15 Feb 08 Dump trucks still roll on Randall’s Island

Spending an average of 25 hours each week in the driver’s seat and close to $500.00 on fuel - Janz Stein, owner and operator of To-D-Dump knows a thing or two about driving.

While most of the stuff we throw away is pretty basic - food, tissues, and broken dishes -sometimes we need to get rid of something that definitely is not going to fit into the trash bin in the kitchen or in the yard. This local Regina company has a solution, and it comes complete with trucks and trailers.

Stein credits his increased hours with his foot on the gas to supply and demand. “Originally, there was no other company in Regina that did both commercial and residential junk removal. And while there are dumpsters you can rent, we physically come in and haul whatever you want away for you,” he said. “I saw there was a void that needed to be filled.”

Armed with two trucks, two rent-able dumpsters, two trailers and a crew of three, Stein has been finding he is en route to and from pick-ups at job sites and the landfill more than ever since their start in 2004.

Spending as much time with his hands on the wheel, Stein admits all that driving can get pretty strenuous. Just the same, at the end of a long shift he says it’s always nice to get out of the truck.

On any given work day Stein and his boys have a variety of driving locations. Be it something smaller like heading to grab a load from a client’s business, or even as big tearing down and hauling away three entire houses (inside and out) on a farm. No matter the situation, these vehicles haul a lot.

Whether he’s in his 1997 GMC 3/4 ton diesel 4×4 extended cab long box in forest green or the 1967 white International dump truck that he deems “bad ass,” Stein has no trouble controlling these load-bearing machines in any season.

“To always be driving bigger vehicles is a little more of a challenge than just driving a car, or even a regular truck. Things tend to be a little slower going, and lots of other driver’s aren’t always willing to let us in,” Stein said as he laughed. “Especially with the dump truck or when the trailer is hitched, I am constantly shoulder checking. I have to pay a lot more attention in general to other vehicles - so defensive driving is key.”

Typically, when Stein isn’t coaching wrestling at Robert Usher Collegiate or training as a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, he is driving around for work. Because when the landfill is open, anticipate that To-D-Dump trucks are heading back and forth often.

Unfortunately, Stein’s fleet of trucks is not without their breakdowns. With any vehicle dependant business, an element of added-cost tends to tag along. And while many of us would hope for it not to be the case, vehicles break down - even worse when you are dependent upon your vehicle for business.

“Considering, especially because my vehicles are older, the cost of maintenance alone is high. But when it comes down to repairs, there is an even bigger bill,” said Stein.

With loads upwards to 10,000 lbs in the dump truck and the trailer able to haul 3,000 lbs, these trucks are looking at much more than a few oil changes. Despite that expense, these trucks have outlasted the last 24 months of wear and tear, and Stein isn’t in a rush to replace them.

Business is on the rise and while To-D-Dump is looking to expand, that likely means even more time behind the wheel. Nonetheless, this 26-year-old entrepreneur is ready for the challenge.