Many people consider an AZ or DZ license as a way to simply become a driver. But to many, the AZ/DZ license can connect people with career opportunities beyond driving if they wish to further their career. In this article, we highlight some employees who have grown beyond their initial licensing and moved into different positions and onto new career paths.
Our CHET Operations Manager, Musket Health & Safety Manager, and our Yard Manager all obtained their AZ License at the beginning of their career and now find themselves in management positions, still operating within the industry they love. Their stories show how advancement isn’t only possible, but can be a natural transition that comes hand-in-hand with experience, determination, and perseverance.
These are their stories . . .
Daryn Rabb
Health and Safety Manager
Received his AZ Licence just before the turn of the century (don’t mention this to him, he’s sensitive about his age)
“The transportation industry offers a lot of opportunity for growth for anyone willing to work for it. It doesn’t really matter where you start in the industry. If you are hardworking and willing to learn, you can go far.
I started in transportation as an AZ driver (tractor trailer). My first job was as a household mover/driver. From there I did some long-haul trucking until I tore a tendon in my ankle and couldn’t drive for a while. I worked as a dispatcher to keep the money coming in. From there I had experience in both the office aspects of transportation and the driving aspects. Every opportunity that came along to learn more, I grabbed with both hands. As I gained knowledge, my value to employers grew. My willingness to work hard meant that employers were more willing to offer me training when it was available. With each new thing I learned, more doors opened. In my transportation career I’ve held the following positions:
- Driver
- Lead hand
- Fleet Manager
- Commercial Driving instructor (still doing this as time allows)
- Safety Officer
- Health and Safety Manager (current)
If you are looking for a career path with stability and lots of potential then the Transportation sector is a great choice.”
Sandra Graham
CHET Operations Manager
Obtained her AZ License in 1989
“My experience in the transportation field started in 1989, when this farm girl went to get her AZ license. With my strong personality, and my dad telling me there was nothing I could not do in this life, I took that mantra and off into the world I went.
The world of operating a semi-truck is rewarding and I won’t lie, it’s a tough profession since you’ll find yourself in different scenarios every time you couple to a trailer. This is why it’s so exciting. Everywhere you go, you meet new people. Everyone you speak to will be a stranger at first, and then they become a colleague and you might meet them again one day.
Transportation is a rewarding career for many reasons. Being a professional commercial driver is a career through which you can support your family comfortably. Even being a new driver and as you grow into the career, your career aspirations are endless with all the different types of work you can complete and all the different areas you can travel on this continent.
Once you have your AZ/DZ license it can take you professionally to areas you didn’t even think you were interested in. This is a profession for people who love change because every day will be different.
I started driving as an owner operator and quickly understood how important maintenance is to be safe on the road with the motoring public. I learned from my mechanics—when they were working on my truck, I was there asking questions. One thing about trucking is, there are no stupid questions. Always ask, as this is how we learn.
Over years of being on the road trucking, you learn so many skills and might not even realize it. For example, you’re learning customer service skills every time you speak with a customer. You must remember, you are the storefront for the company you work for—the customer never meets the company they meet you.
After 30 plus years of driving, I wanted to share my knowledge of the industry, so I went back to school. I received my Fleet Trainer Signing Authority, became an Air brake instructor, and learned how to teach adults effectively. I won’t lie, this was a huge transition!
The career opportunities are endless if you have the drive to learn everyday as this industry is so fluid and changing constantly– especially with all the new systems available making it more streamlined and more efficient.
Once you have your AZ/DZ license it can take you professionally to areas you didn’t even think you were interested in. This is a profession for people who love change because every day will be different.”
Joe Lopes
Yard Manager at Royal Windsor
Obtained his AZ License in 1988
“I was a landscaper in the beginning and I was working very hard, sunup to sundown, plowing in the winter, 40-50 hours straight, working very hard and making very little money. And I always loved transport trucks, so I decided to get my license.
I worked for a company for two years and the owner became a good friend of mine and asked me to become an owner operator to make real money. And I did that in his company for 22 years. When they sold I went to work for Ace Group and, unfortunately, had some medical complications, and so I made the difficult decision to sell my truck.
Jamie Rosa and my wife worked together in sales at Musket before he became general manager. Jamie asked me if I wanted to come and work for Musket, and I said I didn’t want to drive any more. Andy approached me because I knew a lot of people in the industry- I was very well liked by brokers because of the way I treated the customers- and he told me to become a yard manager and to train people on equipment. I was training new drivers on how to use our equipment, how to function in our yard, how to conduct themselves at Southdown, preparing them for the road. It’s worked out throughout the years, and I was very heavily involved with shunting, clearing the yard, they even bought me a shunt truck.
In the beginning, when I started here being the yard manager and the training that was involved, I enjoyed it very much. I hope my story helps and encourages someone who might be thinking of getting their license. I’ve never looked back and if anyone is considering it, they’re going to love it!”
If you’d like to learn more about obtaining your AZ or DZ License, contact CHET at contact-us@chet.ca