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Van Kam proudly celebrates Les Topp, one of our Senior Linehaul Drivers, who will be celebrating his 25th anniversary at Van Kam Freightways in 2024. Time has flown by for Les, and he credits the close-knit Van Kam environment for his longstanding career. “The team here is like a second family. Working with such good people gives you little reason to look elsewhere,” he shares.

From Uncertainty to Unwavering Loyalty

Les joined Van Kam following the closure of his previous employer’s business, leading him to a crossroads that Van Kam quickly turned into a welcome sign. “When the company went under, I applied to Van Kam and another company. It was the speed and decisiveness of Van Kam’s recruitment process that made my decision an easy one,” Les recounts. This swift action not only secured his expertise but also initiated his long-standing loyalty to a company that felt like home from the outset.

Finding Family on the Freeway

For Les, the open road is a place of connection, a long stretch of highway dotted with friendships and conversations that make the miles fly by. These relationships, built over radio waves and shared pit stops, highlight the unique bond shared by those who call the road their office. “It’s a unique kind of family, one that understands the call of the highway and the importance of a friendly voice over the radio,” Les says. “When I’m on the road, there’s always someone to talk to, drivers from other companies watching over one another,” he continues, highlighting the spirit of unity and support that thrives among the trucking community.

Embracing the Tides of Change

A highlight of his career came when he transitioned from manual to automatic transmission, a transition that represented our attitude to change, and trust in his capability to adapt. “Receiving the first automatic tractor with sleeper units at Van Kam was a milestone for me,” he recalls. “It was a big change from what I knew growing up on a farm, but it’s one I’ve come to appreciate for its simplicity and ease,” he adds.

The introduction of E-logs was another area where Les had to adapt. Coming from a background where technology was not a big part of his day-to-day life, the shift to digital logging was initially daunting. “I’m not big on computers and tech, so when we started with the E-logs, I had my doubts,” Les admits. “But getting used to the E-logs has really made things simpler for me on the road. It keeps everything in order, and I’ve come to rely on it,” he continues, showcasing his ability to embrace new advancements for the better.

Life Beyond the Dashboard

When the engine is off, and the keys are hung up, Les’ life is rich with the joys of family, the tranquility of fishing, and the open road under the wheels of his motorcycle. His commitment shines just as brightly off the road, with his heart wrapped around his family, including his children, grandchildren, and a newly welcomed great-grandchild. It’s this same dedication he carries into his passions outside of work.

Outside of family time, Les finds joy and freedom on his motorcycle, exploring open roads and enjoying life’s simpler pleasures. This passion for riding, along with his love for fishing, offers him a cherished escape and a way to stay grounded amidst the hustle of his professional life.

A Story of Endurance, Evolution, and Connection

As Van Kam celebrates Les Topp’s significant milestone, it’s evident that his story is not just about the miles covered but about the lives touched, the changes embraced, and the unwavering dedication to a community that extends far beyond Van Kam’s gates. Here’s to Les, a steadfast navigator of both highways and life’s winding paths. Congratulations Les!

Meet Nadina Doyle, our 5-ton Truck Driver based out of our Nanaimo terminal. Her journey into the world of trucking began at 24, inspired by a truck-driving partner. She even got her learner’s permit to drive trucks alongside him. Although life took her on a different path, her passion for trucking remained. Now, with her children all grown up, she’s back on the road, pursuing the career she’s always yearned for.

Driving Her Dream Forward

For Nadina, driving is more than a job—it’s a lifestyle. Her goal is to drive a Class 1 truck. She’s so committed to this dream that she’s taken it upon herself to gain as much driving experience as possible. She even volunteered to drive fire trucks for her local fire department. “Driving gives me a sense of freedom and control. I like the fact that no two days are the same. It keeps my mind active and engaged,” she shares

Nadina joined the Van Kam team seven months ago, attracted by our comprehensive driver training program, which she will be eligible for upon reaching her one-year milestone. “I’m already learning so much, like backing in and out of spots in the yard. I’m on the path to getting my Class 1 license. That’s my dream, and I’m determined to make it happen,” she confidently states.

Facing Challenges Head-On

Nadina faces challenges as a woman in the male-dominated trucking industry but remains determined and resilient. She believes in her abilities and does not let others’ perceptions define her, earning her colleagues’ respect. “I know that being a woman in the trucking industry can be tough, but I refuse to let that hold me back. I believe in my abilities and I am determined to succeed,” says Nadina. Despite the challenges she faces, her resilience and determination have earned her the respect of her colleagues.

