Author: David Osota

In our 75 years of existence, our people have always been our advantage. Our achievements and status as Western Canada’s leading LTL service provider are due to the commitment, dedication, and passionate drive of our employees, past and present. Retired Van Kam driver James Brennan and his son, Chuck Brennan, a retired owner/operator, are examples of such employees. The father-son duo have over 30 years of driving for Van Kam between them and they were happy to share their story with us in commemoration of our 75th anniversary.

First Came James

In 1973, Van Kam, under the leadership of Robert Henry Sr., employed James Brennan as a company driver. He later retired in 1994, giving over 20 years of loyal service to the company. “I think I was about 12 years old when my father started working in Van Kam in 1973. He switched to being an owner/operator in 1974 and did that for four years before retiring in 1994 as a company driver,” recalls James’ son, Chuck. “After my dad started with Van Kam, we lived a nice life because the company treated my father very fairly, even in his personal life. I remember washing my dad’s truck with so much pride because I was proud of him and the work he did at Van Kam,” he adds.

Great Role Models

Van Kam’s people are a reflection of who we are, and we always strive to treat them with utmost respect and dignity. Undoubtedly, they’re the most important source of inspiration within our company, and also to others within the communities we serve. We are inspired to know that this made a lasting impression on Chuck. “I was lucky enough to hang out with my dad and other truckers on most weekends growing up; those men were my role models. Seeing them go about their jobs with all diligence and passion made becoming a trucker very attractive to me, and driving for Van Kam became my goal,” Chuck recounts.

Time for Chuck

“It was my goal to one day be an employee of Van Kam, and Robert Jr. gave me that chance when my dad retired in 1994,” Chuck says as he narrates how he started at Van Kam. “He sold me my first truck with insurance, and it came with a job! Unbelievable! It wasn’t the fanciest truck in the fleet, but Robert knew it would get me to the point where I could eventually buy my dream truck… it definitely did.”

Two years after Chuck started, he got his brand-new truck, and a compliment from Robert represented a significant stamp of approval. “Two years into working for Van Kam, I bought my brand new Peterbilt, and while inspecting my paint job, Robert paid me the nicest compliment. He told me my truck was the nicest truck we had in the fleet. What a compliment from the owner!” Chuck recalls excitedly.

Committed to the Job

If there’s one thing Chuck learnt from his father and those before him, it’s to do your job diligently and with dedication. “I had a special assignment for eight years while working with Van Kam and I made sure to not miss any run. I moved a mobile MRI unit between three Kamloops, Prince George, and Kelowna hospitals. All three hospitals had to share the single MRI unit,” he says. “Though these hospitals eventually built their own permanent MRI units, I was very proud to be the truck driver that Van Kam trusted with such important cargo to ensure communities were able to receive the life-changing medical info that the MRIs were built for… and I didn’t take that lightly. The day after I got married to my late wife Wendy, I was scheduled to make a delivery the next day for the MRI, so she came with me to Prince George to make the run,” he recalls. Talk about being committed to the job!

Thanks for Your Service

Van Kam sincerely thanks James and Chuck Brennan, and many other truckers like them, whose service, hard work, and dedication have brought our company to where it is today. Thanks for being part of our trucking family over the past 75 years.

With inflation hitting everyone in the pocketbook, from businesses to consumers, Van Kam Freightways is stickin’ to its guns and keeping our fuel cap for highway linehaul owner/lease operators at 50 cents per litre. Yup… you heard us right!

Taking One for the Team

We’re taking this one on the chin for our loyal linehaul operators despite escalating fuel costs at our own end. Whether the price of diesel is $1.75 per litre or $2.25 per litre, you will never pay more than 50 measly cents per litre. We’re pretty sure this should excite all you linehaul truckers out there to keep a little extra cash in your pocket while you drive for Van Kam!

Industry Leading Linehaul Owner Operator Rates/Wages

offer than ours! As of this story’s writing, Van Kam offers the following mileage rates and hourly wage (along with a two-stage $10,000 signing bonus!):

Owner/Operator Linehaul Rates:

$1.60/mile

$48.60/hr

.50¢ fuel cap

Wait! There’s More

Aside the fuel cap and our industry-leading wages, we offer our linehaul operators even more benefits and perks. Free parking on our secured lots, free truck wash, extended health insurance, and dental coverage are some of the additional perks our owner/operator drivers enjoy. This shows our commitment to the safety of our drivers and their equipment.

It’s a No-Brainer

We’ve been in business for 75 years as one of Western Canada’s leading freight carriers… we know trucking! Van Kam recognizes that linehaul drivers are admirable and hard-working individuals who deserve the right incentive and compensation. We’ve always considered our drivers an essential asset to our business and the supply chain process. Come work for us and receive the pay and professional respect you deserve!

Contact Us Today!

For more info, please contact our Director of Linehaul Operations, Bev Stewart, at 604-968-5488, or HR Manager, Alana Henry, at 604-587-9772.

You can also email us at moc.maknavobfsctd-60aaea@sreerac and view all our current driving positions at https://www.driveforvankam.com/driving-opportunities

Van Kam Freightways Ltd. is happy to celebrate the 25th work anniversary of David Lane. As one of our P&D (pickup & delivery) drivers based out of our Surrey terminal, David’s primary role involves picking up and delivering freight in Surrey and surrounding areas.

