"I arrived in Canada on the 13th of October 2006 and have now been with Kindersley Transport Ltd. for over 1 year. My youngest son who is a driver came with me and we ran team. The first 6 months are the hardest as everything is new and you have not got a clue what you are doing and yes there are times when you do ask yourself what am I doing and have I done the right thing.
     I now have my family here and would not return to the UK to live by choice. Kindersley Transport Ltd. has been great. The people in the company are more than helpful and when I have needed time off for something I have always got it. I have also never been lied to which is a big plus for me. A special thanks to Jason Stovra ( Dispatcher) for your help and guidance.
     The winters are cold but not like the UK as it is a dry cold and we have snow for 5 months. The springtime is wonderful with everything coming to life again after the long hard winter. The summers are long and hot with very little rain. The autumn is something else with the colors as the trees are starting to lose their leaves. The scenery on this continent is fantastic and I have seen things only seen on films before. Life here compared to the UK is pretty chilled out and I love it. Although it did take me a while to slow to the Canadian way.
     I could go on forever but I need to keep this to one page. To all you European drivers, get yourselves over here. It is worth all the paperwork and you are wanted and appreciated. " - The Herrington Family (Arrived October 2006)

"I arrived in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada July of 2004. I have found everybody here very welcoming. The company has been very helpful especially Connie-Jo Bast who has always been available to help with any immigration concerns." - Roger Green (Arrived July 2004); Edge Transportation Services Ltd.

"Since arriving in Canada on the 16th of July 2004, I have now driven many thousands of miles, seen many sights, and experience many experiences. The initial training program set up by the Siemens Group is I believe second to none. The Siemens training program is effective, efficient and exemplary in all aspects. The equipment that I use for the truck that I drive is brilliant. Driving on the roads over here are mainly empty until you get to the big cities but how well prepared we are as British drivers having driving U.K. roads. The only word I can think of that describes driving through and around big cities such as Seattle, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Kansas City, and many more is "exhilarating". - Martin Rigby (Arrived July 2004); Harv Wilkening Transport Ltd.

"Hi there. We're the Price family and we arrived in Saskatoon on the 4th of August 2004. Myself Fiona and my husband Michael with our 3 girls, LIanne (age 8), Kayleigh (age 4), and Ellecia, (age 1) all came across for the first time to Canada with just suitcases to our name. Mad? Yes! But stupid? No. This is the best thing we have ever done as a family. It wasn't easy at the beginning but we gave it a go and so glad we did. We have been out here for 9 months and feel so at home. The kids love the wide open spaces and have settled down so well. My oldest daughter, Lianne, has made some great friends at school and Kayleigh loves going to Pre-School. They have experienced skaing on the lakes during the Winter and now summer is here they just love being outdoors. I have also made some great friends, everyone across here is friendly and very much famiy orientated. We have a great house and do more now as family than we ever did. Michael has settled well in his job. No regrets and definitely no going back!!! " - Fiona and Michael (Arrived August 2004); Harv Wilkening Transport Ltd

"I think living in Saskatoon is great. I have made lots of friends at school. I like playing in the snow. In the summer, we went to Pike Lake and I swam in the pool with Mum and (my sister) Stephanie." - Kathryn, age 8 - Daughter of Jeff and Carole (Arrived August 2004); Harv Wilkening Transport Ltd..

"Hello, my name is Lianne Price and I am 8 years old. I love being in Canada and going to school here. We don't have to wear school uniforms and we go on a lot of field trips. I go swimming and do Hip Hop dancing. During the winter I go skating on the lakes, which is really fun. Myself and my sisters have just got a trampoline in the garden. We always go on it and have a great time. In our school grounds we have a water spray park and we go there with my mum, its great fun. I have made a lot of friends and I have sleepovers at their houses. I do so much more fun stuff out here that I don't want to go back to England." - Lianne, age 8 - Daughter of Fiona and Michael (Arrived August 2004); Harv Wilkening Transport Ltd

