Family has always been an important ingredient in the recipe of success that is Ross Sanderson Trucking (RST) out of Acheson, Alberta.

Ross Sanderson – one of a family of six – grew up on a self-sustaining acreage where his family raised and preserved their food. Ross’s father, Lloyd, was a heavy-duty mechanic who did some earth moving and hauling, so from a young age, Ross had access to equipment and operations.

Ross started working for Lee Tool in Red Deer, obtaining his journeyman picker operator certification and taking jobs that allowed him to gain experience in all types of trucking for skill progression. In 1999, he started the company and worked as an owner-operator for Mullen Trucking. From 1999 to 2019, RST – which specializes in Canada-only oversize and overweight loads, with a focus on equipment hauling – grew from one to four trucks, focusing on the Western Canadian market in deck freight and equipment hauling trucking.

In 2019, Ross passed away, leaving a legacy of hard work and dedication to the industry. His daughter Tamara took over the family business.

“The challenges were two-fold. The first was the daily management, and the second was business matters,” Tamara explained. “Ross was a very hands-on owner with an authoritative leadership style. Our initial response to the crisis was to keep the business running smoothly to support employees and prevent disruption to trucking services.

“Ron, Ross’s older brother, took over the dispatch and daily operations. I resigned from my municipal career and relocated. These choices allowed me to assess the business and its position to develop a strategy for continued success. During the year following Ross’s death, I learned every aspect of Ross Sanderson Trucking, with a real focus on business retention and how to position ourselves for future success.”

In 2022, Tamara joined forces with The Gattackers, who own and manage their US-to-Canada trucking company, Bushell Transport Co. Ltd., out of Acheson. The partnership boosted the company’s advancement by incorporating best practices, technology for efficiency, a review of safety systems, and the application of human resources to modernize the operation.

Accessibility to additional trailer configurations and the addition of the US and Canada brokerage increased RST’s hauling capabilities and the services it offers, creating more success. Part of that success is the RST team, and like most carriers, they are feeling the effects of Canada’s commercial driver shortage.

“We see there is a lack of skilled drivers available,” said Tamara. “This is driving our team to dig deep into the advancement of our practices and procedures from onboarding employees, progress reviews, the development of a driver training program, and rewards and recognition to celebrate individuals.”

And having a strong team is key to what makes RST tick.

“Reflecting on my journey, I am truly proud to be part of the RST. Working alongside Ross during my previous role, I had respect for him. Since Tamara took over management, the energy and vision have only grown stronger,” said Edwin Krezanoski. “Each driver who has joined our team brings unique talent and skills, and together, we’ve faced challenges head-on, learning new trailer systems and expanding the provinces we haul in.”

Working together includes driver mentoring, said two-and-a-half-year RST staff Josh Wenz.

“It isn’t uncommon practice at RST to have drivers load in tandem with senior drivers, with trailer setups that are new to them, or help familiarize drivers with trailer operations and loading procedures,” he said. “Our senior drivers are more than willing to help/mentor our ‘junior’ drivers and pass down the experiences and expertise.”

Gerald Prankie echoed those comments.

“Working at RST is being part of a well-connected team unafraid to take on challenges and haul to new places nationwide. It’s rewarding to provide our services to many infrastructure and natural resource projects spanning all industries.”

As a long-time AMTA member, RST’s journey with the Association began with the Education Department.

“My initial contact with AMTA occurred in 2011 when I took the Health and Safety System Building course. The two-day course gave me all the information needed to create a customized safety program,” Tamara said. “The course was delivered in person, which benefitted networking and understanding how the association advocates for the trucking industry. Since then, they have been my go-to for resources and education opportunities. Member services advisors have become partners, and we cheer one another along to help level up our business and career pursuits.”