The Great Outdoors and a Loyal Sidekick

Nadina loves exploring both the roads in her truck and the trails of the great outdoors. She’s made her home in a cozy RV, parked just a stone’s throw away from a serene creek that perfectly suits her love for nature. “I enjoy the peace and serenity that nature provides. Hiking, hunting, and fishing are just a few of my favourite outdoor activities,” she says with a smile. “Living so close to the creek gives me breathtaking views every morning. It’s a sense of freedom I wouldn’t trade for anything,” she adds

Nadina also has a creative side, expressing herself through crafting and making art out of anything. Her loyal dog, Shere Khan, accompanies her on every adventure, adding joy to even the most challenging hikes or crafting endeavours. “Shere Khan is always by my side, joining me on every outing and adventure. I dream of the day when he can accompany me in the truck, but that’s a dream yet to be realized,” says Nadina.

A Message to Aspiring Female Truckers

Nadina’s journey serves as a powerful testament to other women considering a career in trucking. Her advice is clear and empowering: “Start earlier than I did. Stand your ground and don’t let anyone, especially those who believe trucking is a man’s job, influence your mindset. Mental strength is key.”

Nadina’s story shines as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging women to break barriers and venture into the world of trucking. Her resilience and determination are qualities we deeply admire at Van Kam. We’re not just proud to have her as part of our team; we’re committed to supporting her as she continues to chase her dream.

We’re blowing the horn and flashing the lights for our local driver, Harold Hutchings, from our Kamloops terminal, as he clocks an incredible 30-year milestone with us! Harold is not only exceptional behind the wheel but also radiates positivity and instills a sense of unity within the Van Kam team.

Driving Down Memory Highway

Harold’s journey with Van Kam Freightways paints a rich tapestry of fulfilling experiences. With a sparkle in his eye, he shares, “These 30 years with Van Kam have unfolded like an unforgettable road trip, filled with remarkable milestones. I couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding job.”

One memory holds a special place in Harold’s heart. Back in the early 90s, Harold took the wheel of a 53-foot flat deck Van Kam truck to join the festive Christmas parades in Kamloops. The joy he found during these events was not just from the drive itself but also from the connections made with the delighted community he served. In Harold’s words, “Those parades were more than just a drive—they were a way to connect with our community. Seeing the smiles we brought to people’s faces, that’s something I’ll always cherish.”

From Mile Marker to Mile Marker

Harold has been a part of Van Kam’s evolution, witnessing the landscape change firsthand. In his own words, “Seeing the company grow and change has been a huge part of my life. We’ve revamped our facilities, opened new terminals, refreshed our fleet of trucks, and nurtured an incredible work culture,” he says with pride. “Every step of the way, I’ve been proud to be part of this progressive Van Kam family that always strives for excellence. It’s not just the company’s achievement; it’s ours, as a team. And that’s something special,” he adds.

Highway to Harmony

When asked about what makes Van Kam stand out, he is quick to point to the people that make up the team. “The warmth, the camaraderie, the shared spirit – it’s all about the people,” he shares, with a smile in his voice. “We’re more than just colleagues. We’re a community, a family. We look out for each other, and that makes all the difference,” he says further.

Off-Road Adventures

When he’s not at the wheel for Van Kam, Harold is steering his way along a different kind of route – the wild, open tracks of Mother Nature. Nestled beside a tranquil lake lies Harold’s cherished cabin, his very own pitstop amidst life’s fast-paced race. Whether it’s fishing, hunting, snow skiing or simply gathering around a warm campfire, Harold relishes these moments away from the highway. “There’s nothing like swapping the roar of an engine for the whisper of the wind through the trees. It’s the perfect detour,” he says fondly.

Here’s to You, Harold

Harold’s journey reminds us of the dedication and resilience that have been instrumental in shaping Van Kam over the years. His infectious enthusiasm inspires us every day, and we’re incredibly grateful to have him on our team. Here’s to celebrating many more milestones together, Harold. Thank you for your invaluable service and the positivity you bring to Van Kam!

Many authorities agree that backing is one of most difficult skills for drivers to master, so it’s no wonder that backing accidents are common. Poles, parked vehicles, and other stationary objects are the usual victims, but in addition to causing costly damage, backing accidents frequently injure and even kill workers.

To avoid such accidents, site owners and managers need to work with site workers and drivers to identify hazards and ensure that everyone has best practices in place in conjunction with a site safety plan.

