Heather Day

My defining snowstorm: From teaching music to trucks

One evening, as a snowstorm raged outside, my father received a telephone call from a truck driver seeking guidance on attaching a fuel delivery hose to a gas station's tank, a task hindered by the biting cold and ice accumulation.

Concerned for the driver braving the harsh weather, I inquired, "Dad, why is that driver outside and not at home?" My father responded, "If he can't make that delivery, that town will run out of gas." This resonated deeply with me. In that illuminating moment, I grasped the indispensable role of the trucking industry in safeguarding the fuel security of our communities and supply chains.

Throughout my teenage years and university, I worked in the family business during summers, gaining hands-on experience in the administrative and accounting areas of the operation. While delving into the intricacies of the company, I cultivated a meaningful connection with the drivers, acknowledging their profound yet unspoken sense of duty to the communities they served.

At that time the family business was deemed too small for full-time involvement, so I pursued my own career, drawing inspiration from the drivers' commitment to community service. This led me to becoming a high school teacher in London, England, where I assumed the leadership of a department comprising of 14 music teachers and oversaw the music education of 1,800 secondary students.

Despite the geographical distance, I consistently returned home during the summer. My visits served a dual purpose: contributing to the family business and reconnecting with the drivers whose unwavering dedication had left an enduring impact on me.

As my father contemplated retirement, I embraced the challenge of purchasing his shares. So I went out and obtained my commercial driving licence and pursued evening college courses in business and human resources.

In May 2012, I stepped into the role of President & CEO of C.S. Day Transport Ltd, becoming the third generation of the Day family to lead the company. This transition marked a significant milestone in my journey, symbolising not only a generational legacy but also my steadfast commitment to the ongoing success and evolution of the family business.

C.S. Day Transport stands as a lifeline for the Canadian prairies, steadfastly delivering approximately 600 million litres of fuel annually. This vital resource fuels the operations of farms, cardlocks, mines and communities, underscoring the impact of the company on the region's sustenance and development. Central to our success is our unwavering commitment to our employees’ well-being, who remain our top priority.

Emphasising a team approach and placing people at the forefront, I have cultivated a workplace culture that values collaboration, learning and professional growth.

Our commitment to diversity is evident in the substantial increase in female and minority representation within the business, fostering a workforce that authentically mirrors the richness and inclusivity of the broader community. Our commitment extends beyond cultivating a positive work environment. I have dedicated considerable energy to the ongoing enhancement of safety measures and driver training programmes. I ensure that every aspect of the operation adheres to the highest standards, prioritising the safety of both the dedicated workforce and the communities served. This commitment reflects not only the company's dedication to excellence but also my personal ethos of responsible leadership and service to the community.

Eager to contribute beyond my company, I joined the board of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association in 2014 and currently serve as the Chair of the Board. I’m also a board member of the Canadian Trucking Alliance and presently the Chair of its Blue Ribbon Task Force on the Driver Shortage. I also serve on the board of Trucking Human Resources Canada, I’m committed to addressing industry-wide challenges.

I remain unaware of the name of the driver who faced challenges during that blizzard so many years ago, yet his memory lingers in my thoughts. My mission is to extend beyond leading a successful business; it encompasses a commitment to giving back to the trucking community, recognising and reciprocating the invaluable contributions they continuously make to our communities.

The views and opinions expressed by the New Industry Shapers do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of IRU.