At SLB Canada, professional drivers like Stephen Cheeke are more than employees—they’re partners in safety and innovation. As a frac supervisor and professional driver working across Northern Alberta, Stephen hauls fluid and equipment to and from remote extraction sites, tackling some of Canada’s toughest conditions in the process—from unforgiving terrain to freezing temperatures. Over the past 12 years at the oilfield services company, his commitment to safety, efficiency, and teamwork has made him a respected leader, both behind the wheel and on the job site.

We caught up with Stephen to hear about his experience, what keeps him passionate about the industry, and how technology has helped simplify his work.

Q: Stephen, what makes you passionate about being a driver and supervisor with SLB Canada?

I started driving for SLB 12 years ago, and knew right away that this was the kind of company I could grow in. I love being on the road, but what really makes a difference for me is how seriously SLB takes safety. It’s their top priority. We’re not pressured to complete a trip if we’re not properly rested or don’t have the driving hours available. That’s huge, especially in Canada during the winter when the sun sets early, and when the weather can be really unpredictable. Knowing that my well-being comes first makes a big difference.

Q: How does SLB management support you when you’re on the road?

The biggest thing is the support we get when it comes to hours-of-service regulations. If a job takes longer than expected, we let the office know how much time we have left, and they make sure that everything stays compliant. There’s zero pressure to push beyond the legal limits, which makes a big difference in how we feel out on the road. Plus, we use the Samsara Driver App every day, which makes logging and compliance a whole lot easier.

Q: How would you say digitization has helped your daily workflow?

Hands down, electronic logs have made my job so much easier. No more pen and paper—it’s all digital, which means that I never have to second-guess whether I’ve missed something. Every truck has a tablet installed with the Samsara Driver App, and we can also access it from our phones. That means that the office can see our location in real-time, which makes communication much easier and more efficient.

Q: What is the biggest misconception about driving and working in Canada’s oil & gas industry?

A lot of people assume that I’m driving nonstop, no matter the conditions. But that’s definitely not the case, at least at SLB. They make sure we follow regulations, never push beyond safe limits, and always have the time we need to rest. It's very reassuring to know that we’re always looked after.

Q: How do you stay motivated and engaged in your work after more than a decade in the industry?

I'm highly involved in the entire process—from pre-pad planning and setup to operations and pad rig-out. There’s never a shortage of tasks to complete, which keeps me engaged. I'm motivated by service quality and building a stronger team. The introduction of new technologies is interesting and make me want to gain more knowledge. Over the years, I've become multi-functional, taking on roles such as Driver Assessor and CTA Coach. I take pride in what I do and take ownership of my work, which drives me to succeed.