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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK BY JOHN WHITE In 1919, the second Monday in November, was declared Armistice Day throughout most of the British Empire. It marked the end of the “Great War” or the “War to End all Wars,” but as we all know, that was a short-lived dream, and many wars and peace keeping missions have followed. Unfortunately that day coincided with Canada’s Thanksgiving Day, so in 1931, at the request of veterans, Thanksgiving was moved to the 2nd Monday of October, and the newly named “Remembrance Day” is now observed each year on November 11. It is said that a soldier is someone who has written their government a blank cheque, for a sum up to and including their life and far too many have paid the full price. On November 11, many Canadians will go to their local cenotaph, or stop what they are doing at 11 AM for 2 minutes of silence and reflection. The ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa is nationally televised. Our Prime Minister, who loves any opportunity for a great photo shoot, is thought by many veterans to be undeserving of special treatment at this solemn ceremony. In August 2015, Justin Trudeau promised that, if elected, veterans would no longer have to fight the government in court for fair compensation for injuries received while in uniform. He also promised to reinstate lifelong disability pensions replaced by a lump-sum payment in 2006. This promise helped put him in office, as many military personnel were convinced to vote for him. But once elected, he continued to fight a lawsuit filed by six injured veterans demanding the old pensions’ reinstatement. Adding insult to injury, when, at a town hall meeting in Edmonton, a wounded veteran accused Trudeau of breaking his promise, he simply replied, “Some veterans want more than the government can afford.” Today we are fighting a different war. It is an unseen enemy that has devastated our economy and isolated our people, especially the elderly, at a time of their life that they should be among family and friends. It has taken many lives, both young and old. Our front line workers, doctors, nurses, and hospital staff continue to risk their lives, as do first responders and essential service providers, like you, the truck driver. All of you are the heroes of this war. May you come home safe. All of us at Pro-Trucker/Driver’s Choice wish you and your families a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. I am sure that everyone will agree when I say that the best view we can have of 2020 is in the rear view mirror. Read Pro-Trucker/Driver’s Choice Magazine On Line Due to Covid-19 fears some of our distribution points do not allow drivers inside the buildings. If you can no longer pick Pro-Trucker/Driver’s Choice up at your normal location you can read it on your laptop, smart phone or tablet, at www.pro-truckermagazine.com, www.driverschoice.ca or through our free app, Trucking Services & Jobs.

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RIG OF THE MONTH

My name is Joe Sinclair, and I was born in a small town in Southern Alberta, known for its beautiful coulees and the highlevel train bridge. Lethbridge was a small town in 1985 and home to lots of farmers and truck drivers. Naturally, like most southern Alberta boys, some of my earliest memories are of trucks. If I wasn’t playing trucks (or ghostbusters) with my friends, I was off with my dad “truckin”. I remember my dads’ 1989 VolvoWhite GMC. I must have only been around 4, but I idolized that truck, and it’s still a fond memory for me to this day. It was one of a kind with a custom mural and yellow paint job. I would sit in that passenger seat, and any worry that I had would slip away. One trip, in particular, I travelled with my Dad to Boise, Idaho. Probably one of the first times I ever left Canada. I’ll never forget the scenery, the smell or the feeling I had. I realized that your view of the world sure changes when you’re sitting in the seat of a truck. That was when I knew truck driving was definitely going to be part of my future. I was about 6 when my dad left, and that was the last time as a child, I sat Pro-Trucker Driver’s Choice Magazine

in a truck. Life was pretty difficult for my mom and me. I quit school in grade 10 to work full time on the oil rigs, where I helped construct oil processing facilities and maintained pipelines. After that, I did odd jobs in construction; Stucco, framing, siding, you name it. All the while, never forgetting those trucker days. When I turned 18, a good, older friend approached me and asked if I would run doubles with him. I quickly accepted and got my learners. I was officially back on the road, and this time, I could drive! Dennis taught me a lot, and I treasure those days together. We drove a 1999 Peterbilt and hauled cattle from Alberta to Colorado. When we weren’t hauling cows, we hauled various cargo on a super B flat deck all

Emma, Melissa, Joe and Charlie. over western Canada and the United States. During that time, I wrote my class 1, and was officially a truck driver! All good things must come to an end, and after two years of running doubles, we decided to part ways, and I started a new chapter in my life, not truck driving. In the spring of 2005, I was invited to a friend’s BBQ. I didn’t want to go, it hadn’t been a great week, but my buddy insisted. Now, here is where things turn a little mushy – I walked into that back yard and instantly locked eyes with a pretty redhead. I never thought I’d stand a chance but went for it anyway. Now I’m proud to say Melissa is my wife. It didn’t take us long to move in together, she finished up school, and I got a job NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

www.driverschoice.ca working as a service tech for a mobile home company. I did warranty work and helped set up and take apart homes ready for transport. I had never dealt with mobile homes before, and I never thought it would become my career. I worked for this company for two years, and I decided to start my own business, strictly setting up mobile homes. I did this for a long time, even had my father in law work for me – which I enjoyed immensely. In the summer of 2008, our daughter Emma was born, I was incredibly happy, but life was not being kind to us. I was always away working, and it was a fight to get paid most of the time. Never forgetting my truck driving dream, in 2009, I decided to buy whatever truck I could afford and haul mobiles instead. I ended up buying a blue and white 1984 Western Star – it wasn’t much, but it did its job. However, due to the restrictions and insurance premiums at the time, the cost to insure the truck was more than I could afford, and my dream quickly sank. Plus, we got the news that our second child was soon to be born. At this point, though, I was tired of living in southern Alberta. I was tired of Alberta all together and knew I had to get out. As a child, I regularly visited my Aunt and Uncle who lived in Kelowna. I loved the city and the way of life and thought it would be the perfect fresh start for my family and me. After much convincing and Melissa 7 months pregnant, we moved to the beautiful Okanagan and started a new life in Kelowna. In January of 2010, my son, Charlie, was born, and our little family was complete. Also, this was the year I FINALLY (in my wife’s words) proposed, and we got married a year later in 2011.

