We’re a leader in transportation and innovation. We’re not the biggest but we have incredibly high standards and are committed to being an exceptional company to work for and to do business with.
Our group of companies includes transportation in Canada and the USA, global logistics, warehousing & distribution and technology development.
We’re a progressive, equal opportunity employer that welcomes career-minded people looking to advance in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. If you’re a dynamic professional who can deliver great results, we have a career for you!
We’re a team in the truest sense. We’re committed to each other and have an unshakable commitment to delivering for our customers. We work hard to be collaborative, high-energy and positive. We live our values, encouraging and rewarding innovation and great results.
Our success is built through an uncompromising focus on four key pillars. They’re our guideposts for everything we do, including who we hire and promote, how we treat each other and how we make decisions.
Polaris provides our employees with benefits and great work perks! We offer health benefits (dental & medical), paid vacation, EAP program, career development, tuition reimbursements, fun social events, great work perk programs, holiday gifts and company swag.
OUR PRIORITY IS SAFETY
Safety is the non-negotiable foundation to everything we do. It is a sign of respect for ourselves and all the communities we serve.
WE HAVE EACH OTHERS’ BACKS
Trust is at our core. Respect for diversity, in all its forms, is table stakes. We do what we say we’ll do when we say we’ll do it. When we fall short, we take accountability. When a teammate stumbles, we extend a helping hand. We know we’re in a fortunate position and so we give back to the communities where our businesses operate and our employees live.
RAISE THE BAR
“Good” is not good enough. No matter what role we play, we raise the bar on ourselves and each other every day. We set and hit challenging goals. We’re disciplined, action oriented, accountable and constantly look for ways to improve how we operate – especially if it involves technology. We’re into learning. We’re humble enough to admit what we don’t know and we care enough to teach others what we do.
IT’S ABOUT OUR CUSTOMER
We go the extra mile to be the standout partner to our customers. Our reputation and success come from caring as much about their businesses as they do. Through our relationships, innovations and commitment to doing what’s right, we make a genuine difference to their operations.
WE’RE COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING
Our differences make us stronger. Ensuring everyone can bring their whole, true selves to work and feel heard and valued is critical to our success as a team and as a company.
It is the policy of Polaris Transportation Group to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law. Polaris welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
First and foremost I once again want to Thank You (Shelley Uvanile-Hesch), The Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada, your member’s and CHET!!!!
I am Absolutely having the time of my life!!!!
I have Never Loved a Job Like I Love My Trucking Career!!! Everyday I Look forward to and can’t wait to get to work!! I can’t believe I get paid to do something I Love So Much! Being in My Truck Out on the Road Truly is My Happy place, and I’m always smiling from ear to ear!!! I am very lucky as I got a job rather quickly after I completed school and passing my road test on the first shot with only 2 demerits which is something I am very proud of myself for accomplishing! I am currently working for Contrans Tank Division Hauling Chocolate!!! When I first heard they wanted me to haul tanker I wasn’t too excited about that as I wanted to haul flatbed, but I gave it a shot and I Love It, I can’t imagine hauling any other type of trailer! My dispatcher keeps me very busy; I work a lot of hours and endless days but it doesn’t bother me at all, I Love Being Out There! I’ve learned a lot of things along the way as this job never stops teaching me something new everyday and I’ve met so many other drivers, all of which are very helpful and so welcoming to me into the trucking world!!
I can’t express how Thankful I Am To You All for Awarding me the Scholarship last year, for believing in me and having faith that I would take this gift and run with it, which I certainly have! Because of your belief in my abilities I am fulfilling my dreams, and if it wasn’t for your generous gift I wouldn’t be living my dream… I’d still be living with a dream trying to figure out how to make it happen and that means so much to me! So Thank You!
I’ve included a couple of pictures of some of my proud backing moments, a parallel park I have to do at one of my customers as it’s the only way to offload for them and a couple of me with my truck!!! Dana Allard
Message from Ryan Dierick – General Manager, Contrans Tank Group
Contrans Tank Group is proud to partner with the Women’s Trucking Federation on success stories like Dana Allard. Being a specialized tanker hauler, we see many drivers, especially new drivers, who are nervous about pulling a tanker because of the product handling that goes with the job. Dana’s success with Contrans Tank Group goes to show that with the proper training the tanker industry can be a great and rewarding job for all drivers. I personally cannot say enough good things about Dana and her work ethic at Contrans Tank Group, she is always pleasant with everyone she meets in her new career and a great addition to our company. I encourage others to follow in her footsteps and explore the rewarding and enjoyable jobs that the trucking industry can provide.
Message from Shelley Uvanile-Hesch CEO of the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada
We would like to thank Philip Fletcher Commercial Heavy Equipment Training Ltd (CHET) and Musket Transport Ltd for donating this full scholarship to our scholarship program. We are proud to partner with Contrans Tank Group and thank you for your ongoing support of WTFC! It’s been a pleasure getting to know Dana and watch her grow in to her new career. Stay safe out there Dana!!
