Pro-Trucker Magazine

My name is Tajinder Singh Rakhra, or Mintu, as I am known to my friends. I have two siblings, a brother and a sister. Trucking has been more than just a career for me; it has been a profound journey that began in my childhood in Moga, Punjab. Growing up, I was surrounded by the sights and sounds of bustling roads, where trucks were a common sight. The rhythmic rumble of diesel engines, the sight of colourful trucks adorned with intricate designs, and the sense of purpose carried by these vehicles ignited a passion in me that has only grown over the years. My father and grandfather were truck drivers, and I vividly remember how they handled their vehicles with such skill and confidence. Their many stories of the open road fascinated me as a child and made me passionate about trucks.

After leaving school, I ran a truck part shop in Punjab for about eight years. We sold Tata Ashok, Leyland, and Mercedes parts. My family owns a trucking company in India called “APC.” When I was there, we had about 30 trucks. My uncle still runs the company but has downsized to 15 trucks.

My father taught me how to drive a truck. He would take me on trips where we would deliver tea from Moga in Punjab to New Dheli, then reload from UP to Assam. We would then load up Koyla (coal) from Assam and bring it back to Punjab. Sometimes, I would go from Assam to Gujrit to load tea. We also brought scrap metal from Gujarat. The whole triangle trip was 6300km, and it usually took us about 3-4 weeks to return home. He taught me about trucks and their parts on those trips, but I mainly learned by watching him drive. Watching him was a spectacle that captivated me. His dedication to his work, the long hours he spent on the road, and the respect he earned from others made a lasting impression on me. This early exposure to trucking instilled in me a desire to follow in his footsteps. It ignited a fire within that would shape my life.

In 2003, my life took a significant turn when I moved to Canada. The transition was both challenging and exciting. Coming to Canada meant new opportunities and the promise of a fresh start. During this time, I met the owner of Allcan Holdings, a trucking company based in Abbotsford, BC. He encouraged men to pursue a career in trucking. Becoming a truck driver has been my dream since I was 15-16 years old, and I realized this was my chance to turn that dream into a profession.

The day I decided to pursue my Class 1, I felt like I was stepping onto a path that had been laid out for me since childhood. A year later, in 2004, I went for my license, passing on my first try. It was the moment I had been waiting for. I was ready to embark on my journey as a truck driver, stepping into a world that had always fascinated and captivated me.

I bought a Freightliner Classic with an N14 engine and a trailer and began to work for Allcan Holdings. This truck became my companion as I navigated the roads of Canada and the United States. I pulled a flatbed trailer and travelled extensively across the lower 48 states. My favourite run was L.A. California to Toronto, Ontario. It was my favourite because I loved driving out there and seeing the beautiful view. The experience was exhilarating; each mile brought new challenges, adventures, and beautiful memories. After working there, I worked for Regel Transport LTD, where I pulled a dry van trailer for Home Depot from California and pulled it to their warehouse in Burnaby, BC. I also hauled Costco trailers to Alberta.

There were many other goods like watermelons from Arizona to Alberta and wood from Chilliwack to Texas. I also had many oversized loads.

As I mentioned, my initial employer was Allcan Holdings, where I worked long haul for 8 years. After that, I started working locally with Greg G Tutt Transport from Chilliwack, BC. Greg was great and very patient while teaching me to back up a Super B trailer. I worked for Greg for a couple of years, then went to work for Fraser Valley Transport from Mission BC, hauling loads of shingles from Sumas, Washington, to the lower mainland. I drove the Freightliner for about six years, but it started to give me some trouble as time passed. In 2008, I decided to purchase a 1998 Peterbilt 379. This truck became a reliable partner as I worked in B.C. and Alberta, pulling a drive van.

While on the road, I encountered winter storms that tested my skills and resilience. The snow covered highways were daunting, but I managed well and learned to navigate the challenges that came my way. Each journey was a lesson in adaptability and determination.