The basic problem for drivers when backing is that they simply cannot see where they are going. There are always blind spots around any vehicle and with large trucks, the difficulties multiply. If you’re a driver, always make sure the truck’s mirrors are clean and properly adjusted before attempting to back up. Cameras on the truck can also aid your vision.

However, even with mirrors and camera in use, there are places you may not be able to see from the cab, including:

• The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has created a fact sheet titled “Road Work – Backing Up Safely” that provides a number of tips. It suggests that drivers do a circle check before beginning to back, climbing down from the cab and walking around the vehicle to inspect under, around, and above it. The word “GOAL” is sometimes used as a quick reminder: Get Out And Look.directly behind the trailer,
• above the ground, and
• along the sides of the rig.

You should be watching for:

• posts and poles,
• buildings,
• overhead objects, especially electrical/power lines,
• other vehicles,
• people in the area, and
• anything else that might be in the way or move into the path of the backing truck.

When possible, work with a spotter or signaller who can see where you cannot. There is no substitute for the human eye and brain, and a spotter can be a great help. Both drivers and signallers need training in how to work together. If you’re in the situation of dealing with someone you haven’t worked with before, take the time to confirm the signals they will use. You need perfect communication here.

Don’t forget to turn off the cell phone, radio, and any other distractions before backing. You need all your senses and powers of concentration to pull off this skilled task safely.

 

 

When drivers are sleepy they are less able to respond quickly to changes in the road environment (that is, reaction time is slower) and they are also less likely to notice things that may pose a risk.

For example, a fatigued or sleepy driver will probably take longer to notice an upcoming intersection or railway crossing. Another risk is that the fatigued or sleepy driver will fall asleep while driving.

Research on the proportion of casualty crashes that are a result of fatigue has had mixed results, but often it is reported that around 20% of fatal crashes are fatigue related, and that this percentage is higher for crashes involving commercial vehicles.

What can be done to prevent fatigue related crashes? Drivers can do a range of things to reduce their risk of a fatigue related crash. These include:

• not driving at times of the day when they are usually asleep
• getting enough sleep before driving
• stopping driving for a short sleep if they notice signs of fatigue or sleepiness (such as yawning, blinking more than usual, or forgetting the last few kilometers of driving).

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We all wanted to talk like a trucker after seeing trucking movies like Smokey and the Bandit, Black Dog and Convoy. Trucking lingo is still as cool as ever. So if you want to speak trucker, try using these phrases the next time you’re on a CB radio and you’re sure to fit in. 10-4!

• All locked up: weigh station closed
• Alligator: piece of tire debri- if you’re not careful it can flip up and “bite you”
• Back it down: slow down
• Bear: law enforcement officer
• Bear bite: speeding ticket
• Bikini: Florida
• Bird dog: radar detector
• Brush your teeth and comb your hair: radar gun is monitoring cars
• Bumper sticker: someone who is tailgating
• Chicken lights: truck and trailer with extra lights
• Convoy: trucker’s traveling together
• City Kitty: female police officer
• Destruction Zone: road construction
• Double nickel: 55 mph
• Driver awards: ticket or citation
• Evil Knievel: law enforcement on a motorcycle
• Furniture wreckers: moving companies
• Go juice: diesel fuel
• 42: Yes or Ok
• Go- go juice: diesel fuel
• Green stamps: money
• Hood ornament: motorcycle
• Lollipop: small reflector poles on the side of the highway
• Meat wagon: ambulance
• Quiz: breathalyzer test
• Salt Shaker: snow plow
• Skins: tires
• Warden: wife
• We’re clear: sign off
• Zipper: painted lines on the road
• 10-4: message received

If you are a new driver or have friends who drive 18 wheelers, who you’re trying to keep up with, here’s some of the popular trucker lingo translated to real English.

If you spend a lot of time alone on the open road there are some important ways to be aware of to keep healthy in body and mind. Being isolated could have a damaging effect on your health and well being. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recently interviewed nearly 1,700 truckers about their health and work—and the results were shocking.

69% were obese. 54% smoked. And 88% reported at least one risk factor for chronic disease. We’ve compiled a few recommendations so we all can be health conscious and proactive to take proper care!  Have a read below!  

• Join a wellness program

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will requires self discipline. It may involve  joining a program such as health coaching, nutritionists or tobacco counseling to develop new healthy habits or reduce chronic illnesses like depression, sleep apnea and obesity. Check with your insurance if a wellness program is available to join. Using a wellness program could greatly reduce stress and the risk of other health concerns.

