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.