2023-07-10 18:03:07
André Lemonde has lived most of his life in the trucking industry, and most of his career with Transport Real Poirier. At the 70th Congress of theQuebec Trucking Association (ACQ), held last April, his exemplary career was rewarded with the prestigious Volvo Driver of the Year 2023 award.
Since the age of four, trucks have fascinated the driver of Sainte-Madeleine, as much when he watched them on the road as when he played with miniature versions. “Since I was very young, I always wanted to be a truck driver,” he says. The opportunity presented itself during adolescence when he worked in his father’s milk transport company. He then held several small jobs in the industry before being hired by Transport Réal Poirier in Beloeil.
He has been working there since May 1, 1994, a little over 29 years. He really appreciates what the company can offer him, including quality equipment, the variety of tasks he is given – such as trips to the United States – and the ability to drive dump trucks.
André Lemonde and his spouse Nathalie. (Photo: Marc Lavallée Photographer.)
A model driver
If there’s one thing that André Lemonde particularly likes regarding his job, it’s quite simply driving his vehicle. “I have boundless pride in being able to operate my truck, to pay attention to it, to get the most out of it while respecting the machine. I will soon be 57 and every morning I still get excited when I turn it on.”
For him, professionalism is paramount. “I have always been quite conscientious. I maximize my loads, I always keep my truck clean and I make sure to enhance the image of the company. I have always had in mind that my employer must be profitable and I must be up to it to help him.
It is undoubtedly this sense of professionalism and a job well done, but above all his patient character, which have ensured that in 29 years of work, he has had no accidents on the road. “I’m not a guy who is in a hurry. I don’t have the notion of doing things as quickly as possible. Personally, I don’t like to impose myself too much in life, and that’s how it is with my truck. I never sought to be impressive on the road. I always distance myself, I am on my business, I plan excessively.
André Lemonde has also been deeply involved in the Quebec trucking community, in particular by fulfilling two mandates asACQ Road Ambassador. “It was important for me to seek out young truckers and tell them regarding my passion, whether it be the good or the bad sides. It was good to discuss our travels, our experiences and to have the attention of the recruits.
A deserved prize
Whether it is his loyalty to his employer, his many years of service, his professionalism, his accident-free career and his involvement in the industry, all these reasons allowed him to obtain the 2023 Volvo Driver of the Year award.
When the news of his appointment was announced to him, he had to shoot a few video clips to introduce himself. Shortly following, he had the joy of learning that he was receiving the award. “I was so surprised, I was left speechless. I was really happy, for me it was a culmination of my love for trucking. It is a very beautiful moment in my life.”
André Lemonde knows he mightn’t have the career he has without the support of his partner Nathalie. “Every time I have to leave, my beautiful Nathalie understands. She always supported me, whether it was when I was doing Show n’ Shine contests or when I was working. She knows it’s my job and I love it.” He can also count on the love of his two children.
Despite the retirement that is just around the corner, André Lemonde intends to continue doing the job he loves so much for a little longer than planned. “I am 57 years old, I will have to retire soon. I’m aiming for 60 years, but I’m sure I risk exceeding, because I like being a truck driver so much.
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