Behind The Scenes Of Transportation: Interview With Denis, An Industry Veteran
He knows trailers, customers, and the road like the back of his hand. For more than four decades, Denis has been working in the transportation industry, handling everything from parts and tires to fleet management, sales, and operations. His impressive career path has been forged by his versatility and passion for his work.
“I started out working in the parts department… at night! Then day shift, then tires, then fleet management. I’ve done every shift and every type of job.”
With CANVEC for over seven years, Denis is now one of the pillars of the team. And for him, there’s no mystery: the key is customer relations.
A Career Shaped By Adaptability
Denis has experienced the ups and downs of the industry: recession, changes in employers, company takeovers… Each stage has taught him to bounce back and adapt.
“I have customers I’ve been working with for 35… even 45 years. That’s what true loyalty is all about: delivering what you promise, being there when it matters.”
This consistency can be explained by a simple but rare approach: listening, understanding, and personalizing service. A value that fits perfectly with the CANVEC culture.
The Strength Of CANVEC, According To Denis
He doesn’t hesitate: proximity and agility.
“Here, we are a family-owned company that is close to its customers. We listen. We don’t seek quick profits; we think long term.”
CANVEC offers a one-stop solution: rental, roadside assistance, repairs, tires, liftgates… and above all, consistent service across the country. For customers, this means a single point of contact, regardless of the province.
A Sector Undergoing Major Change
Over the past 48 years, Denis has witnessed profound changes in the transportation industry.
Stricter laws: safety and compliance have become core concerns. “A poorly maintained truck is a bomb on the road. Inspections are more frequent, and that’s normal. At CANVEC, safety is our top priority.”
Omnipresent technology: modern trucks are packed with electronics. “In the past, you would patch things up with your tools. Today, a technician connects his computer to diagnose the problem.”
Highly accurate connected tools: remote control of refrigerated units, telematics, real-time data downloads. “Today, you can adjust the temperature of a reefer from your office and receive a report if it drops by 2 or 3 degrees. Before, you had to wait for the truck to return to check.”
A profession that is becoming more specialized: traditional mechanics is giving way to pure technical expertise. “It’s no longer just about repairs: it’s about knowing how to interpret data, use software, and follow strict protocols.”
Finding the right balance with AI: Denis sees artificial intelligence as a promising tool… on condition that we don’t lose human contact. “AI will help save time, but our customers still want to talk to someone who understands their reality.”
On-The-Road Anecdotes
With so many years of experience, Denis has seen it all. And he talks about it with a smile. Here are a few examples:
- The trailer fire: “One morning at 3 a.m., I got a call saying, ‘Your trailer is on fire.’ We arrived on the scene… and it was burning from front to back. The driver had managed to get away in time, but the rest was lost. In this job, you have to be ready to deal with emergencies like this at any time of day or night.”
- The wheels flew off: “A customer called me: his driver had just lost his wheels in a parking lot. We were lucky that no one was injured. But imagine: a truck tire flying through a house… I’ve seen that happen elsewhere!”
- The impossible request: “A gentleman wanted to tow a 53-foot boat with his pickup truck. I had to explain to him that it was illegal… and above all impossible. In this business, you have to know how to say no, even if it surprises the customer.”
- Tire theft: “In the United States, a driver had the tires stolen from his truck while he was eating. We sent someone out… and discovered that the guy there was trying to sell us back OUR tires! We called a trooper and he was arrested.”
- The frozen tank: “A customer forgot to put the heating pads on his tank. The result: 4,500 gallons of product completely frozen. We had to send the tank to a specialized center to reheat and empty it. An operation that took hours.”
These stories, sometimes funny, sometimes serious, remind us of one truth: in transportation, you have to be prepared for anything… and keep your cool.
What Makes Him Proud
Denis doesn’t just talk about himself, but about his team:
“I’m proud of what we’ve built. In seven years, the company has tripled in size. We’ve modernized our fleet, trained our teams, and improved our services. It’s a great collective achievement.”
Advice For Young People In The Profession
It’s simple: “Start with the operation, try out the field… then grow.”
- Learn the product inside out.
- Really listen to the customer.
- Ask the right questions: “Who is your biggest competitor?”
- Observe the competition and understand its strengths and weaknesses.
Denis embodies CANVEC’s living memory and expertise. His career illustrates what makes the company so strong: a responsive, reliable, and people-oriented service, backed by invaluable field experience. In a fast-paced industry, he reminds us that customer relations remain the key to loyalty.
Contact Denis
https://www.linkedin.com/in/denis-hudson-52a6b8ab/
About CANVEC
Founded in 1990, CANVEC specializes in truck and trailer rentals, 24/7 roadside assistance, and the sale of parts and liftgates. Danny Lefebvre, President and CEO, has been at the head of the company for over 35 years. Over time, Canvec has established itself as a true industry leader.
QUICKLY ON THE ROAD. BECAUSE EVERY MINUTE COUNTS.
For roadside assistance, we always answer the call. In person. 24/7.
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