In 1953, Steve Wowk started Lac La Biche Transport, Ltd. (LLB) as a freight and livestock hauling service to and from Edmonton for his customers in Lac La Biche. His oldest son, Gerald, started accompanying his father on trips when he was young and naturally fell in love with the business.

At 18 years old, Gerald obtained his Class 1 driver training and started driving for Nowsco Well Services. A few short years later at the age of 20, he joined his dad’s company as a driver and has remained ever since. In 1994, Lac La Biche Transport, Ltd. was purchased by Gerald and his two brothers, Randy and Steve, from their parents. 

Today, after recently celebrating over 70 years in business, Lac La Biche Transport, Ltd. not only continues to run a daily freight service for its customers in Lac La Biche and the surrounding areas but has also successfully completed thousands of shallow gas and SagD drilling rig moves with an excellent safety record. Lac La Biche Transport provides transportation services such as camp hauling, cranes and pickers, and warehousing of drilling pipe, casing, tubular, and more. Gerald believes this could not have been achieved without the support of the many valued customers, as well as first-rate staff, which continues to do an outstanding job. 

“I take great pride in our workers as they work safely, drive safely, and display outstanding safety statistics (TRIF, WCB premium, and insurance claims ratio). We feel this proves LLB Transport works in a safe and efficient manner,” says Gerald. 

LLB Transport has some workers who have been around for over 48 years, with around 50 current employees and up to 130 during the busy seasons. Gerald says that is a testament to treating every worker with respect and listening to them when they have questions or concerns, even with the times during large amounts of employees. After over 70 years of success, he has found a winning formula. 

“We feel that all workers who have come and gone will always have a special place in their hearts for LLB Transport because of the way we have treated them,” says Gerald. LLB Transport prefers to hire young workers in order to work them up from ‘swampers’ (labourers) to drivers in the yard, just as Gerald did as a young boy. Gerald helps provide new employees with training and schooling whenever necessary to get their Class 1 licence. However, he admits that maintaining good, reliable staff workers with serviceable rates continues to be the biggest challenge in the industry. 

As a valued member of the AMTA, LLB Transport takes full advantage of its membership benefits, sending workers to AMTA Safety Summits, training with the COR department, and partaking in any safety courses being taught. 

“The AMTA constantly notifies us of the changes and new opportunities that arise in the trucking industry and any new licensing that comes out. We are thankful for the influence on progression the AMTA has had on Alberta’s trucking industry,” says Gerald. 

For someone considering a career in the trucking industry, Gerald believes that training with proper mentorship is the best way for people to get their confidence and knowledge. As someone who has now been in the industry for over 50 years, he truly believes that you’ve got to keep at it and don’t give up.

Outside of his time with LLB Transport and the AMTA, Gerald values his time with his grandchildren. He has also been flying private planes since 1982, has shares in a local trap line where he enjoys trapping, fishing, and hunting, and is also a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Gerald believes in giving back to the community whenever possible and gives many donations to local charities, especially KidSport and events that are focused on youth. Gerald has been a member of the American Truck Historical Society since 2004 and has restored numerous trucks and trailers over the years.