Harvey Atwal Joins Van Kam

Meet Harvey Atwal, Van Kam’s Dock Manager at our Surrey Terminal. Harvey brings leadership, fresh ideas, and a knack for building strong connections. With a passion for teamwork and a drive to make a difference, Harvey is already leaving his mark both on and off the dock.

From Part-Time Beginnings to Full-Time Passion

Harvey Atwal’s journey in logistics started with a part-time role at FedEx while juggling university. What began as a simple job quickly turned into a path of growth. “I started at 19, just helping out part-time,” Harvey recalls. “But before long, I moved into leadership roles, from trainer to operations manager. Those nine years taught me the ins and outs of the industry and how to work with people from all walks of life,” he adds.

After nearly a decade of building his expertise, Harvey was ready for something new. When the opportunity with Van Kam Freightways came up, he knew it was the right step forward. “I always noticed Van Kam trailers on the road,” says Harvey. “So, I looked into the company’s history and values and realized it was a perfect fit,” he says further. Now, six months in, Harvey is embracing the challenge and contributing his experience to a company that matches his passion for growth and teamwork.

Teamwork That Keeps Things Moving

Harvey’s workday is about keeping things on track, and no two days are the same. He always focuses on collaboration, whether coordinating freight, resolving challenges with dispatch, or improving safety measures. “My role is bringing everyone together, dock staff, dispatch, and drivers—to make sure everything runs as it should,” he says. “When issues arise, I aim to be someone people can count on for solutions,” he continues.

What sets Harvey apart is his commitment to teamwork. He believes in listening to those who know the job best: the team on the floor. “Whenever I’m rolling out a new process, I always ask for their input,” he explains. “They’re the experts on what works and what doesn’t, and their feedback is key to getting things right.”

For the Love of the Game

When Harvey isn’t managing freight, he’s chasing goals on the soccer field or battling it out in ball hockey. Playing in a local men’s soccer league in Surrey, BC, allows him to stay active and unwind while fostering the same teamwork he values at work. “It’s a great way to connect with people and keep moving,” Harvey shares. A lifelong soccer fan, he also keeps up with his favourite team, Chelsea, enjoying the highs and lows of their matches.

Exploring New Flavours

Off the field, Harvey is on a different kind of adventure—trying new foods, including seafood. “I’ve started experimenting with dishes I never thought I’d enjoy,” he says. So far, scallops and crab have been standout favourites, with lobster next on his list. “I’ve made it my goal to try something new every month, whether it’s food or a different experience.” For Harvey, stepping out of his comfort zone is all part of the journey.

Building Bridges, Driving Success

Harvey is committed to fostering collaboration and tackling challenges alongside his team at Van Kam. He’s focused on understanding every part of the operation while being a reliable source of guidance and support for his colleagues. “I want the team to know they can count on me for answers and encouragement,” he says. While he has aspirations to grow into leadership roles, his main goal right now is to build a strong foundation for the team and ensure smooth operations.

Harvey’s passion for people and problem-solving shines through in everything he does. We’re thrilled to have him as part of the Van Kam team, and we can’t wait to see how he keeps driving us forward!

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