Terry Smith honoured for 30 years of service, work for the community
When Monday hits, some people cringe at the thought of going to work but not Miramichi trucker Terry Smith.

"I love the freedom," says Smith, who has logged more than five million kilometres (3.2 million miles) on the open road without an accident.

Smith, now 55, has been driving trucks since he was 19 and his clean driving record and charity work won him the honour of being dubbed Canada's best trucker.

The biannual award was created and presented by Highway Star Magazine and Smith is the second person to receive it.

Peter Carter, editor of Highway Star's sister magazine Today's Trucking, was on the selection committee and noted that Smith was the clear winner because he balanced road safety with his private life and strong community involvement.

Smith used to drive equipment at his father's construction site eventually graduating into long haul trucking and he was hooked.

Smith has never entered the contest before. A friend suggested he should enter the contest one day almost jokingly because the person who sponsors the winning candidate receives $250.

Smith contacted all of his former employees gathering information to verify his claims of clean driving and then the magazine did their own checks.

Smith admits that there is some luck involved in his clean, safe driving record but he's always very cautious.

"I don't drive fast and I don't drive reckless," Smith said.

"Follow the speed limits, follow the rules and get your sleep," Smith said.

But there was more than just driving involved. Those in the running for the title had to also show their involvement in other activities. Smith is actively involved with the Shriners and the Mason's because they help sick children.

He and his wife Roxanne host Chinese exchange students and teachers in their home annually taking them canoeing & camping.

They also try to gather gifts for ten needy families at Christmas and Smith lends his truck to the Miramichi Canada Days Parade to haul floats.

"My wife and I are blessed that we have a good life," Smith said. "Whenever we see anybody in need we try to help. We try to be good citizens."

Smith knew he was in the top five when representatives from the magazine called to do a phone interview but was surprised to learn he had won.

Smith drove his rig to Toronto where he accepted his prize and title last month.

Smith won $10,000 in cash and another $5,000 in prizes including a laptop computer, leather jacket, a logo for his truck, a plaque and a heater. The company he works for, Highland Trucking Ltd., also gave him an additional $5,000.

Smith is putting the money toward the purchase of a new truck, something he'd been planning for a while.

Trucking has changed a lot since Smith entered the business. Instead of being on the road for two weeks or more at a time, he's now home every weekend.

Smith said the secret to balancing his life on the road and at home is planning. He may be away a lot but he makes the most of the time he's got at home and if he knows something's coming up he tries to plan ahead to make sure he's there.

Also, he takes regular vacations with his wife.

For those starting out, his advice is to find a good carrier that is safety conscious.