November 2024 Driver of the Month: Jim Tench, Flying J Canada Transport (Sherwood Park)

Bio Submitted,

I am a proud Albertan, and I am also proud to be a professional long-distance truck driver (hauling fuel) following in the footsteps of both my father and his father.

My career started over five decades ago in London, England where I initially became a pipe welder.  While that profession lasted many decades, forty years ago I took a break from welding and obtained my Class 1 licence.  I went on to become a heavy-duty mechanic and would go out on roadside breakdowns to repair trucks in addition to still doing long-haul trips. 

I’ve had the opportunity to truck drive throughout a lot of Europe, as a commercial driver, but have also had the chance to drive across Australia, Indonesia and across most of the United States.  Whenever I get the chance to drive a new route I would jump at the opportunity.  I relocated my brother to Sweden (driving through Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany and Denmark) and I relocated my in-laws from the UK to Southern Spain. 

Since coming to Canada in 2006 I have enjoyed a career in truck driving and, for the past sixteen years, I have been employed by Pilot Flying J hauling fuel.  My favourite time is being out in the more rural areas enjoying the magnificent Alberta countryside.

Trucking is not an easy occupation - I’ve been hijacked at gun point, I’ve had my truck struck by lightning while I was driving (hauling fuel!!), I’ve had several encounters with large wildlife over the years and of course having to deal with our frigid Alberta winters.  Safety is of the utmost importance to me and I am thankful that Pilot Flying J lead by example when it comes to safety and training.

Driving is in my blood and something that I really enjoy however I would not be able to do this for a living if it was not for the support of my amazing wife.  There have been many days away from her each year but I am unbelievably blessed to have her support and she sends me off to work each week with tasty home cooked meals in the cold months and healthy salads and wraps in the warmer months.  I passionately believe that good nutrition is extremely important when you are living in a truck and away from home.  Similarly, access to a safe place to park up to sleep at night and access to a clean, hot shower is also important to drivers. 

To the other drivers out there that I share the Alberta highways with … your personal safety is more important to everybody than any load you will ever haul - be alert, be aware, be safe!