Walde blends traditional values with practical experience

Throughout the trucking industry, stories of compassion and camaraderie often emerge, showcasing the best of what it means to be a truck driver. One such story is that of Terry Walde, a seasoned trucker whose life experiences illustrate the importance of helping others and maintaining strong personal connections. His journey not only highlights the challenges of the profession but also the values that underpin a successful trucking career.

Walde's commitment to his fellow drivers, his family, and his craft exemplifies the essence of old-school values blended with modern realities in the trucking industry.

Index

Terry Walde: A Lifelong Commitment to Trucking
The Journey: A Lifelong Love for Trucks
Finding Joy in the Job
Building Strong Relationships: The Importance of Communication
Concerns About the Modern Trucking Culture
A Legacy of Mentorship

Terry Walde: A Lifelong Commitment to Trucking

When a cyclist was struck on the Trans-Canada Highway in Saskatchewan, Terry Walde did not hesitate. He parked his big rig and rushed to the injured individual's side. This instinctive act of kindness is a hallmark of Walde's character, reflecting his belief that we should always help one another.

At 61 years old, Walde's extensive career spans over 42 years, during which he has transported an array of specialized and heavy freight for Winnipeg-based Searcy Trucking. His philosophy is simple: “I was taught we should help each other.” This ethos guides his interactions, whether on the road or in a truck yard.

The Journey: A Lifelong Love for Trucks

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Walde was surrounded by trucks and farming equipment from a young age. With his grandfather as a mentor, he learned to drive grain trucks and tractors, cultivating a passion for the open road early on. His father, a truck driver, worked for a company close to their home, allowing Walde to immerse himself in the trucking world.

He obtained his truck driving license at 19, beginning his career at his father's company, driving a 1979 Western Star. Initially focused on moving dry vans between Winnipeg and Calgary or Edmonton, Walde's career has since taken him across North America, performing various roles that include:

Long-haul trucking
City driving
Transporting reefers and livestock
Flatbed hauling

In 2013, injuries to his shoulders forced him to pivot from flatbed work to becoming a certified driving instructor. Although he enjoyed training aspiring truckers, the long hours prompted him to return to the road in 2016, where he continues to haul specialized heavy freight.

Finding Joy in the Job

The nature of Walde's work brings him closer to his customers, particularly farmers, who express genuine gratitude upon receiving their equipment. This is in stark contrast to his experiences with van or reefer loads, where he often encountered grumpy shippers. “When you show up at a warehouse, the shipper or receiver is usually grumpy,” he noted. “They seem to be mad at you no matter if you are on time or if you are late.”

Building Strong Relationships: The Importance of Communication

Trucking can be tough on family life; however, Walde credits his enduring marriage and family connections to open lines of communication. He emphasizes the importance of regular conversations with his wife and children, stating, “We talk on the phone, listen and make sure the communication line is always open.”

His experiences have made him acutely aware of the need for proper training for new drivers. Reflecting on his early days, he recalls how the company he worked for in 1992 implemented a rigorous training program to ensure drivers knew how to secure their loads before hitting the road:

Orientation with comprehensive load securement training
A graduated system for handling legal-sized loads
Progressing to small oversized loads after demonstrating competence
Graduating to larger loads only after proving capability

Concerns About the Modern Trucking Culture

Walde has observed a troubling shift in trucking culture, particularly regarding the lack of camaraderie among drivers. Many now prefer to film others struggling with basic tasks, such as backing into a spot at truck stops, rather than offering assistance. “Years ago, drivers would get out and help each other,” he lamented. “Now they want their 15 minutes of fame.”

He is also concerned about the growing tendency for drivers to neglect trip planning. Walde emphasizes the importance of using time wisely, stating, “It is okay to shut down an hour early instead of racing to get to a truck stop or rest area as your clock ticks down.”

A Legacy of Mentorship

Terry Walde's commitment to helping others was recognized when he received the Highway Angel award from the Truckload Carriers Association for aiding the injured cyclist. While it may not be part of his job description, Walde feels a responsibility to mentor and support new drivers in the industry. His extensive experience—estimated at between two and three million miles—makes him a valuable resource.

As he looks toward the future, Walde plans to continue trucking for several more years. His blend of old-school values and real-world experience equips him to impart wisdom to the next generation of drivers, ensuring that the spirit of camaraderie and mutual support continues in the trucking world.

For those interested in the life lessons derived from long-term experiences, consider watching this insightful video: