Meet the STAS dog Jules, the border collie co-pilot
They say life on the road can be lonely, but that’s not true for driver Bart Haertjens. He promoted his dog to co-pilot and now he’s never alone on the road.
Bart Haertjens has been a haulier for Van Hecke for over twenty years. He mainly transports sand and gravel. Since he took his dog into the carbin for the first time seventeen years ago, he never has to travel alone again.
“My first dog was out on the road with me for eight years. My second dog, Jules, has been with me for nine years,” explains Bart. “Jules was eight weeks old when he first joined me on the road. That's never caused us any problems. He doesn't get car sick and he knows that he can’t relieve himself inside the lorry. Jules stays in his place while I’m loading and unloading the truck. When I take a break, we go for a walk together.
We have twelve people on our team at Van Hecke, but I’m the only one with a dog. The others are satisfied with their STAS tipper as their faithful companion. So am I, of course, because there are never any problems, but I wouldn't want to do this without my dog either!” (laughs)