"I arrived on 1st of August 2004, went straight into an intensive training course for 5 - 6 days . Which, was very stressful, but in the end, well worth it. I've now been running solo for the past 6 and a half months, virtually non-stop, which, is my decision, as I have no family with me in Canada to worry about. I've made the

correct decision to move over to Canada as a truck driver. It's my vocation, it's what I want to do, and I'm having a lot of fun doing it. It could be the job for you." - Steve Bone (Arrived August 2004); Harv Wilkening Transport Ltd. "I started my trip in Vancouver, British Columbia. I collected my loaded trailer from one of our depots and headed off towards the Coqohuilla pass (Rockie Mountains), very steep and long drive, but it has its advantages. The ride up the pass, you get the awesome views of the scenery and some of the wildlife. Once over the pass and the long ride to the bottom, I started off along Highway 5, which takes you around the next stage of the mountains. This load is exciting and finally winding. You'll find a lot of the roads here are long and straight and at times, very tedious. While travelling up the #5, I had the absolutely best drive so far. Driving along at 60mph in the distance, I saw something moving in the grass at the side of the road. When I got close enough to see what it was, I saw a wild boar! Then 100 feet over the other side, I saw young brown bear sitting on a tree stump. While I'm telling you this, picture the best park or forest, with the sun shining down and river flowing. Add in the wildlife and trust me, it's amazing. I stayed the night on the #5 and although at times I thought I was hearing things, it was still exciting (pitch black). The next day, I set off again and to say it was unbelievable might come close. Driving at 60mph again I managed to see two huge black bears, elk, deer, a pack of wolves, and a moose. Again, I think, 'No, this is the best trip I've had yet'. Please tell me where you could see this in Europe and say you're working. Have a safe one, guys." - Mark Giddens (Arrived Sept 2004); Harv Wilkening Transport Ltd.

"Saskatoon is wonderful small city right in the middle of the prairies. I just love being out here. We felt right at home here from the moment we arrived in Saskatoon. I took us about two weeks to wind down to this much slower (and more enjoyable) pace of life. My 7 year old daughter has benefited greatly from the relaxed and fun

school environment and actually enjoys going to school everyday. Because of the sunshine here (even in the winter), she has more freckles on her face than she ever had in England in the summer. There are so many activities for the children to join in. From the usual ballet and soccer training to synchcronized swimming and diving lessons! Something for everyone no matter how young or old. I've also found there is much more emphasis on family and home. Children here seem all the better for it. Parenting is much more positive and I have learned many lessons from watching and being among other Canadians. The Canadians I meet are very friendly and helpful and enjoy welcoming us to Canada and Saskatoon. They generally go out of their way to help - no matter who they are or what they are doing! My children are much happier out here. My husband enjoys his job and is stress free. I just love being out here and have no plans to return to England - at all! I'm so glad we had the opportunity to change our lives." - Andrew, Karen, Spencer & Georgina (Arrived October 2004); Edge Transportation Services Ltd.

