Bandstra Roots: History of our Mack B61
October 30, 2024
Bandstra Roots: History of our Mack B61
Bandstra Transportation’s story began with hard work, long days, and a vision for building something that would serve Northern British Columbia for generations.
In this video, Dick Bandstra shares memories from the early years of the company — from immigrating to Canada in 1961 to helping grow what began as Smithers Transport, founded in 1955 by Dick’s brothers John and Theo Bandstra.
Dick began driving trucks in the early 1960s and spent more than a decade on the road.
In 1976, a simple meeting at a coffee shop changed the future of the company. Dick and his brother John purchased the business from partner Andy Bearda. “We went to a coffee shop, John and Andy and me, and he wrote on a napkin what he wanted for the company.”
That napkin agreement became the start of a new chapter, with Dick and John leading the company forward as partners.
Each brought different strengths to the business. “John was good at book work, and not me. I was more mechanical. It worked well.”
After John later retired, Dick continued leading the company as president until his own retirement in 2001.
“John was good at book work, and not me. I was more mechanical. It worked well.”
Trucking looked very different in those early days. Many of the highways in Northern BC were still gravel roads, trips took far longer, and drivers often faced difficult conditions along the way.
Routes to Prince Rupert were some of the company’s primary runs, and even a good day’s trip could take eight or nine hours each way — not including loading and unloading.
Drivers hauled everything from general freight to heavy equipment. Flat tires, potholes, and mud were common challenges, and drivers sometimes carried planks to help get through difficult road sections.
Despite the long days and difficult roads, Dick remembers the years fondly.
The company grew through dedication, teamwork, and the support of the communities it served across Northern BC. “It has been a good time. And the Lord has blessed us all these years.”
Today, Bandstra continues building on the foundation laid by those early years — while honoring the people and stories that helped shape our history.
Hear Dick Bandstra reflect on the early days of trucking and the history behind Bandstra Transportation on our Youtube channel.
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