A truck driver’s quiet kindness on the highway leads to gratitude and recognition
Trucker Daljit Sohi Goes Above and Beyond to Help a Stranger
When trucker Daljit Sohi noticed a woman dropping her purse in a parking lot in British Columbia, he didn’t hesitate to step in and help. What followed was a heartwarming story of kindness and generosity that would later earn him a nomination for a prestigious trucking award.
Sohi, a 34-year-old driver for Triple Eight Transport, an Abbotsford-based trucking company, was on a trip from Calgary to Abbotsford when he made a brief stop in Golden, a town in B.C.’s Kootenay region. It was during this stop that he saw a woman drop her purse and drive away before he could catch her attention.
Upon picking up the purse, Sohi discovered not just a phone, but also money, IDs, documents, and a gold chain inside. Without any means of contacting the woman, he decided to follow her in the hopes of returning her belongings.
After a three-hour drive, Sohi finally caught up with the woman, Shailly James from High River, Alta., at a gas station in Sicamous. Overwhelmed with gratitude, James offered him a $500 cash reward, which he humbly declined. Despite not accepting the reward, James was determined to thank Sohi for his kindness and managed to track him down through the trailer number on his truck.
After several days of trying, James finally reached Triple Eight Transport and sent Sohi an iPhone and a note to express her appreciation. Sohi, who had not shared the incident with anyone at work or even his family, was surprised and touched by the gesture.
The company later organized a surprise event at their Abbotsford office to honor Sohi for his selfless act. Colleagues described him as a humble and quiet person who rarely boasted about his accomplishments. Harpreet Sabharwal, the HR manager at Triple Eight Transport, praised Sohi’s humility and said that everyone was pleasantly surprised by his actions.
Sohi’s good deed has now earned him a nomination for the Truckload Carriers Association’s Highway Angel Award, which recognizes drivers who go above and beyond to help others while on the job. While Sohi didn’t help out for recognition, he is grateful for the acknowledgment.
In a world where acts of kindness often go unnoticed, Daljit Sohi’s story serves as a reminder of the impact one person can have by simply lending a helping hand. His selfless actions have not only made a difference in someone’s life but have also inspired others to pay it forward.
