Tyson Byard Trucking Ltd: A Road-Built Success Story
In the quiet northeastern community of Sunnyville, Nova Scotia, where – like Cheers – everybody seems to know your name, Tyson Byard has built a powerhouse of a business on determination, passion, and a deep love for trucking. With a fleet of nine trucks, 19 trailers, and a team of dedicated employees, Tyson Byard Trucking Limited has become a symbol of entrepreneurial tenacity in the Maritimes.
From Humble Beginnings to a Rolling Enterprise
Tyson’s journey began long before he officially registered his business in 2012. Growing up next to a neighbor who owned a trucking company, Tyson was immersed in the industry from an early age. “I first tried driving a truck when I was 17,” he recalls. By 19, he had his license and was driving full-time, hauling everything from gravel and asphalt to lumber and fish across Atlantic Canada.
When his employer and mentor began downsizing, Tyson saw an opportunity. He bought one of the aging trucks – a truck that would eventually rack up more than 2.2 million kilometres - and decided to go out on his own. That decision marked the beginning of Tyson Byard Trucking Limited.
The CBDC Connection
Starting a business is never easy—especially in the capital-heavy trucking industry. That’s where CBDC Guysborough County came in. Tyson approached Janice – a long-time employee - with a business proposal and received a $20,000 loan to purchase and license his first truck. “That’s where it all began,” he says. “They gave me the funding, and away I went to work.”
Tyson has continued to turn to CBDC over the years for additional financing and advice. “They’re great to deal with,” he says. “Friendly, easy to get along with, and they’re right in my home community.” Supporting local is important to Tyson. “I’m all for supporting local,” he explains, “if you support local, locals tend to support you back.”
Challenges on the Road
Running a trucking company isn't for the faint of heart, however, and there were certainly some potholes along the way (literally and metaphorically). Tyson knows this better than most. “There’s no such thing as an average day,” he says with a laugh. Whether he’s behind the wheel or managing the logistics of eight other drivers, the demands are constant. “It’s a seven-day-a-week operation—especially during lobster season.”
One of his biggest hurdles has been finding and retaining skilled drivers. “There’s no shortage of people who can drive a truck, but finding real truck drivers—people who treat the truck like their own—that’s tough.”
Repairs and unexpected breakdowns are another challenge. “You could be out on the road today, and then tomorrow have a motor quit on you. That’s $80,000.” To stay ahead, Tyson handles much of his own maintenance and ensures a healthy cash flow by building strong, biweekly payment relationships with his clients.
Proud Milestones
From a single 14-year-old truck to a fleet of modern rigs, Tyson’s growth has been remarkable. His current ride—a 2021 Kenworth—symbolizes how far he’s come. But more than the equipment, he’s proud of the business’s resilience and the loyalty of his clients and crew.
He also finds satisfaction in being able to say “no” when necessary—something he learned after taking on too much early in his career. “You always want to say yes when someone needs you, but I’d rather be upfront with customers than overpromise and underdeliver.”
Looking Ahead
Having witnessed many other drivers continue working into their late 60s and 70s, Tyson has a clear plan for the future: retire young. “I’d like to keep driving, but I want to get to the point where I’m doing it because I want to, not because I have to,” he says. When that time comes, he intends to sell the business, pack up his phone, and spend more time camping, fishing, and exploring the backwoods.
But until then, he’s focused on keeping his trucks rolling, his customers happy, and his business strong. He admits this can be tricky at times, though, since most outsiders can only see the surface-level of the business. “Everybody sees what you have,” he says. “But they don’t see the time you put into it. The late nights. The sacrifices. That’s what makes it work.”
In the end, Tyson Byard Trucking Limited is more than a transport business—it’s a story of homegrown ambition, relentless dedication, and rolling up sleeves. With the help of the CBDC and his own hands-on work ethic, Tyson has turned a single used truck into a thriving enterprise that continues to serve the Maritimes with reliability and heart.
As Tyson puts it, “If you need something hauled, give us a call.” It’s not just a slogan—it’s a promise backed by 13 years of perseverance on the open road.