FOR 30 years, the familiar sight of Arvin Kumar and his carrier trucks have been part of daily life at the Nabua carrier stand.
At 56, Kumar has built a reputation for reliability, hard work and dedication, growing his small operation from a single carrier into a fleet of five.
Yet despite his success, he says making a living has become harder than ever.
Living in Vatuwaqa, Suva, Kumar owns and operates Na Lequ Ohe Carriers, a business that has served families and businesses across Suva and beyond for three decades.
Whether transporting household goods, construction materials or helping customers move to new homes, Kumar and his team are always ready to hit the road.
“My journey started with just one carrier,” Kumar said with pride.
“Through years of hard work and sacrifice, I now have five carriers operating from Nabua.”
But owning five trucks does not guarantee financial security. Rising fuel prices, fewer customers and the increasing cost of living have placed enormous pressure on small transport businesses like his.
Every weekday begins long before the city wakes. Kumar starts his day at 6am, preparing himself and his vehicles before arriving at the carrier stand by 7.30am.
His workday often ends around 5.30pm, but some days there is little work to show for the long hours.
“From Mondays to Fridays, business has become very slow,” he explained.
“There are days when we don’t get a single job. Customers ask about our prices, but many walk away because they think the cost is too high.
He says many people fail to realise that transport operators are also struggling with soaring expenses. “The price of diesel keeps increasing. We have to cover fuel, vehicle maintenance and other costs just to keep operating. It has become very difficult.
Despite the challenges, Kumar remains passionate about the profession that has supported his family for decades.
One of his greatest achievements is seeing his son follow in his footsteps.
“My son is now driving with me,” he said.
“I’m proud because he has seen how hard I’ve worked over the years.
I hope this motivates him to build a better future for his own family.”
Looking back, Kumar recalls a time when life felt much more affordable.
“Years ago, fuel prices were lower, groceries were cheaper and business was much better,” he said.
“People had more money to spend, and there was always work.”
Today, however, he believes families across Fiji are facing the same daily struggle.
“Everything has become expensive. Everyone is working harder just to survive and provide for their loved ones.”
Beyond business, Kumar is deeply concerned about the future of young people.
He says the growing presence of drugs and other social problems should serve as a warning for the next generation.
“My message to young people is simple stay focused on your goals, listen to your parents and work hard,” he said.
“Life today is not as easy as it was before. Success comes from discipline, honesty and determination.
After three decades behind the wheel, Arvin Kumar continues to show up each morning with hope, proving that resilience is measured not by the number of vehicles a person owns, but by the determination to keep moving forward, no matter how difficult the road ahead may be.
