Nova Scotia trucking company marks 50 years in business –and 25 years operating Western Star trucks
Western Star customer Owen Davis, like many savvy businesspeople, knows the value of a dollar. After all, he paid just $2,700 for the first big rig to start his trucking business in 1956. “The dealer wanted $2,725 for it, but when I saw that the truck’s tires weren’t what I’d requested, I talked him down $25,” said Davis. “My father always said, ‘if you look after the pennies, the dollars will look after themselves.’” That credo has certainly served him well. Davis recently celebrated 50 years in business as the owner of Owen Davis Trucking and Owen Davis & Sons Contracting, both based out of Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. Davis’ trucking business hauls heavy equipment for several companies, including Trenway and Equipment Express, while the contracting business produces and sells compost and specialized soil blends. “I have always been very hands-on in my businesses, and am proud that we are family owned and operated,” said Davis. “Although we haven’t always been the cheapest, I make sure that we’re the best by going the extra mile for our customers. That means being available to my customers 24/7 and consistently beating deadlines.” Western Star trucks have helped Davis’ trucking business go the extra mile for more than 25 years.
He purchased his first Western Star truck in 1979, painted red and black. “I started buying Western Star trucks because they’re sturdy and stable,” said Davis. “You can just tell they’re premium vehicles.” In the following years, Davis continued to purchase Western Star trucks, purchasing at least one a year.
Of all the Western Star trucks he has owned, Davis definitely has a few favour-ites. One of his 1988 Western Star trucks is still operational, and has required minimal repairs. He’s also been piling the miles on a 1991 four-axle heavy hauler.
As a loyal customer, Davis has been regularly invited to the Western Star manufacturing plant to see his trucks being built. “Going to the plant every year was pretty much the only time I was away from my business for an extended period of time,” said Davis.
Davis’ dealer at Lockhart Truck Center recently coordinated a trip for Davis and his family to the Western Star manufacturing plant in Portland, Oregon, to take delivery of his newest Western Star, a 2007 model 4900 FA with Caterpillar C15 engine.
Decked out with lots of chrome, the truck also features Davis’ signature custom paint job of red and black with white pin striping. After a plant tour, Davis was presented with his new truck in a short ceremony.
He purchased his first Western Star truck in 1979, painted red and black. “I started buying Western Star trucks because they’re sturdy and stable,” said Davis. “You can just tell they’re premium vehicles.” In the following years, Davis continued to purchase Western Star trucks, purchasing at least one a year.
Of all the Western Star trucks he has owned, Davis definitely has a few favour-ites. One of his 1988 Western Star trucks is still operational, and has required minimal repairs. He’s also been piling the miles on a 1991 four-axle heavy hauler.
As a loyal customer, Davis has been regularly invited to the Western Star manufacturing plant to see his trucks being built. “Going to the plant every year was pretty much the only time I was away from my business for an extended period of time,” said Davis.
Davis’ dealer at Lockhart Truck Center recently coordinated a trip for Davis and his family to the Western Star manufacturing plant in Portland, Oregon, to take delivery of his newest Western Star, a 2007 model 4900 FA with Caterpillar C15 engine.
Decked out with lots of chrome, the truck also features Davis’ signature custom paint job of red and black with white pin striping. After a plant tour, Davis was presented with his new truck in a short ceremony.