thing to do, and fortunately, we did. Because the day after, my beautiful mother, the woman who worked her whole life to give me the best, passed away from a heart attack. Both our parents passed away in their fifties, so it was a huge shock for us both. I continued to set up homes, the truck driver dream seemed a distant memory, and I never thought I’d get there again. I worked away a lot, but the pay this time made it better. One of the best experiences setting up homes was a contract I secured working in the community of Klemtu. It was a 27hour ferry ride from Port Hardy along the inside passage on Swindle Island. I didn’t do so well when the 30ft swells would hit the ferry. Open ocean water isn’t very forgiving, and neither was my stomach. I did this for six weeks, working two weeks and going home for one. It was tough, but my wife and I supported each other. Luckily, we are both strong people, with a passion for hard work and dedicated to being self-employed. My wife went with her passion and started a wedding planning company – which she still has today. That reality hit me, and I thought, my passion is trucking, and that’s what I’m going to do. In 2012, I bought a 1996 Freightliner FLD, which I still have to this day. She isn’t being driven now, but I have no desire to let her go (however, I tell my wife otherwise). This truck and I share many stories, one of which is probably one of my scariest moments to date. In the winter of 2013, I hauled a single-wide home to Castlegar. Of

course, the site was up a massive mountainside with an incline of 12 percent. The weather wasn’t terrible out, but it was cold, and the melting snow had become ice. I’m trucking along, when all of a sudden, the truck lost traction, and I started spinning out. There I was, sliding backwards down this hill with a 66-foot pre-fab house. I was so scared I sucked foam out the seat! I pumped the breaks repeatedly and did all I could to keep from jackknifing. Luckily for me, after sliding a few hundred feet, we finally came to a stop. No one was hurt, and the load was unscathed. But I learned a valuable lesson. Now, whenever there is a steep incline and snow is around, the chains come out. Life was going well. I was trucking all over BC hauling mobile homes from site to site for various dealerships and private homeowners. Melissa’s business was also flourishing, and together we supported each other through the ups and downs of business life. I was at the point where I needed someone to help me. Melissa’s younger brother Derek decided to move to Kelowna and live with us, so it was a no brainer that he come and work for me. He trucked along with me, assisting with loading and unloading and helped with any setup jobs I took on, which involved blocking and levelling homes too. I loved it. I loved my bother in law and took him under my wing. I didn’t grow up with siblings (I had halfbrothers who I didn’t see often), so he was like the little brother I never had. In the fall of 2015, Derek decided

2011 should have been a wonderful year for us. However, three months before our wedding, my father in law, Terry unexpectedly passed away. Melissa wanted to go ahead with the wedding; she knew that it was the right NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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www.driverschoice.ca on as a truck driver and is one of the best I know. Reilly and Alan both joined us on our bluenose journey. Alan as a pilot driver and trucker (he’s great at doing both). Reilly continues to pilot as well as mostly my pilot. Melissa’s niece, Katie, also helps out with office work and filing. Melissa still operates her wedding business, so in the summer months, she really appreciates the extra hand.

to move back to Lethbridge. We were heartbroken, but I knew I had to look for his replacement. A guy I knew who worked at one of the factories told me about his daughters’ boyfriend, Reilly. He needed a job, so I gave him a shot. This kid is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met. He shows up every day with the biggest smile on his face, and he quickly turned into my friend and, truth be told (as my wife says) another little brother. I decided to expand and buy my first pilot truck, and Reilly was the driver. My company got busier and busier, and I decided to buy another truck. In 2016, Melissa and I financed a 2000 International 9400. We also decided to find someone to drive my trusty old Freightliner. Reilly knew just the guy, a friend of his from Manitoba, who had truck driving experience. Alan made the move and joined our little “truckin” family. In our travels, we met many others in our industry. Friendships blossomed, some stayed, some withered over the years. One incident occurred, that someone called the DOT on us, saying we didn’t have proper permits. As we were loading, the DOT showed up to inspect us and went over everything, including paperwork. Of course, we were legal and passed their inspection. The one DOT officer was blown away with my truck and trailer and my knowledge of loads and regulations. Pro-Trucker Driver’s Choice Magazine

He found out we were waiting for another pilot car and told us to cancel it. He wanted to escort us. That was probably one of the coolest things to have the red and blue lights escort us from Penticton to Kelowna. The Okanagan DOT are some of the best I’ve ever worked with, they’re just awesome people, and I appreciate the support I still receive from them. Another friendship I made was the brother duo – Adam and Jesse Dekker. They, too, were a truck and pilot car team; they grew up with a trucking dad and have a love for it just like me. We worked together closely, hiring each other to help on jobs and grew into an awesome team. In 2019, they asked if we would like to buy them out, and we could officially be a united team under one name. Melissa and I talked and decided to take them up on their offer. So, in October of 2019, we start another journey together, Bluenose Mountain Transport ltd. In just a short time, we expanded greatly. I wanted to focus mainly on truck driving, so Melissa being the organized person she is, took over doing payroll, organizing jobs and workflow. She also implemented our transport forms and other such paperwork. Jesse became our operations manager and works closely with Melissa and me to organize work. He also operates one of our pilot trucks. Adam, an avid trucker, stayed

Bluenose owns quite a few trucks, more than my wife wants. We have my 2000 International 9400, the 1996 Freightliner I mentioned above, we also have a 1990 Mack and a 1999 MACK. Both are up for sale, and Melissa would love it if you bought one. We purchased a 2006 International for Adam, which he’s called Arlo. He takes good care of her. We also purchased two 2019 Ford F150s for pilot trucks because our boys work hard, and we wanted to make sure they had a decent truck to work in. We also have a 2006 Nissan, but it’s seen better days. And just recently, we purchased the newest truck I’ve ever owned. We’re pretty proud of this one, and it’s been a long time coming. It’s not brand new, but we love it either way, plus it has AC. You have seen the pictures of it, our beautiful 2016 International 9900i Eagle. Or, as some call it, the “Canadian Peterbilt.” It’s powered by a Cummins ISX 15 550 HP paired with an 18-speed transmission, has 46K rears and a 234 wheelbase. It’s rigged to haul mobile homes with a 30-ton hydraulic winch. It also has aluminum expandable mirrors that go 25ft wide. It boasts a custom gin pole with a secondary hydraulic winch. We named it Gargamel - it was a team decision. Melissa and I love our team and wouldn’t trade our boys for anything. They’ve become family. I don’t regret anything in my 35 years of life, and I hope I never do. I love my family, my job, my team, and I’m pretty proud of my life so far. I look forward to the years ahead. Let’s take ’er wide, boys!

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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Letters to the Editor John, Back when I was a kid my dad would bring home trucking magazines and I was not allowed to touch them until he had finished reading them. Problem was he always saved ProTrucker to the last because like me, he liked it best. That meant I had to wait. I finally talked him into bringing home 2 ProTrucker Magazines so I could keep one for myself and because of that I have quite a good collection. My Dad retired 6 years ago, the same year I got my Class one. After he retired it was my turn to supply him with magazines until his passing 2 years ago. He loved reading the stories about other driver’s trips and I had to make his place my first stop when the new ones came out. I see that most of the other trucking magazines have stopped printing and are only available on-line now. I just want to thank you for continuing to print Pro-Trucker. My wife has a tablet that she reads books on and I can’t understand how she can do it. I for one don’t want to read a magazine on my phone or tablet. I love trucking and tucking into the bunk with ProTrucker at the end of the day is something I look forward to. Don Phelps Editors note: If your father’s name was Steve then I remember him well. I believe I met him at one of the Big Rig Weekend shows in Red Deer a few years ago. At least I met a fellow who had much the same story as yours. I agree about having a paper copy in your hands instead of using a tablet or computer. That being said we have even more people reading Pro-Trucker/ Driver’s Choice on line on our websites. Especially at this time when, because of COVID-19, some places that normally distribute magazines for us do not allow people to come inside.

cker azine Pro-Tru Choice Mag s Driver’

Editor’s note: Thank you Bob for all that you do for the industry. I can only imagine the big eyes of the children as you and “Mrs. Clause” pull up in your Rig. Christmas and trucks – what more could a child ask for?