Looking to start your career as a Professional Driver reach out to CHET at http://www.chet.ca/
Are you a Professional Driver looking for a great company culture to work with? Reach out to Contrans Tank Group https://www.contranstankgroup.ca/
Truck drivers are not unique to working alone. However, in most industries work alone in the same environment. Drivers work alone in multiple environments and face tough challenges keeping themselves safe. There are several areas of risk, including driving. For now, I will focus on when the truck is stopped. Over the road Safety starts with a good pre-trip. This is not news to any professional truck driver. However, breaking down increases your exposure to the unknown. It’s important to ensure your vehicle is in top shape to keep you rolling.
Should you find yourself on the side of the road, here are a few Safety Tips. Keep your Side boxes locked. Don’t leave the side door release latch accessible. If you are approached by a person, who you did not call for help, do not exit the vehicle. Lock your doors. For Back up, turn your phone on to record the conversation. If the vehicle stops ahead, take a photo of the person, vehicle and license plate. Close your bunk curtains as they approach. This will provide the illusion there is another person with you. Do not disclose what is wrong with the vehicle or any load information. Tell them help is arriving imminently. Carry a basic tool kit, waterproof flashlight Carry two days of food and water Keep a travel toilet in the truck for places where you feel unsafe to leave the truck. Keep your curtains closed to give the illusion of a co-driver Keep your cell phone fully charged and within reach in the bunk. Never walk between trailers. Take the long way around. Carry flip flops, always wear them in the showers If you are concerned about security while sleeping, tie the driver and passenger door together with a ratchet strap.
In the Yard – Truck Stops, Rest Areas, Customers First and foremost, be aware of your surroundings. That may sound simple, but for a truck driver, it’s not. There are a lot of blind spots where risks can lurk. Here are a few questions to help evaluate your risk: What are my surroundings? Is the yard secured, or is there a guard? Is the ground level? Is there a tripping risk? Are there people in the yard? Are they employees? Know your work alone policy. Send a note to dispatch when you arrive at the facility. And when you leave. Call the customer ahead of time, ask if it is safe to park onsite. Is there security, driver facilities?
What can Companies do to keep their drivers safe? Well-lit yards. Provide facilities that lock – ie bathroom, showers Work alone policy. Use a check in AP or company communication device. Have a road buddy to keep in touch with – check in regularly. Keep notes on customer facilities. Rate their driver safety for reference. Use an Emergency response phone APP for drivers. Provide PPE for the job.
Deborah Gee
Deborah Gee is a CITT (CCLP) and RPR certified professional. Experienced class 1 driver with LTL, FTL and Heavy Haul. Deborah is currently a regional recruiter for Trimac Transportation in Calgary, Alberta. Deborah has been involved with WTFC since it’s inception and is on the board of directors. You can reach her at dgee@trimac.com
As the shortage of truck drivers in Ontario continues to be a major challenge for the concrete industry, finding and keeping qualified drivers has never been more crucial. In response, there has been a recent shift in the traditionally male-dominated industry as various groups are working to strengthen the trucking industry’s diversity practices and increase gender parity. Recognizing that women only represent about 3% of the trucking workforce in Canada has prompted government and corporate funding, additional educational and training resources and the emergence of new associations that encourage the employment of women in trucking, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the industry. The ready-mixed concrete industry in Ontario has over 3,500 trucks on the road. The truck operators or Concrete Delivery Professionals (CDPs), are responsible for safely and efficiently delivering quality concrete to countless projects throughout the province and are an essential part of the team. Concrete Ontario represents over 90 ready-mixed concrete companies in Ontario and hosts a variety of events, such as our annual Truck Rodeo, which showcases and celebrates the skills of our member’s CDPs. This past summer, at our 2019 Truck Rodeo, we were excited to have three female contestants out of our twenty-four participants, and are proud to announce our first female winner, Colleen Lizotte. Colleen took some time to share how her search for a second career brought her to the trucking industry and allowed her to find her “happy place”, behind the wheel of a Miller-EC King Concrete truck (part of Colas – Miller). Daughter to a dad that had driven both long haul and short haul in the concrete industry, Colleen grew up familiar with the trucking industry. As a mom to a soon-to-be 13 year old daughter, her commitment to herself and her family drove her to finding a rewarding career, which allows her to be a key contributor to the safest, most resilient buildings and infrastructure across the province – those built with concrete. Throughout her five years as a CDP she has enjoyed delivering concrete to various jobsites and helping develop her greater Collingwood community. Her success can be attributed to her contagious positive energy, confidence in her skills, as well as knowing she is contributing to sustainable and resilient communities through her work.
So what is it that makes this a daily happy place for Mom ?
Colleen, what do you enjoy most about your career as a Concrete Delivery Professional CDP)?
I love the variety of challenges. Every day is a different experience. There are not many places you can work where you get something new and interesting every day. I love being part of a team. I feel very supported by my team members, and by the crews I coordinate with on-site when delivering. This is my second career. I was working a minimum wage job and had a wake-up call in my personal life that said to me, there is better out there for me than this. I decided to look into trucking and a trusted friend helped me learn how to get the proper license, and I went out and started applying. It has been positive change ever since.
What do you find the most challenging, day to-day, as a CDP?
