The harvest season is a fast-paced, high-stakes time for every grower. Behind the scenes of every California season—which typically spans seven intense, productive months—is a dedicated team of boom truck operators working to ensure the fruit’s quality remains uncompromised from the moment it leaves the groves until it reaches West Pak’s processing facility.
According to Field Truck Manager Juan Esparza, these operators are more than just drivers dropping off empties and picking up full bins of avocados; they are the vital link between the grower’s orchards and the company’s facilities. “Our growers trust us to protect the results of their hard work. We contribute by ensuring that the harvest is handled carefully and by providing dependable transportation and communication each season.”
Ensuring Quality through Professionalism
A boom truck operator’s responsibilities go far beyond transportation. Every morning begins with a rigorous vehicle inspection to ensure compliance with industry standards before the vehicles hit the road. Once at the grower’s location, the focus shifts to safety and efficiency in the grove: carefully navigating the surroundings to avoid wires or obstacles, managing the precise count of bins, and ensuring that all receipts are provided before moving to the next stop.
West Pak’s team is built on a foundation of strict safety protocols. Beyond requiring Class A or Class B licenses, the company provides annual heavy equipment reviews and invests in on-the-road training for new hires. Esparza ensures that every driver is fully vetted and that new operators are never left alone until they are 100% compliant with the company’s safety standards and the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) guidelines.
“Every year, we all receive training on heavy equipment, although we do not have an official training requirement under California standards. At the start of the season, we always ensure that our seasonal and full-time drivers know our on-the-road and location safety guidelines and provide new drivers with one-on-one assistance,” Esparza pointed out.
A Culture of Dedication
West Pak’s boom operations include two types of drivers: seasonal and full-time. Seasonal drivers work until the end of the season and are typically rehired the next season. Full-time operators transition into driving long-haul trucks once the California season ends, delivering fruit within and outside the state.
During California season, this boom operator team doesn’t just show up to drive; they arrive with a positive attitude, clear communication, and a willingness to help one another, ensuring that the harvest is handled with the urgency and care the crop deserves.
What makes West Pak’s team stand out is the longevity and genuine pride West Pak drivers take in their work. Some have been with the company for decades, fostering a culture of mutual respect and a family-like dynamic. In fact, the team gets together privately at least twice a year to enjoy off-hours time together and strengthen their bond.
“As a leader, I describe my team as hard-working, easily adaptable people. We have been working together for many years. This job is physically demanding and very busy during the season, and our success depends on everyone working together with urgency. My team takes pride in its work because every load matters,” said Esparza.
“But it’s our company culture that keeps our seasonal drivers coming back to work with us year after year. As a team, we genuinely enjoy the job we do.”
“Our boom truck operators are a vital part of every harvest,” added California Field Manager Mike Harberson. “Their commitment to safety, precision, and efficiency protects the quality of the harvest our growers have worked so hard to cultivate. We appreciate the team’s hard work and dedication during the busy season, helping West Pak uphold our commitment to growers every single day.”
