Author: David Osota

Trevor MacKenzie, one of our P&D Drivers in Victoria, recently celebrated ten years with Van Kam. He has spent the last decade running local routes, meeting people across the community, and keeping his days focused and steady behind the wheel. For Trevor, the work has always felt natural.

Finding His Road to Van Kam

Before joining Van Kam, Trevor was driving for another company and spending more time on the road than he wanted. He began looking for something that would keep him closer to home and give him a clearer rhythm to his day. “I wanted to be in town more,” he says. “It fit the kind of routine I was looking for.” When a P&D position opened in Victoria, he took the chance. The transition felt natural. “It felt right from the start,” he says. “I liked the routes and the pace.”

A Day That Never Looks the Same

Trevor likes the balance his work gives him and the variety he sees on his route. He enjoys meeting people in the community and keeping his day moving without feeling rushed. “Some days are busy, some days are quiet, but it always feels good,” he says. Driving is something he has always been comfortable with. “It does not bother me at all,” he says. “I feel like I’m pretty good at it.” The mix of routes, the familiar stops, and the steady pace are what keep the job working for him.

Pedals, Peaks, and a Few Good Trails

Trevor spends most of his free time outside with his family. They camp together in the warmer months, explore local trails, and spend time near the water when the weather is good. Fishing is a yearly tradition that they all enjoy. “Every year we go on a big salmon fishing trip,” he says. His boys also keep him active throughout the year. One plays soccer and the other plays basketball, and Trevor enjoys being at their games and practices.

He also rides the Hartland Trails with friends and makes trips to Cumberland when he wants a longer climb and a change of scenery. Summer takes him up to Mount Washington for mountain biking, and winter brings him back with his snowboard.

Ten Years On, He Still Enjoys the Work

Ten years can feel long, but Trevor says it has gone by faster than he expected. He has built a rhythm that works for him and feels grounded in the community he sees each day. “I wake up and I am excited to see what I am doing next,” he says. After a decade with Van Kam, he is content with the work he does and the life he has built around it.

Chris Jones, one of our Linehaul Drivers, has been driving trucks for more than forty years. For the last ten, he’s been part of our Linehaul team at Van Kam, based out of Kamloops. He’s covered countless miles between the Interior and the Coast, hauling freight through every kind of weather and road condition. He’s seen the industry change, but for him, the road still feels like home.

Finding the Road to Van Kam

Before joining Van Kam, Chris worked for another freight company that eventually shut down. “When they were fading, I got a call from Van Kam,” he says. “They hired me over the phone.” He started running routes between Kamloops, Golden, and Williams Lake before settling into his current Surrey–Kamloops linehaul. “I’ve done a little bit of everything over the years,” Chris says. “Now I stick to my route. It’s steady, and I like it that way.”

His days start early. “I’m usually rolling out of Kamloops around five in the morning,” he explains. “By ten or ten-thirty, I’m in Surrey, loading up to head back.”

Forty Years on the Road

Chris has been driving for forty-three years and still enjoys it. When asked what keeps him going after four decades, Chris doesn’t think long. “I love driving,” he says. “I like the quiet and the scenery. You’ve got to love it,” he explains further.

He’s seen plenty of change along the way, from trucks to technology. “The equipment’s better now. The automatics are good, and the e-logs were easy enough to get used to,” he says. He remembers when everything was manual, from shifting gears to filling out paper logs at the end of a long day. “Back then, you did everything by hand,” he says. “Now it’s all digital, and it makes things a lot smoother once you get the hang of it.”

Driven by Respect

Chris says the reason he’s stayed with Van Kam for ten years is simple. “They treat people well here,” he says. “I’ve worked for a few outfits, and not all of them treat their employees nicely. The management is fair and easy to deal with. That goes a long way.” For him, respect and honesty matter more than anything else, and he’s found both at Van Kam.

He also believes there’s always something new to learn, no matter how long you’ve been driving. “Pay attention to what’s going on around you. You can learn a lot that way,” he says. “If you’re struggling here, you’d probably struggle anywhere. You’ve got to be willing to learn.” It’s simple advice, but it’s the kind that sticks.

