In an industry that keeps the world moving, passion continues be the driving force of innovation and excellence. From former dry-cleaning business owners to farm girls turned professional drivers, the trucking industry has become home to diverse individuals who found their calling in the open road. Their love stories for this wonderful industry paint a vivid picture of resilience, adaptability, and the profound impact of choosing a career that literally delivers the essentials of modern life. Through their unique perspectives and experiences, these industry professionals reveal why they’ve fallen in love with trucking—an industry that continues to evolve while remaining fundamental to our daily lives.
Sandra, CHET Operations Manager:
“I am a person who needs change and challenges! I was brought up that way being a farm girl and having to work hard, my father always told me there was nothing I could not do. Truck driving gave me both daily changes and challenges. I had great support from my colleagues and mentors.
I am a person that needs to know the whole process so I was always in the maintenance shop while my truck was being worked on to learn. I always asked questions from the office staff and needed to know why.
The why made me accelerate through the industry through different positions. When I felt that I can now contribute to the new generation of professional drivers I was given the best opportunity to manage a truck driving school and extend my knowledge and experiences to the students. I have had a great career in an industry that is constantly evolving.”
Nadine, Container Dispatch:
“I’d say I love the banter between the workers and the drivers and the flexibility. Flexibility in scheduling because I’m a mom and they always accommodate me when I have to go for my daughter.”
Brodie, VP of Sales:
“Logistics is dynamic and challenging, requiring creativity and agility to solve problems, which I find engaging. I also value building relationships with people from diverse backgrounds worldwide. The industry encourages curiosity and continuous learning, making every day a chance to grow professionally.”
Valdo, Operations at Southdown:
“In 2010, after selling our family dry cleaning business following my father’s passing in 2008, I found myself looking for a new direction in life. Growing up in the dry-cleaning industry, I didn’t know anything else; we operated two plants and a few depot stores in the Greater Toronto Area.
However, the industry was changing fast, with environmental laws becoming stricter and challenges arising due to fast fashion trends. I realized it was time to think outside the box. I didn’t want to stay in dry cleaning; I was eager to find something more sustainable that would endure through any political climate or trend shifts.
That’s when I started exploring warehouse logistics, but I quickly discovered it wasn’t quite my scene. Still, it gave me an important insight: everything we buy, touch, or even think about eventually arrives on a truck. This realization made me consider getting my trucking license, which led me to Musket. Although I didn’t take the plunge to become a truck driver right away, I decided to apply for a different role within the company.
In 2011, I joined the Musket team as gate staff at our Royal Windsor yard. The scene back then included a lot of damaged containers and reefer loads, but I jumped in with both feet. I got involved in every aspect of gate operations, asked plenty of questions, and before long, I was growing and learning so much within Musket, despite coming in with no prior experience.
Like anyone who’s passionate about their job, I wanted to climb the ladder. So, in 2016, I took a plunge into a new position at another fast-growing company. Those four years taught me a lot, especially about trailers and logistics planning. Eventually, I found myself yearning for the comfort and familiarity of Musket, leading me to return to the team at Southdown.
On my first day back at Musket, I was already training new gate staff and diving into daily operations at Southdown. I found my sweet spot within the company—an area where I truly thrived—and felt right at home again.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, and suddenly, the trucking industry was in the spotlight. People began to see just how vital our work is; we’re the ones delivering the food we eat and the medicines we rely on. It’s fascinating to think that everything at some point was on a truck. I take pride in knowing I played a small role in all of this. Each container we move and every reefer we prepare helps someone enjoy a lovely meal or finish that home project they started during lockdown, including those sourdough baking projects!
In the end, what I love most about this industry is its sustainability and the positive impact we all make in helping people eat, stay healthy, and thrive. None of this would be possible without our hard-working industry!”
Nilou, Trailer Dispatch:
“What I love about operations and managing dispatch is the fast pace, problem solving and the challenge of keeping everything running smoothly.
It’s about strategy, communication and making sure drivers are supported so they can do their jobs safely and efficiently, as a woman, I bring a different perspective, strong organization, patience and a focus on teamwork. The industry can be tough, but I have proven that women belong here just as much as anyone else.”
Josh P, Human Resources:
“I love that trucking is not a routine industry; literally every day is a new day with new challenges and new prospects! I also love the diversity in this industry; it’s great to learn about so many different backgrounds and how easy it is to share the differences i those backgrounds.”
John, Driver Manager:
“As for what I love most about driver management, I enjoy interacting with all the different drivers, their different walks of life, and kind of learning from them. You see a bunch of people from many different walks of life and you kind of get to interact with them and get to know them on a personal level. I love that.”
Joe, Royal Windsor Yard Manager:
“Oh, I, I loved being on the road, loved the freedom. And I always dreamt of being an owner-operator. Now I enjoy training, I enjoy sharing my experience and my knowledge of all equipment to new drivers. Makes me feel good. Oh, the best decision I made in my life was becoming an owner operator. Considering I had a small landscaping company, I turned that down like nothing. I enjoyed driving, loved my truck, loved keeping it clean.”
Sophia, Corporate Communications Officer:
“I’ve always been a big fan of the underdog and that’s what trucking always felt like to me. We depend on it to provide the quality of life we have grown accustomed to but it’s often at the back of people’s mind if even on it. Working in the marketing department for a carrier and a trucking career college gives me the opportunity to reshape that image. I love to work with people who are in the trades and in support staff roles. Each person contributes to the supply chain. Each deserves to be highlighted.”
Sarah, CHET Graduate (excerpt from WDC Mag):
Sarah’s past experience in logistics inspired her to pursue expansion of her driving skills by attending CHET’s trucking program. “I love operating large vehicles,” she says. “While learning backing manoeuvres, I had to rewire my brain and muscle memory, as it wasn’t like driving a car. The first few days I was in tears. I was surprised at the complexity – it caught me off guard.”
Sarah credits CHET’s instructors for being patient and motivating her to improve her skills. “There were times when I wanted to quit, but the support from the entire CHET staff was unparalleled.”
“I enjoy driving and being able to feel what goes on. I would like to do long haul OTR trucking,” Sarah explains. “I enjoy the mechanics of the equipment itself.” She adds she was fully supported in her career decision by her mother. Her choice was also a pleasant surprise for her god-mother, who had dreamed of driving trucks but was unable to pursue her dreams as that wasn’t something Caribbean women did in the 1960s, Sarah explains.
She advises younger women interested in getting behind the wheel of a truck to follow their dreams. “I would say go for it. Don’t be intimidated by the size of the machine itself.”
WDC Magazine Spring 2025 Issue: https://flip.matrixgroupinc.net/wdcb/2025/spring/
In these stories, a common thread emerges – a profound love for an industry that moves the world forward. From Valdo’s journey of reinvention to Sarah’s determination, each narrative reflects not just career choices, but passionate commitments to a vital profession. Whether it’s Sandra’s farm-grown work ethic, Nilou’s strategic mindset, or Sophia’s dedication to highlighting the unsung heroes of logistics, their collective enthusiasm paints a picture of an industry built on more than just moving goods – it’s built on heart, determination, and an unwavering love for the work.
As these stories demonstrate, the transportation industry isn’t just about trucks, trailers, and logistics – it’s about people who pour their passion into keeping our world connected, one kilometre at a time. Their love for the industry drives innovation, supports communities, and inspires the next generation to join this essential and rewarding field.