To our readers: Do you have a story about a trip you have made that will interest our readers? If so you can contact me at john@ptmag.ca

Hello John, My name is Bob Demers and I have been a “Pro-Trucker” Magazine fan for years. I’ve been in the trucking industry just under 50 years and am now retired. I was happy to meet you at Pro-Trucker’s Nisku Truck Show in 2017. (Missed 2018 & 2019) We talked briefly about my years of my playing “Santa” each year and driving a Kenworth for over 25 years. I was wondering if you would be interested in some pictures of Santa. With the expert technology knowledge & know-how from my son I’ve assembled a few years’ worth of pictures, hoping you would find something appropriate for Pro-Trucker. I like the new magazine format and realize this letter may be late for the Nov/Dec edition. If I am too late please consider them for next year. Back in 2017 my daughter, Crystal sent you a picture but it was in late December. Mrs. Santa & I always arrived at the kids Christmas parties in the truck. It was always fun, air horns and all! Keep up the good work. Bob Demers Edmonton, Alberta Pro-Trucker Driver’s Choice Magazine

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Attitudes A

s the rules of surviving this virus change day-by-day, I’ve found myself watching more news on TV. This is because my good wife has a firm grip on the remote control and insists on listening to the latest updates that the “experts” have put out. My opinion is that I survived the 50’s with measles, mumps, scarlet fever and cutting my feet on broken glass as I paddled barefoot in the pools in abandoned quarries looking for newts. I was lucky if I washed my hands once a day, so I’ll take my chances with this Covid thing. But when she flicks the TV onto the soaps, I’m up the stairs like a rat up a drain pipe. I prefer true life stuff, like when the camera crew follows an ambulance or ride along in a cop car. One incident that a cop attended in a show had me shouting at the screen. It was a serious head-on collision on a country road where the two cars involved were both write-offs. The cop went about his job taking statements from the occupants of the cars and witnesses. One of the drivers was a 71-year-old guy who was sitting on the side of the road with blood coming from a cut on his head. When the cop asked him what happened, he

By Colin Black Colin Black lives in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Scotland and has been driving truck for over 40 years. His story shows us once again that the problems drivers face are universal.

said, I can’t remember anything after coming off the by-pass. In a followup, the old guy was interviewed in his house, where he said he had blacked out before the crash. It was discovered when he was taken to the hospital that he had a history of heart problems. He admitted to having one serious heart attack and four minor attacks. When the TV interviewer asked if he had considered giving up his licence, he replied, “Nobody tells me what to do!!” Luckily there were no fatalities in the smash, although one person was left with life-changing injuries. The possibilities of a major disaster involving this arrogant, selfish old driver are mind-blowing. What if he had blacked out and swerved in front of a truck. It’s a natural reaction for any driver to swerve away from a vehicle coming towards you. I think that was the reason I was so angry watching this guy who had no regard for anybody else on the road. At the end of the program, they showed him in a big electric mobility scooter. He said that after the police came and spoke to him, he surrendered his licence. But, with a big smile on his face, indicating his scooter, he said, “I’m back on the road now.” I was probably angry because it Drivers 70-80 CENTS PER MILE! reminded me of a similar selfish driver who, on the 22nd of December 2014, did cause Super B & tridem step 2 yrs exp & acceptable abstract devastation in Western Canada & USA the centre of Some dedicated runs Glasgow. He was driving a 26-ton garbage

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truck, or as we call them, bin lorries, when he blacked out and killed six people and injured 15. With it being so close to Christmas, the streets and sidewalks were even busier than normal. He knew he was unfit to drive heavy vehicles as he had previously blacked out when he was a bus driver. He lied to the bus company doctor and told his own doctor he’d blacked out in the canteen and not on the road, so his doctor put it down to the heat from the kitchen. He then lied on his application to renew his HGV licence by failing to disclose his health issues. These two “drivers” are miles away from a real professional driver I worked with. Geordie was very close to his retirement when he went to the doctor with problems. The doctor diagnosed a heart problem and said to Geordie, “Because you’re a professional driver, I’ll have to report this to the DVLA, driver and vehicle licencing agency. Geordie then assumed, wrongly, as it turned out, he would lose his licence, as he was so near his retirement, he surrendered his licence himself. He’d been with the company a long time, so they said they would keep him on as a yard shunter until he retired. Working nightshift, there was just him and a security guard. It was a tough job backing trailers into the warehouse to load and unload. Pulling curtains backwards and forwards all night took its toll. The guard found him at six o clock one morning passed away on the floor beside a trailer. I met him one morning as he came off his shift. As a final kick in the teeth, he’d discovered he didn’t need to surrender his licence. But he wouldn’t be driving trucks after his retirement, so didn’t apply for his licence to be reinstated. NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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Capacity

apacity is a common word in the trucking industry used to describe a wide range of things. Sometimes you’re looking for more capacity, sometimes you have too much, and depending on the situation, either way, it can be a negative. I know of a few times that I have wished I had more fuel capacity. There have been other times the DOT told me I needed more wheels to add some load capacity! Conversely, I have read many articles about carriers large and small having excess trucking capacity. I’ll do my level best to not use the word, capacity, for at least a sentence or two as I explain where I’m going here - it is about to get personal. The area that is affecting me right now is personal capacity. It is something everyone has and something I am always trying to grow. Within individual capacity, I separate things into two categories; mental and physical. With all that 2020 has brought us, I would hazard a guess that I’m not the only one who has felt lacking in both! For myself, it comes in waves as I work through managing trucking fulltime over the road, putting up content for the podcast, all other social media, and increasingly different home life. Oh, and writing for Pro-Trucker/Driver’s Choice! I love all of the projects/ activities in my life but have discovered that much like with a truck, if you load yourself up past your max capacity, there can be a hefty fine to pay. Let me jump in the way back machine (dating myself with that cartoon reference!) and talk about overloading my physical side. Last year and for several previous years, I suffered from back and hip problems. When I would drive for a long stint or do any lifting or twisting, I knew the next few days would be painful as my body protested. I chalked it up to getting older, many years in the seat, old injuries, and my job. To put it mildly, my physical capacity had been seriously limited, and it had severely restricted my ability to do the things I loved. As I considered buying a truck again and getting back on

