September 2023 Driver of the Month: Ryan Divine, Encore Trucking & Transport

Ryan’s early years in the transportation industry included deliveries with a five-tonne body job. Deliveries included everything from school supplies to beer! Ryan got his Class 1 license in 2005 and graduated to super B’s, extended length trailers, and heavy haul. These trips took him from the Alaskan border to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

One of his favorite runs was taking an over-dimensional load over the Loveland Pass in Colorado through the Eisenhower Tunnel. That load was carried 11,158 feet above sea level through the longest mountain tunnel in the United States. Ryan has a true love of driving and says it’s a different way to see the country. Ryan prides himself on his learned skills as he jumped from 60,000 lb loads to 180,000 lb loads.

Ryan was also able to utilize his interpersonal skills over the years. Ryan has worked in Driver Relations Manager, Training, and Dispatcher roles over they years. He was also a long combination vehicle instructor. Ryan enjoys training and mentoring new drivers. Ryan’s best piece of professional advice is always double check.  Double check your route, load securement, measurements, the permits, everything.

When driving, Ryan spends the time listening to audiobooks and an eclectic mix of music. In the past Ryan volunteered as an auxiliary constable with the R.C.M.P for six years, was a First Aider with the St. John Ambulance First Aid Brigade for five years, and a racetrack official from the local club level to Formula 1.

Encore’s owner, Don Lucas describes Ryan as, “a great disposition, it is a reflection of a man who enjoys his work. Because of this, he is great to have on site and in the office. This positive attitude, we believe, also contributes to his learned abilities. He is our number one heavy haul driver.”

The maintenance team describes him as “a driver who practices preventative maintenance daily. He is in tune with his equipment.”

Ryan is expanding his knowledge base and he began a Boom Truck Apprenticeship along with his Driving role with Encore, his goal is to get his journeyman’s certificate.

Bio submitted

AMTA Driver of the Month 2023 Presenting Sponsor, BFL Canada