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‘WOW’ what an industry……..it has literally changed my life!  Who knew I would go from working for the government in Finance & Administration for over 15 years to driving a transport to ending up as a ‘Certified Director of Safety’, at Larway Transportation in Barrie, Ontario.  What a journey it has been.  I think one of the reasons why I love this industry so much is the continuous learning, I learn something new every day.  It’s in my blood…. I can finally say; I have found my ‘Passion’, and I love it!  

I remember going for my road test with MTO back in the 90’s, when women were slowly entering the industry but not truly recognized yet.  The MTO officer took one look at me and said; “you don’t belong here”.  I thought to myself; ‘what right do you have to judge me’….why, because I’m a woman and take pride in my appearance, you don’t think I belong here? Needless to say I failed my first attempt.  That was my first experience with discrimination and it didn’t stop there.  My school booked another appointment for me for the following week and I passed.   Over the course of the next couple of years, I faced many more experiences where I was discriminated against, humiliated and disrespected, but I never let that stop me.   I remained confident, enthusiastic, positive and proud!

After 5 years on the road as a long haul driver, I realized more than ever, how poorly truck drivers were treated, disrespected, under paid, and over worked.  I thought to myself many, many times, there has to be a way that I can make a difference.  Eventually, the opportunity presented itself and I started working in the office for trucking company in Southern Ontario.  I started part-time in safety and accounts payable and within 3 weeks I was hired full-time.   

I learned everything I could possibly learn about the industry, from safety to billing to payroll to dispatching to maintenance, from reefers to flat beds to rolltites to walking floor trailers, you name it, I took every opportunity I could to learn and in a matter of 6 years I was promoted to ‘Operations Manager’ and had doubled the fleet size of our fleet.  One of the best experiences of my life! 

The life of a truck driver is like no other and can be challenging, rewarding, and frustrating all at the same time.  For over the past 15 years of my life, I have made a difference in my driver’s lives every day!!  I RESPECT them, I don’t JUDGE them, I work with each driver to promote their strengths and I provide them with opportunities to learn and to grow.   I believe that success happens where new ideas can flourish in an environment that is rich in diversity, a place where people from various backgrounds can work productively together.  

Remember to always; treat your fellow human beings with respect and the dignity they deserve.  Treat others how you would want to be treated.  

Susan Murphy Bois
October is Women’s History Month. The Women’s Trucking Federation Of Canada is celebrating this month by sharing stories of Women in the Transportation Industry.  If you’d like to share your story please email shelleyu@wtfc.ca . Please include a picture. Thank you