The Saskatchewan trucking industry is built on experience, professionalism, and a commitment to safety. At the Saskatchewan Trucking Association, instructors play an important role in helping drivers develop the skills and mindset needed to operate safely and professionally on today’s highways.
We recently sat down with STA instructor Trent to talk about his journey in trucking, his experience teaching the Professional Driver Improvement Course (PDIC) and Long Combination Vehicle (LCV) training, and what professionalism behind the wheel truly means.
After more than three decades in the trucking industry, Trent’s passion for trucking is as strong as ever.
“I have been in the trucking industry for 33 years now,” he shared. “I always wanted to drive truck as a kid.”
Trent began his career working for a moving company, starting as a furniture swamper before eventually operating a 5-ton truck. Two years later, the company encouraged him to pursue his Class 1A licence. He completed his training through the STA and officially began his career as a professional driver.
Over the years, his experience expanded from operating throughout Saskatchewan to hauling freight across Western and Eastern Canada and eventually into the United States. Today, Trent continues to drive for Bison Transport, where he has spent the past 26 years.
Throughout his career, Trent has operated a wide range of equipment, including tractor-trailer units, Rocky Mountain doubles, and turnpike doubles. That extensive background eventually led him into instructing.
“I knew I had the background and years of experience in trucking,” Trent explained. “The instructing was new to me.”
Encouraged by colleagues at Bison and supported by his family, Trent decided to step into the classroom. After observing another instructor during a two-day course, he realized teaching was something he truly enjoyed.
“It is so amazing to have support from so many areas — from my wife, Bison, the STA, and other instructors. They are all just a call or text away.”
Although Trent has only been teaching for seven months, his enthusiasm for training is clear.
“I love it and look forward to each day I do any instructing.”
One of the programs Trent teaches is the Professional Driver Improvement Course (PDIC), a foundational course designed to help drivers understand the importance of professionalism both on and off the road.
“PDIC means Professional Drivers Improvement Course,” Trent explained. “I feel it is important for all drivers to learn what being a professional is — from their image to how they approach different situations with customers, the public, and other drivers on the roads and highways.”
In addition to PDIC, Trent also teaches Long Combination Vehicle (LCV) training. LCV operations involve pulling multiple trailers and require specialized permits, routes, endorsements, and training.
“An LCV moves twice the freight with one truck,” he said. “That reduces fuel used and brings costs down for both carriers and customers.”
However, operating LCVs safely requires experience, patience, and strong situational awareness. Drivers must have at least two years of tractor-trailer experience or 150,000 kilometres behind the wheel before entering the program, along with successful completion of PDIC and LCV training requirements.
According to Trent, one of the biggest challenges for new LCV drivers is understanding stopping distances and route management.
“A lot of times when we talk about stopping distance, drivers don’t realize how far is needed to stop an LCV,” he said. “That increases with factors such as wet roads and speed.”
He also emphasized the importance of following designated routes and understanding how traffic around LCVs can create additional risks.
“Regular cars are unaware of so many things involved in an LCV.”
When asked what separates a good driver from a great one, Trent’s answer was simple:
“Safety, respect, patience, attitude.”
That philosophy carries into every course he teaches. For Trent, professional driving is about more than simply moving freight from one location to another. It is about responsibility, awareness, and making decisions that protect everyone on the road.
“The driver is the captain of the ship,” he said. “If they feel it is unsafe to travel, then that should be the final decision.”
He also encourages new drivers to remain open to learning throughout their careers.
“We all can learn each day, no matter how long we have done something.”
One of Trent’s favourite parts of instructing is the opportunity to exchange experiences and stories with drivers in training.
“I always say at the beginning of each course, ‘I’m here today to instruct you all, however, I look forward to all your questions, comments, and stories. If I can learn something at the end of this course, we all win.’”
Outside of trucking and instructing, Trent enjoys camping with his wife, fishing with his dad, travelling, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Before wrapping up our conversation, Trent shared one final message for Saskatchewan motorists:
“Please do not cut in front of semis and LCV units. We cannot stop like a car, and we want everyone to get home to their families safely.”
At the STA, instructors like Trent help ensure the next generation of professional drivers understands not only how to operate safely, but also the importance of professionalism, respect, and responsibility on Saskatchewan’s roads.