DIGGING IN

THE NEXT GENERATION
Paweldeep and Evandeep Singh Sandhu
Age: 18 and 20
Work: Cargo County Group
Title: Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Paweldeep and Evandeep Sandhu are not old enough to drive in the U.S., but that is
hardly slowing them down in plans to expand their cross-border fleet. The respective Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Cargo County Group in Brampton, Ontario now
oversee refrigerated loads traveling between Ontario and California.
It is a decidedly family affair. Their dad, a former owner-operator, oversees maintenance.
Mom offers office support. Uncles serve as mentors. But the 18- and 20-year-olds stress their
active roles in daily operations. During a broad discussion, they drop references to third-party
logistics, load boards, safety ratings and onboard diagnostics. And how they are focused on
growth. Cargo County’s four trucks in 2014 expanded to seven in 2015. This year they have
more than 15 power units and 20 trailers, with subcontracted drivers at the wheels.
Their business training involves more than the school of hard knocks. Evandeep is earning
a bachelor of commerce. Paweldeep has designs on a CCLP designation for logistics professionals.
Because they have plans for the future. “At this age, it’s time to develop yourself into
the person you want to become,” says the elder brother. “I want to be the next Challenger
[Motor Freight] in the next 20 years. It has to start now.”
Seth and Thomas Keenan
Ages: 34 and 27
Work: Ayr Motor Express and Keenan Truck Repair
Titles: Director of operations and fleet maintenance manager
Based: Woodstock, New Brunswick
“The work is endless, and this industry is a demanding one, but maybe that is
part of the reward – making accomplishments in such an unforgiving business,
persevering when others gave in,” says Tom Keenan.
The fleet maintenance manager oversees 33 mechanics and is responsible for
ensuring Ayr’s equipment is fully operational on the road, driving on-time performance
continually upwards. As director of operations, his brother Seth leads a
team of 30 planners and dispatchers that have helped make Ayr Motor Express the
winner of the Purolator Carrier of the Year for three years.
Ayr was established in 1990 by their father, and current owner, Joe Keenan,
who would be the first to tell you that his sons have worked hard to be where they
are in the company today.
Seth was only eight when Ayr Motor was incorporated and Tom was just a
baby. Seth started working in the shop in 1996 when he was just 14, sweeping
floors and cleaning trucks; Tom did the same in 2004 at 15. Once they were able
to obtain a driver’s licence, they moved up to running parts, which gave them an
opportunity to learn more of the maintenance side of the business.
Sara Mackie
Age: 35
Work: Mackie Transportation
Title: Director, auto hauling
and roll-tite divisions
Based: Whitby, Ontario