Learn More About Why James Loves to Drive for Veolia
"I feel like more than just a number"
Veolia is a huge, multinational company, but I work with about 10 people, and we all know each other. And they know me as James. I'm not just another number in the company payroll.
I recall a time when I was out of work for a short while. And all I got was support from the company and my coworkers.
I drive out of Phoenix, but I even had people in LA and Salt Lake City asking me how I was and how things went. And they were happy to see me back and were aware of what had happened. That means the company was communicating, and it makes me feel good to be part of this community at Veolia.
"I never feel rushed, even during rush hour"
Being a truck driver means sometimes running into an unexpected turn of events. If there's a lot of traffic, or an accident, or bad weather, I call my boss and tell him the situation. And there's always an understanding.
Outside of that, if there's ever an issue with my truck that could put myself or others in danger, the response is always: get it fixed. It's never, "oh, but can you try to drive on that just a bit farther." No. It's just get it fixed.
Part of my job is getting the materials from point A to point B on a schedule. But if something out of my control is going to affect that, my boss never makes me feel rushed. Safety for myself and others is always the #1 priority. It's just part of the culture here.
"The view from my office changes every day"
When I was growing up, I did a lot of traveling across the country, and I learned to look at scenery. When I drive now, I can drive the same road but the scenery is always changing, depending on the time of day, the shadows, the clouds, etc.
It's amazing what I get to see every day.
"I love being alone and setting my own schedule"
The routing is up to me. The decisions are up to me. It's almost like being an owner, but without all of the stress. When I turn the key, I own the truck.
Of course, I can call my manager if I need any support at any time. But, ultimately, I'm responsible for myself and my truck.
To me, if you love to be alone and love managing your own time and your own schedule, this is the perfect job.
"My job is important"
Everyone has a job here and no one's job is any more or less important than anyone else's.
A manager or someone in corporate might have more to oversee, but without truck drivers — without people moving the product — no one else is going to be able to do their job.
So I feel important. I feel there's respect for what I do. I feel important to the company and the big picture.
