANADA CARTAGE SUPPORTS
LINDE CANADA HOLIDAY PROGRAM
This holiday season, our terminal in Edmonton, Alberta, joined Linde Canada West in supporting Santa’s Anonymous Gift Giving Program an initiative that brings joy, comfort, and holiday cheer to children and families in need.
A special thank you goes to Allan Piedra, Transportation Supervisor – West Region, Linde Canada, for inviting our team to take part. His leadership and passion for community giving helped make this partnership possible.
We’re grateful for the chance to contribute to such a meaningful cause and to help brighten the holidays for families across our communities
Dispatcher; and Michael Thorpe, Safety and Compliance Supervisor, Edmonton Cryogenics
GET CONNECTED
STAY CYBER SMART: NEW SCAMS TO WATCH FOR THIS SEASON
As the holidays approach, cybercriminals are becoming increasingly creative in their efforts to steal personal and financial information. Here are a few scams making the rounds and how to protect yourself against them
1. Fake Credit Card Offers and SIM Swaps
Fraudsters are calling or texting with “special credit card offers” to collect personal details. Once they have sufficient information, they may request a duplicate SIM card for your phone number, enabling them to intercept security codes and access your accounts.
Stay aware: Never share personal or banking details over the phone. If your phone suddenly loses service, contact your provider immediately
2. Holiday Shopping Scams
Beware: Fake online stores are multiplying across social media with massive discounts and disappear as soon as you pay. Do not let your guard down for a moment
Stay aware: Shop only from trusted retailers, check reviews, and be cautious of unfamiliar web addresses or deals that seem too good to be true.
3. QR Code and AI Scams
Cybercriminals are using fake QR codes or AI-generated messages to mimic legitimate contacts or websites.
Stay aware: Verify unexpected requests directly with the sender and avoid scanning random QR codes in emails or public spaces
A few simple habits staying skeptical, verifying sources, and using two-factor authentication can keep your information safe this season Stay alert, stay informed, and help protect yourself and others from cyber scams this winter
Pictured left to right: Rob Gill, Senior Operations Manager; Allan Piedra, Transportation Supervisor – West Region, Linde Canada; Tina Lajeunesse,
DEALS ON WHEELS: PERKOPOLIS
Did you know that all Canada Cartage employees have access to Perkopolis, Canada’s leading provider of fully managed perk programs? By partnering directly with brands across North America, Perkopolis finds offers and benefits that save you money, with more than 5,000 exclusive perks for employees.
Automotive Perks
Save money by taking advantage of exclusive discounts on various daily automotive expenses, including gas, car insurance, car maintenance, tires, car rentals, and new car purchases.
Entertainment Perks
Employees can access priority pricing, seat selection and pre-sale offers on the latest and most popular theatre shows, sporting events and special events. Plus, Perkopolis offers discounts on movies, attractions, activities, and more.
Health & Wellness Perks
Discounts and exclusive value-adds are available for fitness clubs, fitness equipment, dental, eye care, spa services, and nutritional supplements, to name a few. As a result, savings are available on everything needed to live a healthy lifestyle.
Retail & Shopping Perks
Exclusive discounts and special offers are available at a wide range of top retailers, including fashion, electronics, house & home, fitness, footwear, sports & outdoors, and even restaurants
Travel Perks
Employees get exclusive rates at over 400,000 hotels worldwide, discount flights, unique tour packages, airport transfers, car rental discounts, special rates on VIA Rail tickets and travel insurance packages
Insurance Perks
Perkopolis members can get savings and value-adds on home, automobile, pet and travel insurance.
Employees can sign up using a Canada Cartage or CommerceLink email, or any active employee ID number. Visit www.perkopolis.com to learn more.
HOT JOBS
We have several open positions across Canada and encourage you to share them with your friends and networks
Employees can earn a referral bonus up to $2,500 for truck driver roles and $1,000 to $2,500 for corporate positions when a referred candidate is successfully hired.
For a listing of all open positions, visit www.drivecanadacartage.com
Class 1 Local Driver
Acton-Vale, QC
We’re looking for a Class 1 local driver to deliver construction materials to residential and commercial customers This role uses a flatbed and Moffett, and includes safely securing loads, backing into tight spaces, and providing excellent service on every delivery. You’ll complete pre- and post-trip inspections, follow all safety procedures, and deliver to multiple local locations. At least one year of flatbed experience is required
APPLY HERE
Class 1 Log Truck Driver Cochrane, AB
We’re looking for a Class 1 Driver to safely haul logs in and around the Cochrane area. The job includes doing routine vehicle checks, helping with loading and unloading, securing the load, and completing delivery paperwork. You’ll stay in regular contact with dispatch for updates or any special instructions. A strong focus on safety, attention to detail, and good customer service are key to this role.
APPLY HERE
AZ Tanker Truck Driver
Mississauga, ON
We have an opportunity for an AZ Tanker Driver to handle local deliveries across Ontario, with occasional U.S. runs. This role involves safely transporting cryogenic gases, CO₂, and other hazardous materials, completing routine vehicle inspections, and keeping accurate delivery records. Drivers must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and handle basic unloading. The ideal candidate is safetyfocused, reliable, and able to adapt to changing customer needs.