Simple Getaways

Chris enjoys spending his free time outdoors. Camping is his go-to. He and his family often head out around Kamloops, usually with his son, who has a motorhome. “We’ve got a few good spots we go back to every year,” he says. He enjoys the quiet and the slower pace that comes with it.

Travel is another favourite. “We’ve done four cruises so far,” he says. “Two in the Caribbean and two up to Alaska.” He likes seeing new places, trying new food, and meeting people along the way. For him, it’s about getting away, relaxing, and enjoying time with family.

Where He Wants to Be

After ten years with Van Kam, Chris isn’t looking to change much. He’s content with the work, the people, and the balance he’s found. “It’s been good here,” he says. “I’ll be here till I retire.” He’s built a career he’s proud of and still finds satisfaction in the work. Each trip feels like part of something bigger, and he’s content knowing he’s doing his part to keep things moving.

We held Employee Appreciation Week from September 15 to 19 across our terminals. Each location came together for BBQs, breakfasts, or lunches. These gatherings gave us a chance to connect outside the usual routine and show appreciation for the steady effort that keeps everything moving.

Across Our Terminals

Every terminal found its own way to host. Some crews fired up the BBQ, others set up tables for breakfast or lunch. Drivers joined when their schedules allowed, dock teams came through between shifts, and office staff stepped out to help serve or share a meal. It was simple, but it brought people together in a way that felt natural.

Coming Together

What stood out most was the camaraderie. People helped set up grills, arrange food, and clean up afterward. Crews shared stories, laughed, and welcomed newer team members into the fold. It was a reminder that small moments spent together build a stronger team.

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who made time to attend, and to those who helped make the events happen. From setting up tables to serving meals, your efforts made the week memorable. We are grateful for the work you do every day and for the spirit of teamwork that defines our culture.

This month, Owen Bach marks 45 years with Van Kam in Kelowna. He is our longest-serving team member. When Owen first joined, the work looked very different. “There was nothing on pallets. Everything was hand-bombed. You used hooks and ropes, and that’s just what we did,” he says.

A Career Built in Kelowna

Owen has spent his entire career in Kelowna. He ran P&D (pickup & delivery) on the street, served as a lead hand for about 30 years, and often handled dispatch while helping manage the terminal. “It was tough some days, riding that fence between being a union employee and being on the company side,” he recalls.

Through changes in leadership and systems, he kept adapting. He moved from faxed lineups and paper routines to today’s tech-driven operation. “When I started, everything was on fax. There were no computers. The technology today has made things easier,” he notes.

Culture That Keeps You

For Owen, staying with Van Kam for 45 years has never been about the work alone. It’s about the people and the family behind the company. “The Van Kam family has treated me really well. That’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed here so long. I’ve been lucky enough to see three generations of family ownership at Van Kam.”

He’s also proud of how the culture has grown. “When I started, there was no HR. You were told to do something, and you did it. Today it’s 100% better. The culture has really changed for the better.”

People Make The Moments

When asked about his most memorable moments, Owen doesn’t mention one big event. Instead, he talks about the people. “I’ve worked with some pretty good people over the years, from upper management to drivers and coworkers. Those are the things I remember,” he says.

He talks about shared shifts more than milestones. Early mornings on the dock, quick calls on the radio, and small wins that made a hard day easier. He values the respect that ran both ways and the friendships that lasted. For Owen, the faces are the story.

Hooks, Horns, And Holes

Owen enjoys life outside with simple passions. “I ice fish, I hunt, and I golf,” he says. His favourite places are the mountain lakes where he can float in a belly boat for hours. That is where he likes to spend his time when the season is right.

 

Each fall, Owen sets time aside for his annual hunting trip with family and friends. It is something he looks forward to every year and has become a tradition in his life. He also makes time for golf when the season is right. “I’m a hacker, but I golf,” he said with a laugh, showing the same honesty and humility that mark the way he talks about his work and his pastimes alike.