After a few years, in 2015, I took a bold step and opened my own company, “Ride N Style Transport LTD.” I began pulling a local Super B trailer for prefab walls, finding joy in the freedom of being my own boss. The roar of the engine and the feel of the steering wheel in my hands became exhilarating experiences, affirming my love for the open road.

I now drive a 2005 Peterbilt 379X equipped with a C15 Cat engine and a 355 regular rear end. This truck is not just a vehicle; it is a powerful machine representing my hard work and dedication to my craft. My connection with my truck is profound; it embodies the many miles I have travelled and the countless experiences I have accumulated over the past years. Each time I climb into the cab, I am reminded of the legacy that my father and grandfather started and the tradition that I am proud to keep carrying on.

My brother, Gagandeep Singh Rakhra, also caught the trucking bug. He watched my journey with great interest and began to share his insights on buying and selling trucks. His passion for the industry grew as he saw the joy it brought me and how I would always be so deeply invested in trucks. It was heartwarming to have someone in the family who understood the nuances of trucking and could provide valuable input on transactions. Our discussions about trucks often turned into lively debates, filled with enthusiasm and shared experiences. I cherished those moments of camaraderie, knowing we were part of something bigger than ourselves.

Tragically, our journey together was cut short when my brother became a CVSE officer. On his first day, in 2019, he passed away. Losing him was devastating. The bond we shared over our love for trucking made his absence feel even more profound. He was not only my brother but also my confidant and fellow enthusiast in the trucking world. His death left a void that cannot be filled, but I carry his memory with me as I continue my journey on the road.

As I drive my truck on long hauls, I often reflect on the legacy of my father & grandfather and the values they instilled in me. It is a tradition I am proud to uphold, and it fills me with joy to see my son, Aikam Rakhra, showing interest in the field. He often watches me drive with wide eyes, and I can see the admiration in his gaze. One day, he turned to me and said, “Dad, one day I will become a truck driver like you.” Those words struck a chord in my heart, encapsulating the essence of our family’s trucking legacy. It was a beautiful moment, and I felt overwhelming pride and hope for the future.

Aikam’s enthusiasm for trucking is contagious. He loves to accompany me on drives, eagerly absorbing everything he can about the trucks and their parts. He comes along with me from time to time when I go to work. He enjoys watching me drive and figures that he learns something new each time. His curiosity knows no bounds, and he asks countless questions about the mechanics and operations of the vehicles. I take the time to explain the intricacies of the trucks, sharing my knowledge and experiences with him from childhood to now. Watching him light up with excitement when he learns something new brings me immense joy and happiness. I often find myself reminiscing about my childhood dreams of becoming a truck driver, and now I see those dreams reflected in my son’s eyes.

The bond we share over trucking is truly special. It is more than just a profession; it is a connection that ties us together as a family. I can only hope to inspire Aikam as my father once inspired me. I want him to understand the importance of hard work, dedication, and the values that come with being a truck driver. It is not just about driving; it is about responsibility, reliability, trust and the pride that comes from being part of a vital industry. Each time we share a moment on the road, I see the potential for the next generation to carry forward our family’s legacy.

As I look back on my journey, I realize that trucking has become ingrained in my bloodline. It is not merely a job but a way of life I have embraced wholeheartedly. Each mile I drive is a testament to my commitment to this profession and the legacy my father built. I am proud to be part of a family tradition that has spanned generations, and I am excited to see how Aikam will continue the truck legacy.

In conclusion, my journey in trucking has been a fulfilling and transformative experience. From the early days of watching my father and grandfather drive and now sharing the road with my son, it has been a beautiful cycle of inspiration and passion. The road has been filled with tough challenges, but each experience has shaped me into the driver I am today. As I look ahead, I am filled with hope for the future, knowing that the spirit of trucking lives on in my family. The legacy will continue, fueled by our shared love for the open road and the joy of driving. Every day I learn something new related to trucking. It may not be everyone’s passion, but I love and look up to it.