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"In This Field, You Never Stop Learning"

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Leonel Pinar Maldonado is one of those cheerful, respectful, optimistic, and grateful men you find among forestry workers. Married to Gloria, father of two professional children, and grandfather of twins, he was born—as he puts it—"under the shelter of a tree, under the shelter of the forestry industry." A native of Quilleco, he was the eldest of seven siblings and as a child, he had to contribute however he could. "There were so many of us siblings that we had to help at home, and the eldest always has to set an example. Back then, you had to work no matter what because needs were great—it's not like now. We were forged by the axe, as they say, but here we are," he recalls.
During winter breaks, he planted pine trees alongside a crew of classmates. "I can tell you I started planting pines when I was 12 years old, and they paid me $5 per planted pine—imagine that in those years. That's how I got into the forestry sector. Later, we worked in harvesting, and over time, I professionalized myself," he explains.
Leonel, now 55, recalls that after finishing his studies and completing military service, he returned to trucks. "When I was planting as a kid, I imagined myself in trucks. Back then, driving a truck made you practically a superhero—not just anyone could work in this field. Driving a truck was a big deal in such a small town. But little by little, I learned because in this field, you never stop learning. Every day, you pick up something new," he reflects, adding, "Truck drivers are professionals in our craft because it's not something you study—it's a trade you learn, and every day you have to do it the best you can, always thinking about safety, dangers, and risks. Above all, safety comes first."
Awareness of the Work
Don Leonel has been driving trucks for over 20 years. At 25, he climbed into his first truck working for a private employer—"back when they had gearshift levers," he remembers. Later, he joined Mininco, where on his first day, an engineer told him, "Here, my friend, you're not here to learn—you're here to work, to do things right, and to take care of yourself." He now repeats the same advice to young workers just starting out. For the past 10 years, he has been part of Transportes Parra, where he’s happy because, as he says, it’s a good company. "I don’t like jumping from company to company, even if they offer me double. You have to prove what you know and adapt to the company’s principles and rules. I’m happy here—it’s a good company, and the best part is having direct contact with the owners. If there’s a problem or concern, you talk to them directly."
"This job is thrilling because no two days are the same. The roads keep changing, and the weather poses a constant challenge, so you have to approach it calmly and with awareness of the work you’re doing. This field is beautiful. Every day brings new challenges, but you have to love it—you don’t get into this just for the money," he adds. "The most important thing is safety—thinking first about the risks, the accidents you could cause, and preventing them. That’s the awareness that comes with experience and time. If you’re hauling 45,000 kilos on rural roads and come across a car, you have to remember that the person inside has a family. It’s about maintaining a good relationship with the communities because our work usually isn’t on highways—it’s on rural roads, in the hills, and in the ravines."
He has lived in Los Ángeles for 30 years, having moved from Quilleco to build a better future. Every day, it takes him 10 minutes to get from home to the base, where he checks his truck before starting the day’s route. He remembers that, under past working conditions, you never knew what time you’d get home. "But not now—everything has changed, and you work according to the company’s schedule. Every Monday, there’s a new plan," he explains, growing emotional as he reflects on what he’s achieved in life. "I’m happy with what I do and the company I work for. This little truck has helped me pay for my son’s education, helped me pay for my house, and even lets me travel and go out to relax. That way, I come back to work energized."