"Having just had the Christmas period off after my training trip, I decided to start on the road on New Years Day. Larry and his staff at the Edge Garage worked hard and quickly to ensure that my truck was ready for the road. So it was into the yard, strap the load and away I went. My first trip was to Hartley in Iowa. I knew from the weather channel on TV that the 16 south from Saskatoon to Winnipeg was closed off at Yorkton, due to heavy snow, so plan B was now in place. I went to Regina, however by the time I reached the Brandon area, the road was closed off there as well. That's Canadian weather for you.
     The road re-opened at noon the next day and off I went again. I managed to make up the lost time and got to the delivery on time. Due to it now being 3rd January and most companies still closed, I went about 5 hours to Davenport, Iowa for my backload. This I picked up and then delivered to Regina. I then got a load from Regina to a small village about 100 miles away. Not wanting a load back to the Saskatoon area, the dispatch office got me on a load from Winnipeg to Dallas, Texas. This went well and it was down to Houston, Texas for my back-load. This was for delivery in Edmonton, Alberta. The route brought me back via Saskatoon, so I took advantage and went home for the night. When I went into the yard the next morning to carry on my journey, my truck needed to go into the garage for a couple of minor jobs, so another driver took my load onto Edmonton. This now gave me a few days off.
     I got a call from (dispatch), my truck was fully mobile and ready to go again. My load was picking up in Saskatoon and then delivering to Palmdale, California (near Los Angeles). I went via Las Vegas, what a place that is. The delivery went well and then I went about 30 minutes for my back load, which was for High River, Alberta (just south of Calgary). Going great guns now and the job really couldn't get any better. I made contact with Darwin in Dispatch and asked him to spin me and send me south again. This wasn''t any problem and then I went to Lethbridge, Alberta for another load. This time I went to a small village south of San Franciso, California. Once again there was no problems with the delivery and it was back over the mountain, just over the state line into Nevada (near Reno) for my back load. Couldn't have asked for a better load. It was a delivery on 50th street, Saskatoon. Nice. Had a couple days off at home and then loaded around the corner from the yard for Waterloo, Iowa.
     Another good run south and I picked up my back load about 5 miles away. This was two deliveries, the first in Edmonton and the second in Calgary, Alberta (via Saskatoon). So it was home for the night again on route. Got both deliveries off and then my next load south about 30 minutes from Calgary. This was for a delivery in Three Forks, Montana. Yes, again problems and all went well with that one. I then went 16 miles down the road for my back load, which was for Saskatoon.
     I arrived back in Saskatoon on Saturday, 12th February and with the load now parked up in the Edge Yard, I will go on Monday morning to deliver it.
Customs / Broker. This couldn't be easier. It's just a matter of faxing the paperwork to the Broker at the border and they do the rest.
Dispatch (Planners) . Once you get your load details, which includes everything you need. i.e.; Fax/Tel numbers etc., you do the rest. What a massive difference to the planning schedule back in the UK/Euro. You phone the Shipper to collect and then the Consignee to organize your delivery, date and time. LIfe just couldn't be made simpler.
Loading / Delivering . Every Load and Delivery I have done int he past 6 weeks have been a pleasure and I can honestly say the UK/Euro need to take a leaf from the Canadian/USA book for HAULAGE. The Shipper and Consignee are always pleased to see you and I have never been delayed in collecting and delivering.
Roads / Trucking . Yes, the roads are straight and long, but what a bonus!!! We get paid by the mile. The longest traffic jam I have been in so far is around 20 minutes going through Minneapolis and that was the Tea Time Traffic. The trucks are serviced every 24,000 KM (UK: 35,000). That says it all. The other truckers on the road have a lot of respect for each other and are very serious on safety. That certainly suits me!
Conclusion. From arriving and completing the company training program to now having been on the road for the past 6 weeks, I have never looked back and only wish I had made the move a lot sooner. The people are so polite and pleasant, sometimes I wonder if this is a dream. The place (Saskatoon) is a lovely small city and the local community take great pride in it. The company (Siemens Transport) is the most professional trucking company I have ever worked for and they put the drivers at the top of their priority list.".
- Ian and Linda Bridge (Arrived December 2004); Edge Transportation Services Ltd.

"I came to Canada 3 months ago with my partner Mark hoping for a better way of life. So far that is exactly what we have got. Saskatoon is a great place to live and we are enjoying trying out the many places to eat (there are hundreds) and watching the local hockey team play. Mark is enjoying being on the road and I am looking forward to joining him on a trip soon. We have settled very quickly and everyone involved in our move here has been helpful, friendly, and very welcoming and made the transition to new country a little easier. I have no regrets about coming to Saskatoon and Mark and I look forward to our new life here. " - Mark and Ann (Arrived December 2004); Harv Wilkening Transport Ltd

"My name is Billy and I moved to Saskatchewan in January of this year. My wife Joy stayed in Scotland to finalise the selling of our house and get all the paperwork done for the shipping of our Newfoundland dogs.
     A friend of ours, Bill Reid, travelled to Saskatchewan on the 27th February accompanied by six of our Newfies. All arrive safe and sound. Joy finally got here on the 19th March with another of our Newfoundlands, which we had imported from one of the top Kennel's in Hungary.
     So now we were ready to start our new life here, we set about looking for the right place for us all to live and somewhere where we could all be happy. We settled on an acreage 13 kilometres outside the Town of Craik, the sign on HIghway 11 says 'The Friendliest Place by Dam Site'. Well, it's true. The local people are friendly, warm, and very helpful.
    Now for those of you who don't know me, I drive a Semi for HWT. Most of my driving experience was in the UK and Europe. I really enjoy driving over here. The main differences are the wide-open roads and ease in which to get to your destination. Also the friendliness of the people - most people will go out of their way to help. The whole experience is a lot less stressful. Certainly I have been to more places than I have ever dreamed about and hope I get the chance to see a lot more.
    Joy has started showing some of our dogs over here and has had some success. In fact, only last weekend at Red Deer, we made up our first Canadian Champion. ' Can Ch Skippers Go For Gusto' or Ilona as she is known at home.
    We will be applying to stay at the end of the year and hope all goes well with that. We certainly have no regrets about coming over here and HWT is a good company to work for and we look forward to making Saskatchewan our permanent home." - Joy and Billy Stocks (Arrived January 2005); Harv Wilkening Transport Ltd.