Pro-Trucker Driver’s Choice Magazine

By Greg Evasiuk

Greg is a third generation trucker with over a million miles and 20 plus years in trucking. He now sells trucks for Nortrux. the road, I knew it would impact what I could do for revenue too. When I thought about it, what I had become was much like an older truck one that had been lacking maintenance. My focus shifted back to when I was in peak shape and what that was like. I soon realized that it wasn’t the age or the other factors that I have mentioned, it was this lack of maintenance that had reduced my capacity. It was a serious lack of activity that had my joints tightening up as well as a lack of good nutrition and overindulgence that had added 35 or so lbs of unneeded bulk to compound that. It was tough to admit, but I had done it to myself. Conversely, knowing it was my fault meant I could fix it! If a person buys a neglected preemissions truck, you first need to take baby steps to see that all the running gear is back to functioning before you dive deep and figure out what needs a full rebuild. People are no different. I started out slow too, push-ups in the morning just what I could manage, which it turns out wasn’t even 20 to start. While I wanted to add a whole bunch of other activities, I knew that if I overwhelmed my system, I would quit, that and driving full time doesn’t give us much spare time. That said, I put up a goal to get to 100 push-ups in a day, taking a few minutes here and there to do; however many I could. Honestly, this alone made me feel better about myself, but there was still hip and back pain. A friend suggested yoga - yeah, right, there are lots of yoga studios near truck stops! No way do I have that kind of time, and I had never been inclined to try it before anyway. I left it a week or so until I was sore enough, then I booked a massage. When I was in there, the masseuse suggested yoga too, but with a twist. I was given just a few exercises, simple things I could do in and around the truck when I had a few minutes. Yoga is essentially just stretching and breathing, but if you don’t like the thought of doing “yoga,”

and if it makes it easier, you can just call it that! So I incorporated these moves into my routine. There are a few I do that can be done in bed and they only take minutes. Within a week of adding these stretches, my pain began to subside, and I was able to drive longer. In addition to that, I started parking my truck at the farthest point from the building at truck stops. Adding some extra steps at the truck stop was much easier than trying to fit in an evening stroll or midday hike. Slowly my capacity for physical work was increasing. Back to the trucking analogy - fresh fluids. When I’ve bought an old truck, I like to make sure what is in the systems that keep it running is top quality. Everyone’s body is different, so I won’t preach any particular diet, and I don’t subscribe to one either. My technique has been to try to eat things with fewer ingredients, nothing I can’t pronounce and less of it. I only eat when I’m hungry, never when I’m bored, drink water when I’m thirsty and quit when I’m full. Don’t get me wrong, I still fall down here and there and grab a slice of pizza or a burger but try hard not to let it become a habit. So all of this adds up to 10 months later, and my having the physical capacity I enjoyed 15 years ago. It wasn’t an overnight fix, and I think knowing it was hard work makes it feel that much better. I have to keep up this maintenance routine every day, but it has become easier with time. Fortunately, pulling a deck gives me lots of opportunities to improvise a workout while I’m loading or unloading, but I’m sure there are van guys out there that do the same. If you’re interested in increasing your physicality, I strongly recommend making a game of it, little goals, rewards and, most of all, have fun with it. It’s the only way I have been able to keep it going. Now mental capacity is an entirely different game, and I’m not close to having that all figured out, but I’ll share my struggles and successes on that next month! See you down the road! NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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Spurs That Jingle Jangle Jingle

he dusty trails of the old West spark the imagination filling it with visions of small clapboard shack towns, outlaws, train robbers, cattle ranchers, and the teamsters that ran wagon trains across the prairies to the coast of British Columbia. Dust Devils and tumbleweeds spin and twist across the path and roll out into the vast countryside, disappearing from sight on the horizon. Long, slow, vibrantly coloured sunsets, and breathtaking views at the base of the foothills looking west to the Rockies. The landscape changes with each season and the colours of the red, amber, and oranges of fall sweep across the deciduous trees and bushes lending another layer of beauty to an already incredible place. As quickly as the crescendo of colours of fall appear they are swept away and on the winds come cooler temperatures. The ground is soon blanketed in a quieting

By Scott Casey

Scott, our Rig of The Month for May 2003 has written “Ghostkeepers” a book about his years as a gun toting truck driver while serving as a Canadian Peacekeeper in the former Yugoslavia.

layer of white snow. The wheels of the wagons, buckboards, and horses hooves soon churn up the cover and turn it to mud. Where the sounds of cowboys spurs were ever present, a hush now exists. The snow masks many sounds including those. Cowboy’s spurs, like the lasso, 3030 lever-action, and saddle, are tools of their trade. And like all of their gear, they understand that having it in good working order is the key to making long days on the trail more tolerable. A comfortable saddle is equally as important as the shoes on the horse’s hooves. Those rules still apply in the world of cowboying as much as they do in the more recent world of horsemen turned truck driver. With the change in weather and season, it’s important to have your

gear in order. Make sure that if the many mountain passes, close because of heavy snowfalls that you won’t be left in the cold. As an added step, carry spare warm clothing and gloves. Trade in the flip-flops for warm boots. Ensure you have blankets and a few candles. Believe it or not, even a candle in the cab of a truck can keep the frost out of the air and possibly save you from hypothermia in the event of a crash on a desolate part of the trip. Your “horse” should have new winter “shoes” for traction. And before you find yourself on the road with the flashing amber chain-up lights, make sure that you check and conduct any required repairs to your “spurs.” If you do that, you’ll be that cowboy on his trusty horse with spurs that jingle jangle jingle.

2 + 2 = ?? A businessman was interviewing applicants for the position of divisional manager. He devised a simple test to select the most suitable person for the job. He asked each applicant the question, “What is two and two?” The first interviewee was a journalist. His answer was “twenty-two.” The second applicant was an engineer. He pulled out a calculator and showed the answer to be between 3.999 and 4.001. The next person was a lawyer. He stated that in the case of Jenkins v. Commr of Stamp Duties, two and two was proven to be four. The last applicant was an accountant. The business man asked him, “How much is two and two?” The accountant to be got up from his chair, went over to the door, closed it then came back and sat down. He leaned across the desk and said in a low voice, “How much do you want it to be?” He got the job.

