Meet Jill Telosky: Log Truck Driver

May 17, 2023 - 3 years ago

When I was a kid I always thought big trucks were really cool. I can remember my dad saying “you can be anything in the world you want to be, except a jet fighter pilot. So naturally i wanted to be a jet fighter pilot for awhile. As I got older it became clear a trade was probably in my future.

Through my highschool I got to go to work with a truck driver for a day. I think that sealed the deal. I got my air ticket at 18, my class 1 learners on my 19th birthday. I drove highway freight around for a year and then headed to the bush in a logging truck. I had some great guys take chances on me, let me drive their trucks. Couldn't have done it without Tom Lornie and Ron Brooks.

Meet Jill Telosky: Log Truck Driver

After 5 years on highway logging trucks, including a couple adventurous winters in the kootanys, I headed to camp driving off highway in 2010.

Meet Jill Telosky: Log Truck Driver

I was lucky again, working for a great company that’s grown over the years, changed ownership, yet retained the same values and respectful relationship with their employees. They have mostly Hayes trucks. I drive a 72 HDX. It was re built a year ago, getting a series 60 engine, Allison transmission and 121 diffs, paint and interior upgrades.

Meet Jill Telosky: Log Truck Driver

We work on the N island, mainland inlets and islands in between. Anywhere we’re working for mosaic is my preferred spot. They support their contractors really well.

Meet Jill Telosky: Log Truck Driver

The first 5 years driving for small contractors I definitely ran into some guys who didn’t want to work with a woman. It never really bothered me though. I’d just try to keep up and not break anything.

Meet Jill Telosky: Log Truck Driver

Source: Story & photos submitted by Jill Telosky. Jill Telosky is a 3rd generation logger who was born in Campbell River, BC, as were both of her parents.