"I arrived here in early February and have been amazed by the welcome I have received by the people of Saskatoon and by the company. The company are the most professional transport company I have ever dealt with, from their help with resettlement to their everyday dealings with us: its nice to feel part of a team and not just a number. At 55 years of age it was a big decision to move to this side of the world, but it was the right decision; my only regret is that the opportunity didn't arise earlier but won't stop me enjoying the better and slower way of life here." - John Longmore (Arrived Feb 2005); Harv Wilkening Transport Ltd.

"We arrived in Saskatoon the day after they had 8 inches of snow, the heaviest fall they have had in 10 years. (Was this an omen?) What novelty the snow was for us. Of course, the first things we bought were snow boots and a sled and spent many funfilled hours sledding down the local hills (I think dad enjoyed it more than Oliver).
     From day one, Mark loved the job. Less traffic on the roads and scenery to take your breath away. He found the work much less stressful than his old trucking job wich entailed heavy haulage across Europe. Plus the company seemed to put more emphasis on the importance of adequate training and time with family - unlike his previous employer.
     Our son, Oliver, who is four and a half, is like a different child. In England he was the shy, quiet child in the back of the class. Here in preschool, he is the class chatterbox and full of confidence. The teaching methods seem to be much more positive. He now has swimming and skating lessons is really enjoying the outdoor activities on offer. If you ask him what he likes about Canada, he would reply "slurpees". There is so much here for children to do and more opportunities for them to learn new things.
     And me! It is so nice to go for a walk along the river or in the parks and have people look you in the eye and say Hi! Rather than looking the other way and ignoring you. Everyone seems so friendly and love to spend time talking with us once they hear our accents. We feel safe here which is a big plus. I am also enjoying the shopping experience (something I have not been very keen on previously) and being a full time mum and housewife. No doubt my other half will start cracking the whip once I am eligible to work again - he has an RV on the shopping list.
     We have found a house we want to purchase in Martensville. We have no regrets about our move, only wish we had done it years ago. Do we want to return to the UK? A big definite NO!" - Mark, Margaret, & Oliver (Arrived Feb 2005); Edge Transportation Services Ltd

"It's now nearly a year since I got off a plane and changed my life. It has been a rollercoaster ride with ups and downs like most journeys in life, but I do not regret it.
    The first five months I ran the states and every trip was an adventure, sometimes a little nerve racking, but I soon learned the dos and don'ts. The actual driving (I think most Brits will agree) is very easy. Easier than trans european work with the wide open roads and very little congestion.
    Border crossings and the world over are the same, paperwork must be right (no excuses), and as long as you stick to that, you're OK. ETA's must be written on the paperwork and a good tip would be make your ETA a few hours earllier than when you will actually arrive at the border. It will definitely have cleared by then!
    I went back to England for a month and packed my house up and sold it a month later and came back with my girlfriend and her daughter. All was a little rushed.
    Now it's May 2nd, a year to the day I stepped off the plane and I have bought a house in Saskatoon. At last I can settle down and enjoy all that Canada has to offer. " - Gary (Arrived June 13, 2005); Harv Wilkening Transport

"A word of thanks for such a fantastic Rider Policy program at Edge. It's given me an excellent opportuntiy to see so many wonderful sights across Canada and the US.
    I've been to so many cities I thought I'd never get to see and I feel really lucky to have been given the chance to do so. America is so different to what you see on the telly - all built up and full of hustle and bustle. What I've seen so far. It's been mainly all countryside and wildlife. I think it's a beautiful country, the same as Canada.
    My favourite so far has to be Texas, as we went right through Dallas. It was so exciting! I'm looking forward to the chance of going into Florida and Las Vegas - let's hope it's soon!
    The best thing is I get to be the map-reader so I may just get us lost there ... Thanks Edge, it's great fun and will forever be an experience! " - Nigel and Hanna (Arrived July 11, 2005); Edge Transportation Services Ltd.