Looking Back on 45 Years

When asked how it feels to hit 45 years at Van Kam, Owen answers: “One thing I can say is they’ve treated me really well. They’ve never missed a paycheck. There are lots of companies out there that can’t make payroll, but I’ve never seen it here.”

Congratulations, Owen. Forty-five years with Van Kam is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about your dedication, grit, and the relationships you’ve built along the way. Thank you for showing up year after year!

Bob Cumming began his journey with Van Kam in 1971, working out of Kamloops. For twenty years, he was a familiar face across the region, delivering freight downtown to liquor stores and grocery warehouses. He knew his routes, knew the people, and took pride in doing the job right. From the start, Bob focused on building connections and showing up for the communities he served.

Shift Work and Chip Runs

In his early years, Bob delivered freight to downtown businesses and liquor stores before moving into more industrial runs. He later drove chip vans between the Fadear Sawmill in Barriere and the Weyerhaeuser Pulp Mill in Kamloops, hauling sawdust, hog fuel, and chips. It was shift work, three days on and three nights on, and he was good at it. He liked the routine, the purpose, and the people he met along the way. His favourite truck was a 6-cylinder he called “Jimmy,” and even now, he shares stories about those runs.

A Legacy That Stays With Us

Today, Bob is in hospice care. When our Kamloops team heard he wanted a Van Kam cap, we sent one over. The gesture brought back a lot of memories. His family said it made his day. He put the hat on right away and started talking about his years on the road. It reminded us of the strength of the bond between a driver and the work they do and how enduring that connection can be.

From the Cumming Family to Ours

The Cumming family reached out to thank our team and share a few photos of Bob, both from his past and now, wearing his Van Kam hat. They wanted us to know how much the moment meant to them. Bob’s time at Van Kam gave him a purpose, a routine, and people he could count on. We’re grateful to Bob and his family for reminding us what this kind of connection looks like.

Dean Bolen joined Van Kam two decades ago as a summer relief driver. It was supposed to be a short-term thing, just six months. But that plan changed quickly. Now celebrating 20 years with the company, Dean works as a Dock Foreman at our Kamloops terminal. And according to him, “It’s just a great company to work for.”

Learning the Ropes

Dean spent his first 15 years driving tractor-trailers around town. He was a P&D driver, working in the Kamloops area, making deliveries, and meeting new people daily. He was often on the dock helping out when he wasn’t behind the wheel.

About five years ago, the dock foreman at our Kamloops terminal retired. Dean saw the job posting, applied, and got the spot. The switch has worked out well. “I’m in at four and done early. It gives me time to do other things,” he says. “It’s a bit more physical, too, which I like.”

What Makes It Worth It

Dean is one of those people who keeps things simple. When asked what’s kept him at Van Kam for 20 years, he doesn’t overthink it. “The people,” he says. “I’ve worked with good folks here. Steady, respectful, easy to get along with.” For Dean, that kind of environment makes showing up every day pretty easy.

Hooked on the Outdoors

Dean spends his time off the clock like he’s spent much of his life. Outdoors and unplugged. He camps anywhere he can roll up and set down, whether deep in the trees or by the water. Norbury Lake is his go-to for trout and pike. “It’s peaceful out there,” he says. “You can just sit, cast your line, and not worry about anything.”

Shuswap Lake is another favourite, a go-to for camping and more fishing. For Dean, it’s the quiet, the space, and the reset that comes with every trip. “Just being outside, camping, fishing, that’s my thing,” he says. And if you ask him, there’s nothing better.

Cheers to 20

What started as a short-term job turned into two decades of solid work. Dean has done a bit of everything and seen a lot of change, but some things stay the same with good people, honest work and a team that has your back. Thanks for being part of the Van Kam team, Dean. Here’s to the next chapter.

Brent Karsgard, one of our P&D Drivers based in Surrey, has been driving with Van Kam for 15 years, making him a familiar face on the road and in the Surrey terminal. His journey has been one of consistency, adaptability, and passion for the open road. Brent has seen the industry evolve, technology shift, and the landscape change, all while staying steady behind the wheel.