Changes Answering machine message, “I am not available right now, but thank you for caring enough to call. I am making some changes in my life at this time. Please leave a message after the beep. If I do not return your call, then you are one of the changes.” Pro-Trucker Driver’s Choice Magazine

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Thank You!

big thank you to our Frontline workers for their continued efforts in helping us through the Covid-19 Pandemic. Everyday doctors, nurses, truck drivers and other essential service workers put their life on the line to ensure the rest of us are safe. Doctors are saying, we’re into the second wave. Fall is here, and winter is almost upon us. News reports say that many retailers, in an attempt to prevent the empty shelf problems we had with the first wave, are stocking up on all high demand items like toilet paper, flour, home office equipment, medical supplies, heaters, etc. As we get into the rising number of Covid-19 cases across our country, while most of us are being told to stay home as much as possible, truck drivers are bravely out on the road hauling the essential supplies needed to keep us and our economy going.

The trucking industry deserves recognition for its role through pandemics like this, but it also deserves that same recognition throughout the year. Many people don’t understand the sacrifices you drivers make running across States and Provinces, working long hours in a small confined space, sleeping and eating on the road. They don’t understand that your job includes travel through extreme weather conditions, and you are often away from your families for days and weeks at a time. Without your dedication our businesses wouldn’t run, there would be no supplies. Empty store shelves would mean there would be no food in the winter months and our hospitals wouldn’t have access to essential lifesaving supplies or machinery needed for those suffering with this disease. That’s why we want to say THANK YOU…. And in a very large way. Thank you to all you drivers on the road, thank you to all of you who sacrifice your time away from families to help us stay home, thank you for putting in the long hours, thank you for keeping our country going, thank you for keeping businesses running and keeping shelves stocked, thank you for moving those essential supplies to the hospitals so our loved ones can get better, and thank you for everything you go through that we don’t see day to day. On behalf of all trucking business owners, a special thanks to all of our staff and drivers for allowing us to keep our doors open. Without you, we wouldn’t be here and because of you, we get the opportunity to serve our country and our communities. Centurion Trucking recently received an award for being one of Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies and we want you to know that this award is dedicated to you, to all the hard working staff and drivers on our roads. Congratulations!

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Changes I

f you were to contemplate for a moment the routine you have been following the last few months and then attempt to put it in writing, would you be aware of any changes, detours or abnormalities seeping into your travels? If not, you are likely out of it - as in a coma. A lot of us are walking zombies because of restrictions. You pass people in town, many of whom are friends or acquaintances, and have no idea who they are due to face and head coverings, so in order not to offend anyone, you nod and mumble a bright “Hello” to everyone. What a friendly town, they say! We have recognized the trucking brothers and sisters in previous issues and hailed the lot of you as highway heroes, which you are, risking your health by sacrificing your safety to ensure people get their necessities. My oldest son, Chris, a multi-talented individual as are all my kids, of course, this is their dad speaking, has been driving semis since before he was legal. He was scouted as a goalie when he played junior hockey and was a superb junior fastball pitcher leading his team to the Ontario Junior Finals & he was an amazing bass trombone player who played a season with the Glenn Miller Orchestra out of New York City. Since the pandemic has decimated all three of the above disciplines, he finds himself piloting a new Star Car, running mostly between Toronto and Vancouver. He pulls a three-compartment, temperaturecontrolled Great Dane triple with three reefers, which will accommodate three different products at three different temperatures, even if one is frozen. On the last trip, he brought cheese to Edmonton (7 drops) then reloaded apples from the Lower Mainland and Boundary regions of BC back to the Centre of the Universe. Chris is a contract driver and is incorporated, so he might end up biting the bullet, buying the unit and adjusting to the New Normal like all

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By Ed Murdoch

Ed has held a commercial drivers license for 65 years and has spent the better part of 50 years on the road. You can get Ed’s new book at www.drivingthroughmymemories.ca

of us. It is a shame because he enjoyed playing trombone, was good at it and could supplement his income by parttime driving, which he did during his 40-year career as a musician/sportsman/ trucker, but live entertainment is dead right now, and who knows when it will be revived! I know we have all had to make adjustments to our lifestyles, some easy enough to accept, such as wearing a mask and washing hands, and some a little more dramatic, as in all the closures, many never to reopen again. That is the sad part notwithstanding the empty chairs at the table and the agony of not visiting loved ones or close friends in homes and hospitals, even when they are about to pass. There are many brokenhearted folks around the globe, not a pleasant thought! One benefit I have noticed, if there can be one, is that fuel prices are dropping as supplies exceed the demands of the motoring public, including diesel. Both gasoline and diesel are below a buck a litre here in the interior of BC where I reside, and I do not hear many complaints regarding the trend. In fact, most of us are cheering it on and encouraging the oil corporations to embrace the downward movement. It’s time for them to share their obscene profits with the general public, whaddya think? When dealing with shippers and receivers, peace officers, MoT agents and all transportation workers plus the travelling public, masks are now the norm. One has no idea whether any stranger is a carrier of the disease or not. A shipper might be safe this week, but on the next visit, they could be a carrier of the virus without knowing it. The old adage “it’s better to be safe than sorry” holds true under these conditions. Yes, I know it may be frustrating and a nuisance, but we all got used to wearing clothes, hats and gloves, didn’t we? It does not hurt to carry rubber gloves, available at any pharmacy and sanitizer,

which can be picked up inexpensively at dollar stores, grocery stores and drug stores. Many truck stops will also carry masks and sanitizer, and your carrier ought to as well. Drivers are retiring rapidly and are not being replaced, partly because of the pandemic and the paranoia that accompanies it. According to stats provided by the Canadian Trucking Alliance, the demographics of the driver base in Canada indicate a future need for new drivers in the neighbourhood of 34,000 by the year 2024. Meanwhile, the average age of drivers continues to increase rapidly. It is estimated that one-quarter of all skinners, city p&d, short & long haul, are 55 to 64 years. 97% of all drivers are male. 3% of female occupation is a statistic the industry would be delighted to see increase, especially in teams with their partners. The demand for drivers will be greatest in Ontario, followed by British Columbia. Now’s the time for a wannabe to become a full-fledged “kiss stealin’, wheelin’ dealin’, truck drivin’ son of a gun” (Dave Dudley). Currently, a career as a driver in the trucking industry is not necessarily an attractive proposition. The pandemic has impacted the business on both sides of the International Boundary, and it does not appear that the “corner will be turned” any time soon. This morning I awakened to the sounds of softly falling flakes of a damp, cold substance. Upon clearing my eyes and looking out the window, I became aware of the first snowfall’s prettiness, which has the sledding community cheering, many of whom are truckers, and this is their winter recreation activity. Whatever activity you are involved in, please be safe. Obey best practices, be patient, fill your fridge with homecooked meals and take along however many jugs of your local water that you will need to complete the trip, but above all else, keep smiling! NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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A Steep Learning Curve By Dennis Sova I was always interested in the big rigs, so when a chance to retire early from my lifetime career came up, I took the gold watch, got my class 1 and hit the road. For the next ten years, I hauled everything from potatoes to Zambonis in Western Canada and the U.S., acquiring many (mostly) happy memories along the way.

