The inner workings of ‘Trail Boss’

TRANSPORTING cargo to Guyana’s hinterland takes a lot of concentration, stamina and skill. At any given time, drivers must battle adverse weather, tough roads and other challenges, while staying alert and being able to accurately navigate their way for hours just to get to their destination.

For Heralall Ramcharan, who has been in the business for over 30 years, these skills come as second nature. Today, Ramcharan is an expert in the business and his experience and skills have allowed him to proudly wear the title of “Trail Boss”- the name and brand of his successful transportation business.

“In 1985, when I started out I only had one truck and that number grew. By the early 90s I had about 10 trucks transporting goods to big and small mining operations. I did more work for big companies like Omai and Golden Star Resources. My familiarity with these locations and my ability to handle the trail is why they call me the ‘Trail Boss’, I am ‘Trail Boss’; I am the brand,” Ramcharan told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Today, Trail Boss is a force to reckon with in the road and marine transportation services. Owing to key partnerships with mining companies, the company has been able to stay on the growth trajectory. This is recognisable in the large fleet of equipment that includes haulers, alligator trucks, cranes and an ocean-going barge.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY
Speaking about the inner workings of his company, Ramcharan revealed that family is one of the primary reasons for his company’s success. Trail Boss is a family-operated business with Mr. and Mrs. Ramcharan at the helm. While ‘Trail Boss’ focuses on interior operations to ensure reliable and safe delivery of cargo to clients, his wife manages the ‘command centres’ situated on the highway and in Georgetown.

Their son has the mammoth responsibility of heading the maintenance team. And, even though she is a new mommy to little Jaya, their daughter-in-law is integrally involved in the office operations.

The businessman recalled that last year his entire family was present at the opening ceremony of their multimillion-dollar barge, which services Guyana Gold Fields. The ceremony was symbolically held in the interior due to the important role that the mining company played in Trail Boss procuring the barge.

“Purchasing that barge is the biggest accomplishment of our company thus far. Using the barge owned by other persons was time-consuming at sometimes. It would take us about two days or so to load that barge and the load capacity of the Demerara Harbour Bridge was another hiccup. So there was a need for us to own our own barge. But we needed a loan from a bank and so Mr. Lello Galassi [from the Aurora Gold Mine] gave us a letter stating that the barge would be utilised by that company. Now there is no unwanted delay, the cargo is transported from Buck Hall to GNIC promptly,” he said.

PARTNERSHIP
Ramcharan related that the partnership between Guyana Gold Fields started during the infancy stage of Trail Boss and the early exploration days of the company (then Ontario Inc.). Being the reliable person he is, Golden Star Resources had entrusted his company to deliver a drill to Guyana Gold Fields in the 90s. That was the first drill on site at Aurora. That first engagement saw the beginning of a fruitful partnership.

“I have always had a good relationship with all the companies I do business with. We service about 80 percent of mining companies and that didn’t happen overnight. We try to meet the needs of our customers because our customers are our priority. For instance, trucking is always my business but when I started doing business with Guyana Gold Fields I realised they needed cranes, so I went ahead and invested in cranes and today my cranes are stationed at Aurora,” he noted.

Trail Boss provides employment for over 60 persons including drivers, porters, mechanics, engineers, shipmasters and sailors. The company has a low staff turnover owing to management’s approach of prioritising the welfare of staff.

In a somewhat reminiscent manner, Ramcharan said, “I know this trail could be challenging especially in bad weather. Anything can happen so I always make sure my staff are provided for. When we going in the bush we pack a small truck with everything we would need on a regular day and in case of emergencies, we have hammocks, groceries and even live chicken. Yes we pluck our chicken right there.”

FATHER-LIKE RESPONSIBILITY
Ramcharan emphasised the sense of responsibility he feels towards his staff. He explained that sometimes there is no difference between being the employer and a father. As such, the safety and personal development of his staff are a priority.

“This work could be dangerous. You make one wrong move and you and your crew could be in danger. So when my staff were given the opportunity to get training from Guyana Gold Fields I was pleased. I knew immediately that it would influence the minds of the staff and ultimately my business. So far they have received training in transportation, cyanide and safety,” he said.

The future looks bright for Trail Boss. The company is expanding to include a security service. This new sub-unit is expected to come on stream shortly, providing employment opportunities for more Guyanese.The intent is to have a professional security service that values the properties of others.

“I am happy with where my company is and where it is going. This is all because of my family, employees and good relations with our partners. Great things are ahead,” Ramcharran said.