APPLY HERE
Warehouse Associate / Forklift Operator Mississauga, ON
We’re looking for a reliable team member to help receive incoming products, pick and prepare customer orders, and keep our warehouse running smoothly. This role includes operating a reach truck and order picker, lifting up to 50 lbs, completing paperwork accurately, and performing regular equipment and safety checks Keeping the work area clean and organized is also part of the job. Attention to detail and a strong focus on safety are essential.
APPLY HERE
EMPLOYEE VOICE: WE'RE LISTENING
Have questions, comments or concerns? Do you have any ideas or suggestions to help us improve the
business? Maybe you have a work-related challenge that you need help resolving? We want to hear from you
Submit them confidentially to Employee Voice at employeevoice@canadacartage.com.
All emails received are held in confidence and will not be made public without your permission
When you see a team member doing great work, let them know by sending them a thank you card or certificate. Each quarter, a team in each region reviews all submissions and recognizes those who have gone "Above and Beyond" to receive a $50.00 gift certificate. Each winner is also eligible for the President's Award in January. You can email your recognition, along with the reason why you nominated the recipient and the values they demonstrated, to recognition@canadacartage com, or online at www canadacartage com/truenorth
Nominate someone now!
Don't forget to send in your photos to The Beaver! We may use your photos in upcoming editions of The Beaver, the eBeaver or even on social media!
Send your photos to thebeaver@canadacartage.com
TRUE NORTH NOMINEES
The following employees received True North nominations from their peers for demonstrating our core values. Congratulations to all of our nominees, and thank you for being great ambassadors for Canada Cartage.
CCLS Operations Supervisor Vinky Verma, right, presented Warehouse Worker Jaswinder Singh with a True North certificate for demonstrating our company ’ s values. Vinky and Jaswinder work at our CCLS fulfillment and distribution center in Mississauga, Ontario.
Dispatcher Tammy Duncan was presented with a True North Certificate for demonstrating our company ’ s values. Tammy works at our terminal in London, Ontario.
Operations Manager Kosta Karakatsanis, left, and Operations Supervisor Brit Peer,
presented Company Driver Howard Brooks with a True North Above and Beyond Award for demonstrating our company ’ s values.
right,
Billing and payroll associate Debanjana Mukherjee, left, presented Billing Manager Kathy Coughlin with a True North Certificate for demonstrating our company ’ s values Debanjana and Kathy work at our head office in Mississauga, Ontario
PHOTO GALLERY
Operations Manager Murrie Rhodes, right, presented Company Driver Bill Janzen with his 10-year anniversary certificate. Murrie and Bill work out of our terminal in Edmonton, Alberta.
Operations Coordinator RJ Ward, right, presented Company Driver Dave Fontaine with a True North Certificate for demonstrating our company ’ s values RJ and Dave work out of our Seaway terminal in Cornwall, Ontario.
Company Driver Josiah Campbell participated in the Cornwall, Ontario, Santa Clause parade. His float has won first place for the past four years. Josiah works out of our CommerceLink Logistics terminal in Cornwall, Ontario.
Senior Operations Manager Dallas Lowe, right, presented Company Driver Jean Francis Gatarayiha Nuwase with his 10-year anniversary certificate. Dallas and Francis work out of our terminal in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Our Mississauga Talent and Acquisition team were at the Trucking Expo held at the Mississauga Convention Centre. Pictured are Syed Ahmed-Bukhari, Talent Acquisition Specialist, left, and Michael Hahn, Owner Operator - Retention Specialist, right.
Company Driver Tarjinder Singh Gurna sent in photos of his early morning Praxair run in the snow. Tarjinder works out of our head office terminal in Mississauga, Ontario
The Edmonton terminal celebrated International Men’s Day with a chili lunch, as well as hosting a “Best Movember Moustache” contest
Company Driver Gaurav Sharma drove the Home Depot parade float for the Woodstock, Ontario, Santa Claus parade.
CommerceLink Company Driver Pat Poirier proudly wore a customdesigned shirt he had made to show his pride in the company
Billing Manager Kathy Coughlin, left, presented Billing Supervisor Arwinder Malhotra with her 25-year anniversary certificate and gift. Kathy and Arwinder work out of our head office in Mississauga, Ontario.
The Edmonton terminal celebrated Operations Manager Murrie Rhodes birthday
The Edmonton terminal team turned their break time into art time, creating some fun and creative pieces.
Staff at our Head office in Mississauga decorated the office Christmas tree Pictured left to right: Patricia Weir - Billing and Payroll Associate; Damini Damini - Administrator Assets, CommerceLink Logistics; and Rachal Denomme - Regional Manager, Safety – Fleet, CommerceLink Logistics
Dispatcher Prashant Pathak won the Edmonton terminals Movember moustache of the month.