"So you've moved half way around the world, what next? It doesn't take long to settle once you find a house, which was only 5 days for us. We haven't encountered any problems as yet, but there you go, I've just given that the kiss of death. Once you find your feet, things just seem to fall into place. Everything from furnishing the house to buying a car, wasn't as traumatic as I had been expecting it to be. Obviously it was a big disappointment when I was able to make home cooked meals again and not go out for dinner, but nothing lasts forever.
    So you want to know the downfalls I have found so far, okay ...
            1. Having to add tax on to everything.
            2. Grocery shopping is more expensive.
            3. Driving automatics on the wrong side of the road.
            4. Can't kick the kids out at 16 years old here.
    Solutions
            1. Don't bother, that's what tills are for.
            2. Send your man out to work long and harder and make more money for you.
            3. Well after the 4th pile I caused, you'd think I'd have learned.
            4. I'll probably have sold them by then anyway.
    What does the dirver of the family think? Well, instead of spending quality time with his loving family (you know, kids screaming and demanding and playing him off mum and the nagging wife shouting at him for being that way) he has to go to work travelling all over Canada and the States seeing them in all their glory in peace and quiet and getting silence to watch his TV at nights. He is devastated.
    We came here, hit the grouind running and haven't looked back. I am enjoying helping out with the kids at school and that keeps me busy and out of trouble. Coming here, we knew we would have to expect change and adapt to a new way of living. It is one of the best choices we have made and also on which we both agreed on the first time round.
    It now feels like we have been here for years instead of months, but that's got a lot to do with our great neighbors and other people who have made us feel welcome and at home. We keep in touch with family and friends through the internet. I think we talk more now, don't know if that's a good thing or not yet. But to be honest we are loving it here and glad we moved, right now we are looking forward to future and are enjoying the present." - Anonymous (Arrived August 2005)

"I'm Juha and I moved to Canada from Finland. I had my own trucking company in Finland for 16 years and it's still running. American trucks have always been my hobby and I'm very interested in them. It has been my biggest dream since I was a little boy to drive one of these big rigs in Canada and the US. Now I'm one step away to finally getting my own truck here.
    I started training September 19th. I was fast, but the most interesting training I have ever been in. After that I had a great trip all the way dawn to Laredo, TX with trainer (Norman Heppner). He is a great person. We loaded back from Texas, the area where the Texas tornado had been. The electricity was off and it was quite scary. Then I got in "my truck" and hit the road! I have run both east and west and I really enjoy it. In this company, people are very friendly and they help you if you need it. I have many new friends and that's good because I didn't know anyone here before. I look forward to working with this new company for many years. Thanks to Connie-Jo, Tracey, and Norman." - Juna Lehtinen (Arrived September 19, 2005); Harv Wilkening Transport

"I arrived in Saskatoon on the 10th of November. I spent three nights in a hotel and then moved into lodging. I'm very comfortable there; it's like home away from home.
    I started training on Monday. I wasn't sure about the gear box on the truck; it's a lot different to what I was used to but Paul Sharpe the Trainer helped me get through it and I passed my test on Saturday.
    Since arriving here in Saskatoon the people in the area are very friendly and helpful me as well as the staff at Siemens and the dispatchers in Kindersley Transport.
    My training trip to California with Brian Weibe went very well right from border crossing to broker's faxes as with my first run with my truck to the US. Dennis Byl, my shadow, was very helpful; going through customs couldn't be easier. I have since visited many US cities and Canadian cities.
    I was offered a position with Kindersley Transport and I must sasy I'm enjoying it. My dispatcher Jason Storva is very helpful with any problems that I may have. Driving on near empty roads here and in the U.S. is great. Even when there's traffic around the big cities, there's no problem coming from the UK, we are more than used to it.
    I'm enjoying life in Saskatoon and in Canada and pleased that I've made the move when this opportunitiy came up. I only wish I could have come sooner. The Siemens Transportation Group has a good system set up." - Simon Richards (Arrived November 10, 2005); Kindersley Transport Ltd.