THE BEAUTY IS IN THE JOURNEY: VOLODYMYR BOYKO’S STORY

At Erb, trucking goes beyond food delivery, it is a rewarding lifestyle because we are part of an intricate ecosystem that keeps our communities alive. The road to becoming a professional driver looks different for everyone. For Erb long-haul driver Volodymyr Boyko, a career behind the wheel began with a move from Ukraine to Canada. He decided it was time to turn something he had always enjoyed into a career; this was the beginning of his new journey, a life behind the wheel. We caught up with Volodymyr to hear about his journey, life on the road, and what keeps him moving. What were you doing back home in Ukraine? In Ukraine, I worked at a meat factory, then later at a milk factory and finally as a mechanic, so I have experience working around the food industry. What brought you to Canada? I came to Canada in 2017 from Ukraine because I wanted a better life for myself, and Canada has more opportunities. I settled in Kitchener, Ontario. When I first arrived, I got a job at Conestoga Farm Fresh. Why truck driving and how did your driving career begin? I had always loved driving. I enjoy being on the road, sightseeing, and exploring different places. For me, that is part of the fun. I decided to go to trucking school while I was still working at Conestoga Farm Fresh. For about three or four months, I balanced working with training for my AZ licence. It was worth it; I got my license in 2020, when I was 37. Was becoming a professional driver something you had always wanted to do? Yes! I love being on the road and behind the wheel. While working in the factory in Ukraine, I knew I wanted to drive, so when I got to Canada, I decided to get into trucking. How did you find your way to Erb? My first driving job was with a local trucking company in Kitchener. It was a good experience, but I was driving the same route every day and wanted something more. While I was out driving, I kept seeing the red Erb trucks on the road. They caught my attention, and I started thinking about what it would be like to drive for Erb. About a year later, I applied, and that started the next chapter of my career. What do you enjoy most about long-haul driving? Every trip is different. Since joining Erb, I’ve travelled across North America, including Georgia, Illinois, Wisconsin, and California. My longest trip was about two weeks. I enjoy that every delivery gives me a chance to see somewhere new. No day is the same, and that is what keeps my job interesting. When I am away for longer periods, my truck becomes my home away from home. What does a typical day look like? Every day can be a little different, but I usually start at my home terminal. I keep my belongings organized in my truck, so I'm prepared for longer trips and have what I need while I'm away. When I arrive for my shift, my truck is ready to go and loaded with fresh or frozen freight. Once everything is secured, I hit the road. Tools like Isaac Instruments help with routing and tracking information when I need it. I also have familiar truck stops along my routes where I know I can stop, rest and recharge. After making my delivery, I often return with a full trailer. Long-haul driving means spending a lot of time away from home. What helps you on the road? Knowing that support is always available makes a big difference. Dispatch provides 24/7 support, which makes me feel like I am never alone on the road. Erb also has a strong sense of community. You can see it in the way management and teams communicate and support each other. Many drivers have been here for more than five years, and I think that says a lot. I am proud to be here. I have even recommended friends who now work at Erb, and they love it too. Would you say your job is rewarding? Yes. There's an adventure to it, but there's also a purpose behind what we're doing. When I'm delivering a load, I know the food I'm carrying is going somewhere it is needed. We're helping keep shelves stocked and bringing food to families' tables. That makes my work rewarding, because I know my job helps nourish communities. What advice would you give someone considering a career in trucking? The truck driver lifestyle can be difficult because of the long driving hours, but it is possible and worth it. You must love driving. The beauty is in the journey. My work is exciting and adventurous; no day is the same, and it is rewarding because I know my job is contributing to nourishing my community.

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