The Road to Van Kam

Brent’s journey with Van Kam started in 2010 with an interview unlike any other. As a deaf driver, he arrived prepared to communicate through an interpreter, only to find none available. “It was during the Paralympics, so interpreters were fully booked,” Brent recalls. “We had to write back and forth during the interview,” he adds. That first interaction set the tone for the years ahead. Van Kam found a way to make it work, and Brent found a place to build a career.

Behind the Wheel of Both Worlds

Brent has experienced the best of both trucking worlds. He spent seven years on long-haul routes, running overnight trips and covering vast distances before switching to city driving. The change brought a new pace and a different set of challenges, but for Brent, it was the right move. “City driving was a good switch,” he says. “It gave me more stability, and I’m glad I’ve done both.”

Even as the industry evolves, Brent stays open to change. He’s had the chance to drive an electric truck, an experience that left an impression. “It will take some getting used to,” he says. “Too quiet for me,” he further admits. For Brent, adaptability is key. “You have to keep learning,” he says. “That’s what helps.”

Born to Ride

Brent loves motorcycles. He’s been riding for over 40 years, travelling across Canada and the US. Some of his favourite rides have been through Colorado, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and Virginia Beach. “I’ve ridden many bikes over the years, each with its own feel,” he says. “But if I had to pick the best, the Honda Valkyrie stands out. It’s powerful, smooth, and just a great ride,” he says with a grin as if picturing himself back on the road.

He’s also the only Canadian member of DeafPower RC, a motorcycle club for deaf riders based in the US. Despite the distance, he stays connected to the group and the passion that has fueled him for decades.

Still Rolling Strong

After 15 years with Van Kam, Brent still enjoys the rhythm of the road, the places it takes him, and the people he meets along the way. Whether behind the wheel of a truck or on his motorcycle, the journey is what keeps him going.

Brian Doering has spent 30 years at Van Kam, keeping shipments moving across Nanaimo and beyond. As a Pickup & Delivery (P&D) driver based out of Nanaimo, Brian has seen the industry change, roads evolve, and businesses grow, but his commitment to the job has remained steady. His journey into trucking started over 40 years ago, and in many ways, he has never looked back.

Right Place, Right Time

Brian’s career with Van Kam began unexpectedly. He was working for another freight company when, after finishing an afternoon shift, he learned the business was shutting down. Instead of dwelling on uncertainty, he walked over to the Van Kam terminal in Nanaimo and met with the terminal manager. “The manager asked me if I wanted to head to Port Alberni that night,” Brian recalls. Without hesitation, he said yes, pulling a double shift that same day. That decision set the course for a three-decade career at Van Kam, which has been defined by consistency, adaptability, and a passion for the road.

The Road Keeps It Interesting

For Brian, trucking has never been just about the miles. It is about the people he meets and the places he gets to see. “I meet new people every day, and every day is never the same,” he says. Whether a quick chat with a customer or a drive through a new route, there is always something different to keep things interesting. After decades on the road, his approach has never changed. “People need stuff. My duty is to deliver it,” he says with a shrug. For him, it’s as simple as that.

From Slopes to Fairways

Brian has always loved being outside. Before an injury sidelined him, skiing was his sport of choice, and Mount Washington and Kimberley, BC were his go-to spots. These days, he has swapped ski poles for golf clubs, but the thrill of being out in the open remains the same. Every summer, he tees off once a week with his brother-in-law, making the most of BC’s scenic courses. Cottonwood is a favourite, but they mix things up and try different locations. “I love getting out for a round in the summer. We move around a lot, but Cottonwood is always a good time,” he says. For Brian, it is less about the score and more about the time spent outdoors.

Thirty Years and Counting

Spending 30 years with one company is not something many can say, but it has been a steady and rewarding road for Brian. He has seen Van Kam grow, made countless deliveries, and built connections with people along the way. Through it all, his approach has remained the same. Show up, do the job, and keep moving forward. He would not have it any other way.