In a world where change is constant and careers often shift every few years, it’s no small feat to dedicate two decades to a single profession — let alone to a single company. But that’s exactly what ten of Musket Transport’s professional drivers have done.
Going the Distance, Year After Year
This May, at our quarterly Driver Safety Meeting, we took a well-earned pause to celebrate these individuals — our 20+ Year Fleet Champions — not just for their loyalty, but for the professionalism, mentorship, and steadiness they’ve brought to the road, to our fleet, and to the entire Musket community.
These are the folks who’ve seen it all: shifting regulations, evolving technology, unpredictable winters, global pandemics, and more. And through it all, they’ve kept moving — safely, reliably, and with an eye on excellence.
Why They Drive — And Why They Stayed
While their routes have varied, their reasons for choosing a career in professional trucking often echo a similar theme: the promise of independence, solid pay, and the appeal of life on the open road.
Vincent put it plainly: “I love driving and exploring new places — that’s what got me into this. What’s kept me here for 20 years is that Musket’s a good company. They reward hard work. I still remember winning an award for the cleanest truck. That felt good. You want to stay when people notice what you do.“
Igor, who transitioned from a short-lived office career, credited family influence and timing: “I didn’t know what I wanted in my 20s. My dad already worked at Musket, and one day he said, ‘Come with me on a run.’ That trip changed everything. I realized I wanted the road, not the cubicle.“
For Zbigniew, the choice was rooted in practicality: “It was the fastest way to start working and make money. I’ve been here 27 years now. The schedule works. They pay on time. They’ve got a good reputation. Why leave that? You won’t find better just by switching companies.”
Janusz, who once drove a taxi, found excitement in a different kind of ride: “My uncle worked at Musket, and it looked exciting. When I started, it felt like a family. Everyone knew each other. Now we’re bigger, and it’s changed, but the job still feels like something that matters.“
Adapting to an Industry in Motion
The trucking world has seen monumental shifts over the last 20+ years — and these champions have been right there, adapting with the times.
Igor reflects on what he calls a “revolution”: “When I started, the more you drove, the more you made. Guys would run three logbooks. That couldn’t last. When electronic logs came in, everyone panicked. But I think it saved the industry. It made it safer and more sustainable.”
Zbigniew recalls the loss of the personal touch: “Before, dispatch called you directly. Now, everything’s by email. You used to talk to someone at the yard gate — now it’s an intercom. Less face-to-face. But things move forward. You adapt or fall behind.”
Alex, who has a deeply realistic view of the industry’s evolution, pointed out a loss in customer relationships and a rise in aggression on the roads: “Back in the day, things felt calmer. Now, it’s cutthroat out there. Brake-checking, bad driving — it’s different. But you adjust. You stay focused. You do your job.”
Proud Moments on the Job
Every long road career includes standout memories — sometimes exciting, sometimes meaningful, sometimes quietly satisfying.
Janusz recalls the pride of being handed the keys to a brand-new truck: “Fresh from the dealer. I drove that thing for nine years. Took care of it like it was mine. It meant something. You don’t forget that.”
Zbigniew faced down a blizzard with nothing but a GPS to guide him: “The snow was so bad, I couldn’t see the road. Just followed the lines on the GPS. Got through it. It’s moments like that that show you what you’re capable of.”
Vasili, ever direct, measures progress in dollars and effort: “Nothing special. But I remember when the pay jumped — from $40 to $70. That was memorable in its own way.”
Igor still remembers the early days of the pandemic: “The world shut down, but we kept going. No one talked about truckers, but we were the ones keeping shelves stocked. That meant something.”
Advice to the Next Generation
Each Fleet Champion had clear, practical advice for those just starting out:
Vincent: “Be patient. Ask questions when you’re unsure. Don’t pretend to know everything.”
Igor: “Circle checks. Take it easy. Arrive on time.”
Zbigniew: “Take the job seriously. Too many new drivers don’t. They ignore safety. That’s a mistake.”
Alex: “Focus. You make mistakes when you’re rushing. Take your time, be sharp.”
Vasili: “Don’t think you’re an expert after six months. That’s when accidents happen. Listen. Learn. Slow down.”
More Than a Paycheck
The impact of a long-term driving career isn’t limited to the cab — it touches every corner of a driver’s life. Many of these champions have built entire lives on the foundation of steady work and reliability.
Igor shared: “Musket brought predictability to my life. That’s a gift. Knowing I could count on the job gave me space to focus on family and health.“
Vasili adds: “At first, it was rough. Musket paid less than others. But now? Nobody pays better. I’ve been able to support my family, buy what I need, and build a life.”
Janusz, who immigrated to Canada, reflected with warmth: “Musket helped me build my life here. It’s not just work — I’ve made real friends, shared the good and the bad. That means something after 20 years.“
A Salute to Our Champions
The drivers we honored this May — Vincent, Igor, Zbigniew, Janusz, Carlton, Alex C, Alex Y, Vikas, Krzysztof and Vasili — are more than employees. They’re professionals. Mentors. Role models. Through years of service, thousands of miles, and countless deliveries, they’ve helped shape Musket’s reputation for reliability and excellence.
They’ve shown that professional driving isn’t just a job you take while figuring out what’s next — it can be what’s next. It can be a meaningful, stable, and rewarding path. And for those willing to commit, to grow, and to adapt — it can absolutely be a career.
To our 20+ Year Fleet Champions — thank you. You’ve earned every mile, and we’re proud to have you as part of the Musket journey.