Reflecting on 2024, this was a year of progress and purpose. We celebrated milestones, embraced new opportunities, and strengthened the connections that make Van Kam Freightways a trusted name across British Columbia. This year was one for the books, from impactful community initiatives to significant achievements in sustainability and operations.
This year, we proudly joined the BC Buy Local initiative, reaffirming our commitment to supporting the communities we serve. As a family-owned business with deep roots in British Columbia, working with nearly 5,000 local businesses has always been part of who we are. This partnership strengthens our dedication to fostering local growth and ensuring that every mile we travel benefits the province we call home.
In 2024, we reached a claims ratio of just 0.39%, significantly outperforming the industry average of 0.50%. This achievement reflects the dedication of our drivers, dock teams, and operations staff, whose attention to detail ensures freight arrives safely. Our Claims Manager, Amarta Chowdhury, summed it up best: “It’s not just about keeping the numbers low; it’s about caring for our customers every step of the way.”
We also earned SmartWay certification, recognizing our efforts to operate more sustainably. By focusing on fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, we are not just moving freight; we are moving toward a cleaner, greener future.
Every year brings opportunities to celebrate the people who keep our wheels turning, and 2024 was no exception. This year, we hosted employee appreciation events across terminals, celebrating the hard work of every individual who keeps us moving. Every team member’s contribution was recognized and valued, from longtime employees like Mike Bush and Mike Myles, who celebrated 30 and 25 years with us, to fresh faces like Harvey Atwal and Jessica Drake.
We also celebrated personal achievements, such as Abdul Sattar’s journey from the warehouse to the mechanic’s shop, where he’s now pursuing his Red Seal certification. Stories like Abdul’s remind us of the importance of investing in our team and fostering growth from within.
Supporting youth and education remained a priority in 2024. We partnered with the High School EV Challenge, helping young innovators design electric vehicles and compete in dynamic events like obstacle courses and tractor pulls. These students are the future of transportation, and supporting their learning journey is an honour.
Our involvement in Champion of the Crescent highlighted our commitment to community wellness. This paddleboarding fundraiser supported youth mental health programs, raising over $218,000 for art therapy and recreation initiatives.
In 2024, our team stepped up to make a difference in ways that go beyond business. At Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon, we prepared warm meals for families staying close to their children in the hospital. Seeing the smiles and feeling the gratitude in the room was a reminder of why giving back matters.
We also continued our long-standing support of KidSport, helping young athletes access opportunities to grow, thrive, and shine. Through sponsorships and partnerships, we stayed committed to building stronger communities, one act of kindness at a time. Click here to check out our full list of charities we support throughout the year.
As we close out 2024, we are grateful for our team, customers, and community partners who made this year extraordinary. Each milestone and achievement reflects a shared effort to grow and improve. As we look toward 2025, we’re excited to build on this momentum, embracing new opportunities and continuing to make a difference.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to another incredible year ahead!
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