Most challenging. Hmmm. It has to be managing the self-pressure to be safe and to perform extra well. It’s not just my job to deliver, it’s my job to deliver safely. It’s your truck – you know it and you don’t want to sit at home if you damage your truck, and you definitely do not want to be responsible for an accident or injury. There can be pressure when you arrive on site, so you need to constantly tell yourself “Focus, Go Slow”, and then have the confidence to drive that way, no matter what is going on around you. I hold myself to a really high standard on that.
Growing up you were exposed to both long haul and short haul. Why choose short haul for your profession?
For me – the choice to drive in concrete just made sense. I’m a mom to a great 13-year old daughter. Driving concrete means, I’m home every night. This industry gave me the perfect mom solution. Make a great wage doing an interesting job during the day and “Be Mom” every evening. It’s such a win-win. I wish more women were aware.
What advice would you give to new women considering entering the industry?
Wow – that’s a great question. Let me think. There are a few things: The first one is that it’s normal to be nervous to start. These trucks are heavy. They don’t turn the greatest, but you develop the skills, an art to deal with that. At first, the hills around the Blue Mountains were pretty scary. You get quickly used to constantly thinking about how to be safe on the road. Making good gear choices becomes second nature. Side note: Be kind to trucks out there. They are watching out for you. Give them room and watch out for them. You have to have confidence in yourself. Your team will support you in learning and growing and you need to trust yourself and accept “I know what I’m doing” and go out and do it. When you start out – I think the best thing is honesty. I’d go on job sites and tell the crews “I’ve only been doing this for so long – work with me here”. And they did. And they’ll help you along the way. Now 5 years later, delivering to those same crews, we joke around about it being my “1st day”. Some women think they couldn’t do this career physically or that they couldn’t learn about concrete. I’m here to tell you – it’s really not that physically demanding. And other drivers and employees here taught me about concrete, slumping, etc. Trust that your team will teach you what you need to learn. They’ll be invested in your success. Lastly, and most importantly, have fun and enjoy it. This industry is made up of great people who love to build and create great things. That is something amazing to feel good about at work.
And the Concrete Rodeo – What was that like? And what’s up next?
It really was a great day. You’re surrounded by others passionate about professional concrete delivery. There were also two other women drivers, which was great to see. Some of the drivers I knew were teasing me at the start of the day “You’re going to win this year” and I couldn’t resist responding “I’m going to try and prove you right!”. Driving the course, I nicked the edge of one of the barrels and I thought “there goes my first place”, but I guess others had more nicks. It was really special to win. It was an honor to get a letter in the mail from our company CEO congratulating me. But the best honor was that day, and is every day, how proud my daughter is of her mom and what I do for my chosen career.
First Female winner at Ontario Concrete Rodeo!
We are all very proud of Colleen , and all the women working as CDPs across Ontario. They are part of the solution to the many challenges and opportunities within our industry, and we appreciate the support of anyone who is positive and supportive of women in the transportation industry. Join us as we come together, problem solve, share ideas and help promote our industry to future generations as a viable career option. To learn more about building a career as a Concrete Delivery Professional (CDP), visit: www.rmcao.org/careers/
Consider the advantages of an exciting new career: Home Every Night. Ready-mix concrete has a shelf-life of approximately 2 hours, meaning it must be delivered locally. For the most part CDPs can expect to be home every night, allowing for a great work-life balance! Great Pay & Benefits. Full-time day shift schedules, health insurance plans, paid vacations, safety bonuses, and retirement plans are some of the benefits offered in the industry. As higher levels of seniority are achieved, the greater the rewards available are. Pride in Project Completion. CDPs help to build cities and communities. You can feel a sense of accomplishment as projects are completed. Being a part of a project from beginning to end is a memorable experience – be one of the few who are proud to say, “I helped build that.” More than A Driver. As a CDP, you are a critical part of a concrete operations team. In addition to being a driver, a CDP quickly evolves into a product expert. Concrete is a unique and versatile product, working with a variety of mixes daily gives CDPs a vast amount of technical expertise. Onsite experience is invaluable for a company and CDPs are at the forefront of ensuring product quality.
It is important to promote the success and accomplishments of our team and our industry’s continual growth. We look forward to you joining the Ontario Concrete Industry!
I wanted to touch base with you now that I am almost 3 full weeks into my training. I am having an amazing time! Everyone at CHET is so awesome and helpful! I am Loving soaking up all of their knowledge!!!!
Last Friday Richard took me out on the road for My first time ever driving and it was the most amazing experience! There I was, finally doing what I am here to learn how to do and not only did I drive Bobtail for my first time I also pulled a trailer loaded with 20,000 lbs of tires! That’s a day I will never forget…it was Pretty Awesome!!!! I haven’t stopped smiling since then!!!! And I’ve driven every chance I get since!
I completed and passed the “Z” endorsement course this past weekend as well which I was super excited about! Everything is coming along so quickly!!!!
Phillip Fletcher and Dana Allard
Thank You again to The Woman’s Trucking Federation of Canada and CHET for this opportunity, I promise to make you all proud of Me. Have a wonderful day! Stay Healthy and Safe!
Phillip Fletcher and Dana Allard
