Logistics is all about solving challenges, and those challenges are all over the map. They can relate to costing a job, connecting customers with suppliers, importing/exporting, or finding drivers. But no matter what issues may need solving on any given day, it all grinds to a halt if the truck stops working. And that’s where Edson comes in.

A mechanical mind

Without Edson, our resident mobile mechanic in Montreal, we wouldn’t get anywhere. He helps keep the engines running, the wheels turning and the drivers safe while they move goods all across the continent. When there’s a problem with one of our trucks or trailers, he’s our first call. Like many guys who know how to fix an 18-wheeler, Edson figured out early on that he wasn’t meant to sit at a desk.

“After school, I got into mechanics, and that’s what I’ve been doing for 18 years. Apparently, I’m good at it.”

On standby to solve

To be good at Edson’s job, you don’t only need to know your way around a diesel particulate filter. There’s a certain level of agility required to hop on any given problem at any given moment and fix the issue as quickly as possible. While there are predictable aspects of his job like scheduled inspections, Edson’s also on standby to tackle a sudden issue wherever and whenever he’s needed – and that’s often on the side of the highway (hence why he’s got the word ‘mobile ‘in his title).

“My typical day varies a lot. I can come in and there’s already a trailer waiting to leave, and I have to fix it quick because they have a load to deliver. It could be anything. I kind of do everything.”

An independent spirit

We often say that every position at Fuel is essential, and this is perhaps most accurate in Edson’s case. He really plays a critical role in keeping us moving, and he does most of it all on his own.

“You have to be independent. Be able to work alone. You have to go in there and push yourself to fix the thing. Whatever it takes, I just go… and it’s going to get done.”

Whatever it takes

Edson is such an asset to us, and it really comes down to a personality trait that you just don’t learn in school – reliability. There’s that certain type of person you just know you can count on, and we’re so lucky to have that type of person working underneath our trucks at 6AM in a snowstorm. Edson can be faced with any kind of issue or challenge at any moment, and he’s Hell-bent on solving it.

“Whatever it is, I have to make it work. I’m always able to come up with a solution.” 

Down for the ride

There’s one other quality that makes Edson a stellar mechanic and Fuel material through and through – a passion for the fast pace. There’s not a lot of downtime in this business and he likes it that way. 

“I like those unusual jobs. The unexpected breakdowns. When I have to run somewhere and get it fixed. What I like most about the job is the rush.”

Not everyone is cut out to be tinkering with a 30,000-pound machine full of precious cargo in a hurry. But clearly, Edson is the right guy for this role. Because he doesn’t just do it – he does it and loves it.

“I’m good when there’s high pressure. It makes it fun.”