t the end of 2004, my first driving job of hauling seed potatoes and produce to Washington and Oregon suddenly ended when the farmer decided to sell his highway truck and trailer. My unemployment did not last long. I answered an ad for a driver wanted in the local paper. The ad did not belabour the subject of experience, so I felt brave enough to make the call. It turned out to be a small family operation, and the owners spoke with the same accent as my Mom - I was in! The runs were usually from Surrey, BC to Portland, OR and back with a couple of drops and pickups, all in one go. This was pushing the envelope as far as the hours of service go and many times it brought sleep deprivation to a whole new level. One trip when things did not go as planned, I crossed the border back into Canada at about 3 AM and I was at the end of my endurance and desperately trying to stay awake when the phone rang. It was “dispatch” (doesn’t she ever sleep?) enquiring if instead of going back to the yard I could deliver the loaded trailer to somewhere in Richmond. I politely explained that I could NOT and the conversation ended. And then I lost it - I threw the phone down on the passenger seat and performed my own version of Johnny Paycheck’s “Take this job and shove it!” minus the twanging guitars and with a few expletives thrown in for good measure. When I calmed down, I noticed the phone was still on -

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oops! When I saw Paul the boss a few days later, he told me with a big grin, “It’s a good thing you didn’t take that trailer to Richmond the other night- the place was an absolute nightmare!” Good thing for all of us I thought. When entering the U.S., the odds were good on being sent through the X-ray machine. The driver was required to remain in the cab the entire time. I was starting to get very concerned about being nuked almost every week, and finally got the nerve to approach the operator and offer to stand in a place of his choosing - just not inside the truck. Instead of the expected dressing down, the officer smiled sweetly and asked, “Would you like to speak to my Supervisor sir?” Sir??? The Supervisor was also very nice and we had a respectful discourse on the health hazards posed by this infernal machine. He even admitted that his officers were just as unhappy about it as I was. I’m sure that I was just one of many drivers who voiced this concern and shortly after that a safe location was provided for both the operator and the driver. It’s nice when the government listens. I stayed with the company until 2007. The pay was good and I was treated well, but the drudgery and congestion of Interstate 5 finally got to me and I decided to take a break from driving. It was good to spend more time at

home and not have to be on call. I did not really have any plans to go back to driving when in 2008 a young fellow named Anthony showed up to look at an outboard motor I had for sale. He turned out to be a driver for a nationwide company with a terminal a short distance from my home in Delta, and they were looking for drivers. I was getting the itch again and the Rockies were calling me! Not so fast, this was in the fall and I ended up spending the next few months going to Seattle. At least it was at night, the border and I-5 and I-405 were less busy, and darkness concealed the concrete jungle. Finally, one glorious Saturday in May 2009 I was sent on a real highway trip. Accompanied by my Jack Russell terrier Ringo, we headed for Medicine Hat, AB and then several places in Alberta and Northern BC at a brisk pace (I think they were testing me). This was real trucking at last! Five days later I started on my way home from Prince George and my log book was a mess. Jimmy, the log book guru at the head office in Ontario listened to my story and finally said “I can’t figure it out either, you better get in the bunk for eight hours just to be safe”. For the next few years, I was a paid tourist all over BC and Alberta. I especially enjoyed the small towns where there was lots of room, the people were usually pleasant to deal with, and having Ringo with me always broke the ice with the ladies in the office. I have many fond memories of the scenery and wildlife in the National Parks and often thought, “I can’t believe they pay me to do this!” But the mess left behind at some of the brake checks and rest stops was heartbreaking and I wonder how much longer truckers will be welcome to overnight in these wonderful places. Each trip was a learning experience and sometimes a potent lesson never to be forgotten. NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

www.driverschoice.ca 33 But all good things must come to an end and around 2015 the slowdown in the oil-patch economy filtered down to my lowly position. Understandably, the good highway trips went to the full time people and what remained were a few hours here and there doing local deliveries. Of course there were very few volunteers for Seattle and, as far as I am concerned, for a good reason! Since I mentioned my first big trip, I might as well mention my last one. I got to the border in time for the morning rush hour. The waiting area had recently been reconfigured into

numerous lanes, each with its own traffic light. There being no adult supervision, no one paid the slightest attention to the lights and it was a free for all to get to the customs booths. After about an hour of intimidation and near misses, I was on my way to Kent, WA to drop off a load of wood stoves. After a few hours of sitting in the blazing sun I was unloaded and hopeful that a loaded trailer awaited me in Seattle. It wasn’t, and again it was hours before I was homeward bound. I had plenty of time to reflect that I was making bus driver wages that day, minus the tips. I seem to have come a full circle!

When I tried to put the trailer in the company drop zone, the automatic transmission would not go into reverse again. I parked the unit on the street, did my paperwork and went home with no regrets. Altogether, it was a memorable part of my life and I always look back at it with fond memories. I just wish that with no background in trucking and staring in my mid-fifties, I had the foresight to get the level of driver training that covered the whole spectrum of truck driving skills, because it sure is a steep learning curve!

Goldfish Funeral: Cute little Nancy was in the garden filling in a hole when her neighbor peered over the fence. Interested in what the cheeky-faced youngster was doing, he politely asked, “What are you up to there, Nancy?” “My goldfish died,” replied Nancy tearfully, without looking up, “and I’ve just buried him.” The neighbor was concerned, “That’s an awfully big hole for a little goldfish, isn’t it?” Nancy patted down the last heap of earth then replied, “That’s because he’s inside your $#%&*# !! cat.

You have to take everything a politician says with a grain of salt. Unfortunately, we should not consume that much salt.

