LAKELAND – Rene and Jim Post have a vision - to create a business that treats people fairly and to be a place where people can come and make an honest living.
That’s why they created J. Post Haulage in 2018, a family-owned trucking company based in the St. Paul area.
“We wanted to build a place where people love to be and that we love to be,” says Jim. Over the years, the couple has worked hard to make a living, but sometimes barely managed to get by.
Prior to starting their trucking business, Jim worked as an automotive and heavy-duty mechanic for about 18 years. But the duo decided they wanted to be their own bosses, “So we went on our own and bought our own [trucks],” says Rene.
Jim also wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who were also truckers.
In only a few years, the family business has grown to include six power units and 13 trailers, offering services like hauling sawdust and drill cuttings for drilling rigs. They also created a second company that hauls general freight throughout North America.
Speaking of their success, Jim says he sometimes cannot believe what they have built. When he sees their equipment on the road for example, he can’t help but say, “Wow, we really did this . . . from absolutely nothing.”
Rene adds that it’s a good feeling “when a lease operator has been with us for so many years,” and chooses not to leave even if approached by other companies. It speaks to their vision, which is all about treating people right.
Challenges
But when running a business, there are also challenges. Some of those challenges include government regulations, fuel costs, and the costs associated with training new drivers who do not have a license, says Jim.
Truckers must at least have three years of experience to be insurable as per government regulations, and since smaller companies cannot afford to insure and train inexperienced drivers, they end up with a limited pool of qualified drivers, putting them at a disadvantage compared to larger companies.
Jim explains there is more to the business than just driving a truck down the road, “And let’s be honest,” he adds, “Not too many people want to do this line of work anymore.”
That could be because of long hours, being away from home for long stretches of time, and not having much time off. But he also says the trucking industry is heavily regulated, and it sometimes limits how much truckers can do in a single day.
Despite challenges in the business, as a trucker, Jim says he loves what he does, although the job of running a business can feel like work.
“But honestly, most days, it doesn’t feel like work - especially if I get to drive my truck,” he says.
Rene smiles. “That’s his escape.”
Jim says he loves driving on the open highways, seeing different sceneries, and witnessing the beautiful country. “I’ve been as far south as Louisiana... as far east as around the ocean in Virginia... through the Appalachians,” he says.
“I’ve been a lot of places and there’s some pretty amazing things to see in both Canada and the [United States].”
When asked what advice they would offer others in the trucking industry, Jim’s response is simple: “Chase your dreams, not the money.”
It’s a philosophy he says has served the couple well as they continue to build a company based on trust, family values, and a love for the open road.
As National Trucking Week honours the hard work of truckers across the country, Jim and Rene also express their gratitude for their team, their customers, and the opportunity to keep growing.
“We’re very appreciative of the group of amazing staff that we have now helping us with our dreams.”
And as Jim drives away with his 25-year-old truck to hit the highway once again, it’s clear that the journey is far from over.
J. Post Haulage will soon be moving from the St. Paul area to Elk Point to accommodate their growing business.
