After a lifetime in the trucking industry, Serge Gagnon, president and CEO of XTL Transport, was honoured with the prestigious 2025 OTA-Solera-Omnitracs Service to Industry Award at the 99th OTA Executive Conference in Toronto.
The STI award – the highest recognition in the trucking industry – pays tribute to an individual who, by their commitment, vision, leadership and unstinting service, has made an outstanding contribution to the development and success of the truck transportation industry.
With the support and guidance of his father, Gagnon acquired XTL over 40 years ago and, with the help of his family, has grown it into one of the largest, most respected trucking fleets and distribution companies in Canada.
“The influence that my grandfather had on my father was tremendous. My grandfather was so disciplined, and my father gravitated to that right away,” says Serge’s son, Eric Gagnon.
XTL started out as a regional carrier in Ontario and Quebec, hauling mainly paper products through those provinces and into the U.S. While XTL was lean and efficient, eventually Gagnon took the next step, expanding to Western Canada, turning the company into a true national carrier.
Watch the story of Serge and his contributions to the trucking industry in Ontario:
Relentlessly hard-working, Serge built a culture based on integrity and trust – principles that continue to drive every strategic decision.
From him humble beginnings in rural Quebec, Gagnon has become a dynamic – albeit quiet and reserved – industry leader, who cares passionately about trucking and the issues important to the viability of the sector and the OTA.
Known as a deep, tactical thinker, Gagnon has spent decades strategizing the long-term success of his company and the health of the industry.
“Serge is incredibly passionate about our industry and wants it to thrive. He doesn’t seek the microphone or the spotlight, but when given the opportunity to voice his opinion, people should choose to listen, because you’re going to get something good,” says Craig Germain, XTL’s COO.
A true entrepreneur and healthy competitor, Gagnon has always seen the trucking industry as a community and has never shied from lending his advice and expertise to guide others towards success.
“He’s very loyal. He’s trustworthy, but he’s also tenacious. Any obstacle or challenge that comes in front of Serge, he just steps right over it. He attacks it. He’s a planner,” says Julie Tanguay, president and CEO of EG Gray Transportation.