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Citizen’s Arrest A

friend of mine and I had loaded in Alberta and then delivered in Laredo, Texas. After washing out the trailer and reloading with melons for Vancouver. We were out of hours for the day, so we ended up going to the Truck Stop and leaving the next morning. We ran all the next day without any problems and ended up at Amarillo, where we fueled up. We went for a shower, had supper, and headed back to our trucks that were parked side by side in the middle row. As we came in sight of my truck, a new Western Star, we saw two men, one big guy on his knees installing a set of plates on my truck, and another smaller guy with a “slim jim” trying to jimmy my door. Without hesitation, Norm said I got the big one and charged. I headed for the one on my step, and as he saw me coming, he jumped down and turned to run just as I hit him with a shoulder tackle that my old high school coach would have rated a ten, and I face-planted him into the pavement. Norm meanwhile had hit his man with his bag, and that one was down and out for the count. I picked myself up, and then to make sure my guy stayed where he was, I sat down on him, grabbed one of his arms and shoved it up behind his back, trying my best to touch the top of his head. Norm did the same with his guy, and both started hollering for help. Within seconds we had four big truckers standing around who took a look and realized what was happening and were ready to help in any way. One big dude wearing a Cowboy Hat said, “I’ll be right back,” and thirty seconds later came back with about a hundred feet of 1/4 inch rope. In seconds he had these two guys trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey with their hands behind them and their feet

Pro-Trucker Driver’s Choice Magazine

By Dave Madill Dave Madill was Pro-Trucker Magazine’s Rig of the Month in June of 2001 and he has been entertaining us with his poetry ever since. Dave has published three books of poems that are available by special order through Chapters Book Stores.

attached to their hands. It was plain to see that this cowboy and been to a rodeo or two. Meanwhile another driver had been on the phone and informed us that “The Man” was on his way. Well, this was just too good to pass up, so I asked the drivers if anyone had any 1/2 inch rope, and less than a minute later, I had a whole coil of the stuff. One of the drivers mentioned that a truck had been stolen from this same truck stop a few days before and asked if we should give out a little payback. Meanwhile, I got to work with the rope, and in no time, I had two perfect 13 coil hangman’s nooses made. I turned to the other drivers and said that since there were no tall trees handy that a light pole would have to suffice. While we stood around deciding which pole to use, and our captives were trying to talk us out of Vigilante Justice, two Sheriff’s cars

pulled in. The two Deputies took in the scene in a glance and in seconds, had the two boys handcuffed and in the back of their cars. About that time, another Sheriff’s car pulled in, and he proceeded to take notes and collected the “slim jim” and the New Mexico plates they had hung on my truck and did his investigation while I checked over my rig to make sure all was well. The Sheriff talked to both the bad guys and came back to us, laughing his head off. He said he had never had two guys that wanted to go to jail so bad. Apparently, they didn’t want any part of trucker justice. We all went our separate ways, and Norm and I delivered our loads in Vancouver on time then headed out on another run. Funny thing though, I never heard of another truck ever getting stolen from that truck stop.

Home Tonight

I have walked foreign shores and crossed the mountains high Soared aloft on silent wings and wheeled across the sky I’ve fished our mighty rivers and seen Grizzlies in the wild; Nothing beats the wonder I see in the eyes of a child. A child sees a ray of sunshine, or a single drop of rain, They see them as a marvel that may never come again. We in all our wisdom look through jaded eyes We do not see the beauty or the wonder of the skies. Children in their innocence see things we do not see; The softness of a snowflake or the beauty of a tree The marvel of a sunset or a single drop of rain. Could we look through their eyes and see these things again; If we saw through a child’s eyes, would there still be war and strife Or would we see beauty that surrounds us in this life? Could we do away with hardship, and do away with all the lies, Could we live in truth and beauty, looking through a child’s eyes?

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I’ll Show You How Its Done! Have you ever met someone in a position at work where they were just in over their head and were not qualified to do the job? I have. It was back when I was in my early forties, and while I was experienced in the trucking industry, I was relatively new to the auto carrier business. I had handled vehicles in good weather and was very careful not to cause damage to any of them, but as winter came, I found that it was a whole new ball game. The company that I worked for had recently hired a person to be the yard supervisor in the loading and unloading area. He had worked as a car hauler, so they assumed that he would have had good knowledge and experience. Let’s call him Jim. It is not his real name, but there is a good chance that he may have belonged to the Dandy family. This particular day had started badly because it was snowing with flakes as big as the steering wheel on a Western Star. I was trying to back a work van onto the top deck of the trailer, but every time I tried, it would spin and slide sideways on the ramps. Still being relatively new, I thought I should find the supervisor to get some help before all hell broke loose. I found him, and as we walked back to the loading area, he kept telling me that I’d never learn to be a car hauler because I won’t be able to call for help all the time. I thought to myself that today I would learn something just by watching, and boy, was I right.

By Glen Millard

Glen was born in Saskatchewan. He has driven trucks for 50 years, mostly long hauling. He’s now retired, that is until another adventure comes along.

He didn’t explain anything to me, he just jumped into the van and hollered to me, “I’ll show you how it is done!” I thought that for this first part, I should keep my mouth shut and stand back! He took about a 200-foot run, driving backwards, heading for the trailer. As the van hit the trailer ramps, it was going too fast and partways up, it slid sideways and fell off. Luckily, although that is a matter of opinion, the hydraulics and the post that held the decks up kept the van from falling off the trailer and ending upside down on its roof. The support post put a huge dent in the side of the van, the wheel well, and the right rear wheel. Up to that point, I didn’t know that Jim was religious, but I heard him saying, “Oh my God! Oh my God”

the rear tire. It also put a deep crease in the right rear door. Jim, meanwhile, was hollering, “Just take it easy. We don’t want to break the rear window!” My, my, was Jim ever observant! He was hollering. “Easy, easy,” and as the van lifted, the cable was on a bad angle. My prediction was right. As the van broke loose from the support post, it swung toward the cable, then the crown of the boom went through the back window and up through the tin roof - from the inside out! I had never seen anything like this before and felt like jumping up and down and doing the “wave” – but I wisely didn’t. Again I did not know that Jim was so religious, but he kept muttering, “Lordy, Lordy!” Meanwhile, I kept doing my part - watching.

He got out of the van and told me to get the boom truck but not to tell the manager. That was not my first tip that we were on thin ice. I drove the GMC to the wreck, and Jim said that I should stand back, and a yard hand would help him unload the van. I was sure that I could handle my part as I had done some crane work in the oil patch, but I once more I stepped back to watch. They positioned the boom over the rear of the van, but I could see it was off centre by two or three feet. I knew what was likely to happen, but I was too busy doing my part – watching – to say anything!

At this point, Jim told me to go to another area of the yard and help line up cars. When I was called back to the scene of the wreck, the trailer was loaded and tied down, but the damaged van was nowhere in sight. I never did find out where the van went or what the result was, but Jim was gone within a year.

As they boomed up, the cable was up against the van bumper, which immediately collapsed and bent into

That day, as Jim predicted, I learned a couple of valuable lessons, not only about trucking but about life. One lesson was to keep your mouth closed and your eyes open – not the other way around. Another lesson was when someone says, “I’ll show you how it’s done.” Get back out of the range of flying debris!

