Jahendra Prasad’s life behind the wheel of a carrier has become a journey of independence and self-reliance.
Based at the busy carrier stand in Nabua, right in front of Shop N Save Supermarket, Jahendra has spent the past five years building a career he’s proud of — and one that allows him to be his own boss and manage his time on his terms.
Before the hum of engines and traffic became his daily routine, he lived a different life.
He grew up in Labasa, where he worked as a farmer.
Farming was his initial source of income, and for a time, it supported him and his family.
However, in search of new opportunities and a more stable income, Jahendra made the bold decision to relocate to Suva and pursue full-time driving.
“It wasn’t an easy transition,” he said.
“Farming teaches you discipline and hard work, and I carry that same mind-set into driving.” Jahendra said despite the change in profession, the values he developed on the farm — remain the foundation of his work ethic today.
He owns two carriers and drives one while the other is parked in his garage at home.
Everyday, he wakes up as early as 6am and makes his breakfast before heading out to the base in Nabua.
By 8am Jahendra is parked at the base in Nabua awaiting customers.
While he starts early he returns home late in the afternoons. Sometimes, waking up early can also be a challenge – especially in the cooler weather conditions we are facing.
Despite this, Jahendra said he was used to getting ready early as he used to back in the farm in Labasa.
While his daughters have moved out and have families of their own, Jahendra lives with his son who is still single.
He said work as a carrier driver wasn’t always smooth sailing.
“There are days, even entire weeks, where business is slow and hardly any customers.
“Sometimes, a whole day goes by without a single hire,” he says.
“It can be tough, but I’ve learned to stay hopeful.”
There are some customers who hire him regularly.
He said the loyalty of his regular customers keeps him going and that is why his job is satisfying even on days that he wouldn’t earn much.
“I’m glad I’ve got customers who would call me up for hire, because it helps keep the business keep afloat during these tough times.”
He also expressed concerns about poor road conditions in certain areas, and how it caused high maintenance for his carriers.
“These rough and deteriorating roads result in frequent wear and tear leading to increased maintenance needs,” he said.
Jahendra highlighted that the cost of repairs and upkeep due to damages can be quite high, placing a financial burden on his already struggling operations.
“The ongoing issues with road infrastructure not only affects the reliability of my service but also contributes significantly to my overall expenses, making it a persistent challenge for my carrier business.”
Hiring out his carrier has allowed the widower to meet his financial needs and fulfil his family obligations without depending on anyone. He appreciates the freedom his job brings — from setting his own hours to deciding which trips to take.
“Being my own boss is one of the biggest rewards of this job,” he said.
Looking back on his journey from the farm in Labasa to the roads of Suva, Jahendra says it has been quite a rewarding experience.