• Explore fitness options

You need to commit to a consistent plan by giving you the time and the opportunity to eat healthier and to exercise more. You can also get your own bike and ride on the specific areas. If you want to get in shape, you can also download the Iron Trucker Fitness app to bring the gym to yourself. The app includes a database of exercises you can perform using your tractor-trailer.

• Increase mental stimulation

Keep constantly your brain in shape while driving. Listen to audiobooks, podcasts or lean a new language will keep your brain waves moving to maintain proper intellectual stimulation, boost your ability to multitask and think deeply. No matter how mentally fit you think you are, it is important to get additional exercise while you drive to stimulate your brain.

• Develop a stable sleep schedule

Sleep deprivation causes every year almost 100 000 vehicle accidents and 1550 fatalities a year. The human body needs 7-8 hours of rest a day. Sleeping is very important to your overall well-being. Fatigue is an important safety issue for truck drivers. To improve your sleep you need to create a relaxing and quiet bedtime routine along with a good sleep environment to improve your sleep. Close all curtains and truck shades or use an eye mask. Try also to sleep at the same time everyday.

• Socialize with family and friends

One of the main reason people get away from traffic is the relentless solitude; the isolation from their home and their family that can push truck drivers to drug use or accident. Maintain contact with family and friends to lessen the feelings of loneliness and isolation. Make a plan to stay in touch with loved ones at home and make the most of your time when you are with them.

 

One of the biggest challenges for drivers is to maintain a healthy diet while out on the road. It is common for those with an unhealthy diet to have health issues that will later affect their career, including not being qualified to drive

One of the reasons impeding drivers from having a healthy diet comes from the lack of accessible healthy food. Truck stops offer mega deals on supersized fast food meals, with extremely high calories. It is rare to find healthy food with the same deals.

According to studies conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, roughly 70% of drivers are overweight, which can lead to greater health risks, such as diabetes, sleep apnea and heart disease. Drivers may know that what they eat is bad for them, but they may not know how to make a change.

It is never too late to rediscover healthy eating habits. Here are 7 tips to help you improve your nutrition and healthy eating:

1. Aim to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily to balance calories and nutrients when meal choices are limited. Opt for salad instead of fries, or choose fresh fruit and nuts as a snack.
2. Decide to make healthier choices on your own and commit to them. Begin with small changes you can stick with, such as trading soda for water or green tea. Instead of putting cream and sugar in your coffee, opt for skim milk.
3. When you have some time at home, plan and prepare your meals in advance. Freeze them in portion-size containers and bring them with you in a portable cooler when you are on the road. You will save money and have access to better food.
4. Stock your cab’s refrigerator with healthy snacks so you are not starving when you stop for a meal break. Healthy snack options could be nuts, raisins, and naturally sweetened or low sugar protein bars.
5. Don’t try to save time by skipping breakfast or snack time. Start the day with good intentions with eggs and whole wheat toast, or Greek yoghurt with berries. Healthy snacking also prevents overeating later- precut veggies or natural cheese are good options.
6. Start by eating a large breakfast, in order to be less likely to snack and crave bigger meals throughout the day.
7. Figure out what obstacles are standing between you and a healthier way of eating and find solutions to overcome those obstacles.

By tackling these 7 tips, you will be able to take realistic steps toward becoming a healthier truck driver.

Van Kam is proud to announce the pre-order of 3 new Tesla Semi trucks to improve efficiency and to enhance the experience and safety for our drivers. The first delivery is expected in late 2019.

“We expect to reduce our costs, save more energy and maintain the safety of our drivers in the years ahead.”- Casey Henry, Controller of Van Kam.

The electric truck has remarkable features, including a capacity to travel 500 miles on a full charge, impact-resistant glass, an innovative cabin design and the ability to go from 0-60 mph in five seconds without any cargo, using a solar powered charging station.

Inside the truck, two touchscreen displays offer an easy access to navigation, blind-spot monitoring and electronic-data-logging capabilities. Built-in connectivity will allow direct communication with a fleet’s routing and scheduling system, which make it the safest, most comfortable truck ever.

With the buzz around autonomous vehicles, many find it interesting that Tesla paid so much attention to the driver experience.

Aside from safety gains, the redesigned cabin — which has enough space to stand up and move around — puts the driver at the center, allowing for optimal visibility and control.

Tesla says the semi-trucks will offer a better experience for truck drivers, increase safety and significantly reduce the cost of cargo transport.