Right: After marrying a sweet young woman, a 90-year-old geezer told his doctor that they were expecting a baby. “Let me tell you a story,” said the doctor. “An absent-minded fellow went hunting, but instead of a gun, he picked up an umbrella. Suddenly a bear charged him. Pointing his umbrella at the bear, he shot and killed it on the spot.” “Impossible!” the geezer exclaimed. “Somebody else must have shot that bear.” “Exactly,” replied the doctor. Pro-Trucker Driver’s Choice Magazine

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Stay Positive I

’ve decided that each of my articles should have a song quote in it based on the theme of the article. This month I decided to focus on a few positive things that have happened in the trucking industry these last couple months. I heard these words by Alan Jackson just today and knew that they would be a great addition to what I have to write. He sang, “Heavy on the good light on the bad, A hair more happy and a shade less sad, Turn all the negative down just a tad, That’d be alright.” September started off with a truck show in Britt, IA. I was super thrilled to be able to attend this show for a couple of reasons. First off, it was the only truck show I was going to attend all year. With all this pandemic business and restrictions in place, the shows I usually attend all cancelled. I was excited because it was my first time ever going to the No Coast Large Car truck show and I knew I was going to get a chance to hang out with some friends I hadn’t seen in ages and hopeful for the chance to make some new ones. I must tell you, the show did not disappoint. I had a fantastic time and it was definitely good for my soul! With all the negativity surrounding me on the road in the past months, it was nice to finally get a chance to laugh and giggle, look at trucks and talk about trucks until it was time to go trucking again. I would definitely love to attend this show again. They were very welcoming to all of us Canadians and I have to say, the Canadians had a fine showing down

Pro-Trucker Driver’s Choice Magazine

there in Britt and even took a few trophies home. Big Congratulations to Bear, Dennis, Devon and Ty! You all make Canada proud!! Next on the feel good list was being able to participate in the World’s Largest Truck Convoy for Special Olympics Manitoba. Again, due to restrictions, the organizers decided to make the event a virtual one with the exception of 15 trucks selected to do a ceremonial convoy. I was lucky enough to be selected to participate in this event. Although it was a smaller than usual group, the spirits were still high and the weather was beautiful for a drive around the perimeter highway. As with the truck show from a couple weeks prior, it was great to meet up with old friends again and also to meet new ones and put faces to names. The latest excitement I have in trucking is the virtual fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. The Trucking For A Cure convoy is held in Ontario every September and I’m not usually able to attend as there are so many other events happening around that same time at home. This year since it has gone virtual, it was easy to set up a donation page online and start a fundraising goal. With the event this year, there is a photo contest being held via the Trucking For A Cure Facebook page. I contacted someone at Portage Transport and asked if I was able to raise $500, would a few of the guys at work let me dress them up in pink attire to take a few photos. They “graciously” agreed and I feel as though I should use that

By Myrna Chartrand Myrna was born and raised in Oak Point, Manitoba and was our April 2019 Rig of the Month driver.

term loosely because I’m sure they had no idea the outfits I was cooking up! I was in awe of the support I received on my donation page. I was able to surpass the $500 goal in just a few hours. Such a humbling feeling knowing I have friends that support me and support such worthy causes. I’m really looking forward to dress up day at the end of the month and posting the pictures to social media. I also received some great news today that Pinky 3.0 is on order and I should be getting it early into the new year! Stay tuned for more exciting news about my next “home!” I’m really grateful to be able to work for a company that supports these activities that I enjoy attending. Whether it be through financial contributions and/or dispatching my trips accordingly in order for me to make these things work. I’ve always felt lucky that I’ve been given a truck that represents a good cause and supports awareness. These last seven and a half months have been tough on the mind and body, but I feel these few activities really made me step back and take a look at the fun part of trucking again. It was fine to be grateful to keep working through this uncertain time, but I felt there had to be more. I have to say being a part of these outings and sharing laughs, giggles, good stories, and good food with good people was just what the doctor ordered. For a few moments, I was able to “turn all the negative down just a tad.”

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INDEX Berry & Smith ..................................................................................................... 13

TRUCKING SERVICES

Centurion Trucking Inc. .............................................................................. 26 Edge

Transportation .................................................................................. 48

Golden Express Trucking Inc. ..................................................................... 46

BD Diesel ................................................................................................... 29 B & W insurance ............................................................................. 02 & 06 Blue Capital Equipment Finance .................................................... 23

Grant Transport Inc. ......................................................................................... 16

Cool Heat Truck Parts .......................................................................... 15

Jagged Edge ....................................................................................................... 31

Cool-It Highway Services .................................................................. 39

Key West Express Ltd. .................................................................................... 47 Light Speed Logistics Inc. ........................................................................... 03

Diamond Insurance ............................................................................ 33 First Truck Centre ............................................................................. 41 Howes Lubricator ......................................................................... 42 & 43

North Coast Trucking Ltd. ........................................................................... 05

Michel’s Industries Ltd. ...................................................................... 09

Select Classic Carriers ..................................................................................... 20

Mobalign Services Inc. ......................................................................... 09

Shadow Group of Companies ............................................................ 24 & 25

Norris & Co. .............................................................................................. 21 Ocean Trailer ......................................................................................... 19

Shergill Transport Ltd. ................................................................................. 08

Pacific Inland Powertarin ................................................................... 21

Transam Carriers Inc. .................................................................................... 04

The Safety Gurus .................................................................................... 37

Transworld Xpress Inc. .................................................................................. 35 Van Kam ................................................................................................................ 45

Top Line Truck Parts ........................................................................... 30 Trucker’s Pages ........................................................................................ 36 Truck West Collision .............................................................................. 13

Watt & Stewart Trucking Inc. ........................................................................ 17

ATTITUDES Colin Black

Ed Murdoch

I’LL SHOW YOU HOW ITS DONE!

CHANGES

Glen Millard

CAPACITY

Greg Evasiuk

A STEEP LEARNING CURVE

STAY POSITIVE Myrna Chartrand

Dennis Sova

SPURS THAT JINGLE JANGLE JINGLE Scott Casey

CITIZEN’S ARREST Dave Madill

RIG OF THE MONTH

Emma, Melissa, Joe and Charlie

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Our people make us better - Engrained into Van Kam’s history of 73 years is a company dedicated to growth, stability, and community. As a company that continues to prosper, we value our employees at every level and recognize that our success is based upon having committed individuals on our team. Van Kam is committed to ensuring a positive and healthy company culture with an accepting, diverse and challenging environment. We are devoted to treating all employees and customers with respect, fair treatment, and honesty.

Come Drive With Us! Van-Kam Freightways Ltd. requires highway Company Drivers to be based out of Surrey, Kelowna and Kamloops. • Above average pay rates • Benefit package • Signing bonus

To join our team of professional drivers, please send your current resume to: drivers@vankam.com If you have any questions regarding the position please contact Bev at 604-968-5488 or 1-800-826-5261 ext. 861

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Van Kam is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Environmental Responsibility NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 Pro-Trucker Driver’s Choice Magazine

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NOW HIRING Company Drivers & Owner Operators WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON.

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