Driver Profile - Darrell Lamb

Interested in getting to know the Big Freight Team?  Well we will be releasing a series of blog posts with interviews featuring our drivers.  Today, we are featuring professional driver, Darrell Lamb.

Tell us a little about yourself.

 I was born in Portage La Prairie, but because my dad was in the military, I moved around a lot.  I would stay in one place no longer than 18 months at a time.  If I had a choice I would be living somewhere in BC because I have fond memories of always going clam hunting out there.  I have settled down, and am now living in Winnipeg, MB since 1977. 

 I have 3 kids ages 22, 19, and 17.  My oldest no longer lives with me, and pretty soon my 2^nd will be moving out to Toronto for school and I will miss him dearly. 

How long have you worked at Big Freight and what do you do?

I haven’t been with the company for too long – about 20 months.  I am doing a combination of the specialized van work, and the flat decking.  Majority of the work I have been doing has been on the flat deck side.

How did you get into the trucking industry?

I was a trailer mechanic and was presented an opportunity to move into a driving position with the company I was working for at the time.  Unfortunately the plans fell through, but I was already on my way to getting my class 1, so I continued to pursue it as it was a natural career progression for me.  I worked with First Class Training to obtain my class 1 license, and Big Freight gave me the opportunity to start off in the in-cab training program.

Tell us about your favourite Big Freight memory.

Hands down, it has to be my experience working with Tony Smale for the in-cab training program.  I absolutely loved it - Tony and I got along great!  We trained together for 5 months; he shared a lot of his knowledge and was able to give me the confidence I needed to succeed. 

What are some of your favourite pass-times outside of work?

 3 things:

1. Riding my motorcycle – I’ve got a 2009 Harley Davidson
2. Working on cars. I was actually a mechanic and for 20 years before coming into the trucking industry, and it seems I’ve passed it down as my daughter now wants to be a mechanic.
3. I love being with my kids. We used to do a lot of camping when they were younger.  More recently, we have been attending motorcycle events. 

What is your favourite song to jam out to?

I listen to a wide variety of music. A lot of what I listen to is heavy metal with my favourite band being Iron Maiden, but for whatever reason every time I hear the song Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd in my truck, I always have to crank up the music.

What is your favourite place to eat on the road?

I have a George Foreman Grill and a lunch box cooker in my truck, so I enjoy making my own food.  Sometimes I make smokies, sometimes I make steak, just depends on the day and what supplies I have.

What is your favourite thing to do when you get home for your time off?

Spend time with the kids and work on the house.  My current home renovation projects include putting some flooring down in the attic space, and building walls in the basement.

Tell us about a personal achievement you are most proud of.

Going 2 years of driving class 1 vehicles with no accidents.

What do you like most about working for Big Freight?

All the people I meet and the people I work with.

Posted by: Marycel Juan