For Tamas’ family, moving to Canada to drive with Bison Transport was a dream come true.

Background:

In 2008, Tamas was a truck driver in Europe had to be away from his family for 6 weeks at a time. He drove all over Europe – everywhere but Hungary! He lived in his cramped day cab and could only bring small amounts of food and clothes, and he soon realized that something had to change. He could no longer tolerate being away from his family for long periods while barely making enough money to survive.

Tamas told his wife to look online for work anywhere in the world. He didn’t see a future in Hungary where many people make roughly $500 per month and have little time or money to enjoy life. He was afraid his life was going to pass him by while living in his truck.

He researched three companies that could sponsor him and his family to come to Canada. He chose Bison Transport because he felt they treated him the best and offered the most opportunity. He also liked the fact that Bison offered six months for him to improve his English, which he practiced diligently.

A New Start in Canada:

Late in 2008, Tamas was finally able to leave Hungary move with his family to Canada to start a new career with Bison Transport. 

“It was very hard going to a country we had never been to and my kids didn’t know any English at all,” said Tamas. “But he knew in the end it would pay off and be the best decision he’s ever made.”

Within five weeks of arriving, he wrote his test for his Class 1 and 5 license and was on the road shortly after. He was soon averaging 12,000 miles per month and was home every second weekend.

One stroke of good luck for Tamas was meeting a fellow Hungarian Driver, Steve Jozsa, who took him under his wing and showed him around.

“Steve helped me and became like my second father. I love him,” said Tamas. “He grabbed me by the hand and introduced me people at the terminal in Winnipeg. He even took me into the President’s office to meet Don Streuber. Walking into a President’s office was definitely not allowed in Hungary.”

Tamas recalls his first trip as a Bison Driver. He was moving french fries from Carberry, MB to New Orleans, LA. “I was a paid vacationer” he says. “Driving Route 66 is a big dream for a lot of Europeans, especially if they can drive in the bigger North American tractors. Many Europeans pay lots of money to go to New Orleans or Las Vegas, but I got to go there with work!”

Tamas has grown to really appreciate the respect he receives as a Driver in Canada. He says it’s totally different for Drivers in Canada compared to Europe. In the 17 years he drove in Europe he was only home for Christmas three times and he only recalls hearing “thank you” once.

Paying it Forward:

It’s for all of these reasons that Tamas is passionate about bringing more people to Bison Transport and has referred seven other Drivers who have been successfully hired. He is motivated to make referrals because he wants their kids to have the same opportunity that his kids have. Tamas says he truly enjoys the lifestyle he has built with Bison and wants to share that with others.

Overall life has changed for the better for Tamas since coming to Canada. Most exciting is the fact that Tamas and his wife were able to buy a house in 2010. He says it is easier to do that in Canada because wages are higher. He has also quit smoking, which was a lifelong habit, and he has become a happier person in general.

“I used to be very angry before,” said Tamas. “If someone cut me off in Hungary I would yell at them and get upset. I am ok now. I think if people around you are good that maybe you try to be better. I know that was the case for me.”

Tamas’ entire family have flourished since moving to Canada. His children both speak perfect English and his wife became an Educational Assistant. She started by volunteering at a school and the principal was very happy with her and encouraged to send her for EAL training. She is now a certified EAL teacher and has a great career.

Tamas thinks Bison is the best company in North America.

“The money is great, the equipment is perfect and most importantly – the people are great,” he says. “At first I thought everyone was crazy and I couldn’t understand why they were so willing to help me. My English was poor but everyone wanted to help.”

“It’s a dream being here.”

If you would like to share your stories about coming to Canada, please share them below. If you know someone that is interested in becoming a professional Driver in Canada, please share this link:www.bisondriving.com/drive-in-canada.