Born to Drive

For David, it was always going to be trucking. He grew up in a trucking household in a trucking community. His father was a trucker, and at 17, David already had a job in a local warehouse. “My dad drove a truck. That’s all I’ve known, and it’s something that came easy to me,” he says when asked how he became a trucker. “I got my first job as a warehouse worker at 17, and a few years down the road, I became a 5-ton P&D driver for a company based in Richmond,” he recalls.

Delivering the Goods

“At Van Kam, my job is to drive, pick up trailer loads and deliver them; I don’t handle the freight like in the old days – the trailer is loaded for me. My job is to get the trailer to its destination safely,” says David, talking about his role at Van Kam. “The team is strong; everyone knows what they are supposed to do, and the management provides the tools and equipment needed to do the job,” he adds.

A Trucking Lifestyle

To David, trucking is more than a job, it’s a lifestyle, and he says no other job provides such an independent lifestyle. “When you’re driving a truck, you get the feeling of being your boss; so much freedom… just you, your truck and the open road.” He elaborates, “Trucking has also allowed me to meet many people from various backgrounds; it has been a unique and fulfilling experience.”

Sport Fishing

When David is not driving, he enjoys spending time outdoors and participating in local fishing competitions. “I love to fish, but I only do it for the fun of it, as a sport with other people, so whatever I catch, I return it to the water,” he says. Although David hasn’t won a competition yet, he believes his first win is around the corner. “There’s a competition coming up soon, and I’ve made plans to be there. I hope to catch something that can win me the competition,” he says (fingers crossed).

David also enjoys hunting with his friends and family, going into the great outdoors, and spending quality time together. “Aside from fishing, I like to go up to my sister’s cabin in the woods, hunt for some food, cook it by the fire with friends and have a good time,” he concludes.

Just Relax

Not precisely his motto, but David’s advice to anyone willing to listen is – just relax. “I tell people to learn to relax more. That’s what I do, even when I’m working. It helps me keep a clear head and make better decisions,” he says as he gets ready to enter his truck and go about his day, completely relaxed.

How can we argue with such wise words? Van Kam is proud to have you on our team, David, and congrats again on your 25th work anniversary with us!

You always see them on the roads and highways throughout our province. You might have even seen them at the loading docks at your company’s warehouse, but have you ever had the chance to meet a truck driver and have a conversation with one? Take it from us; there are many interesting personalities and stories that you’d only get to hear from a truck driver!

Meet Frank Pelle, one of our hardworking linehaul drivers operating from our Kamloops freight service center who’s also a published poet… yes, we said poet! Read more below.

33 Years of Trucking

Frank joined Van Kam Freightways Ltd. over 13 years ago, and according to him, it’s been a delight ever since. Before Van Kam, his actual trucking career started in the 80s as a swamper at a moving company before joining a union and getting his Class 1. “It’s been more than 33 years now! I’ve been through a lot of winters, a lot of miles through BC and Alberta, battling some very wicked snowstorms, but I see it all as a welcome challenge,” he said.

Frank quickly adds, “This is what I love to do. Driving trucks and getting out there, meeting diverse people, and seeing the entire country in a way only truckers are privileged to do.”

Family is Everything

While Van Kam linehaul drivers receive a consistent “home-time” schedule for improved work-life balance, the unique demand of being a truck driver still means they really value their personal time.

“The nature of my job requires me to be on the roads and highways, but whenever I’m off, I spend time with my family and kids, and though they are older now, I make sure to see them often,” he said. “On some weekends, I meet up with friends, and we go fishing – nothing like a fresh trout filled with lemons, garlic, and butter,” he added.

On the Write Path

When asked about his hobbies and interests, Frank says his number one hobby is writing. “I’m always writing with my notebook: poems, songs, thoughts, and some of my life experiences. I have even managed to put together a book of poems which was recently published,” he said. That’s right; our very own Frank Pelle is a published author of the book titled “A Poetry Gift,” which is available online at www.books.friesenpress.com/store and will be in bookstores near you soon. Be sure to keep an eye out for it!

Driving for Van Kam

“I have worked with Van Kam for over 13 years, and one thing I am glad about is the work-life balance. I’m home every night and have the weekends off!” says Frank. “We also receive new trucks every few years, and along with other new freight equipment, I can perform my duties with a high level of comfort & enjoyment. The management is fantastic, and it feels terrific to be in a place that cares for its people.”

“I like working here, there is a sense of brotherhood amongst the drivers, and the linehaul staff are also fantastic. They make what I do a lot easier,” he said.

Advice for Other Truckers

When asked if he had the opportunity to give a piece of advice to other truckers, Frank’s advice can sum up to two words – stay calm. “The ability to remain calm, professional and courteous is better for your health and goes a long way for you and the company you work for.”

That’s some sage advice there, Frank!

We Tip Our Hats

Like many other linehaul truck drivers across this country, Frank is on the roads and highways, delivering freight to communities every week. With drivers like him, product supply chains run smoothly, store shelves remain stocked, businesses remain open, and citizens within communities can live their lives with minimal interruption. We gratefully tip our hats to these drivers’ service and dedication, especially to our “trucker-poet”!

Want to drive for Van Kam? Van Kam offers a $10,000 conditional signing bonus for various linehaul driving positions. We also have industry-leading wages and an exceptional benefits package! Visit www.driveforvankam.com for more info.