​My name is Sheryl and I’m 44. I have been driving since 2007. I came to trucking later in life when I needed a way to support my kids and be independent. 
My mother told me that when I was 12 and I saw a big truck go past us, I swore that was what I wanted to do.  Then when I got my license at 16 I got freaked out on a narrowed road and believed that if I was scared in a car I had no business being in a truck.

I had kids, got married and tried a variety of jobs.

I spent a fair bit of time working for Russell A Farrow as customs broker supervisor.

One young girl came into my shift and her parents owned a truck training school.

I took that as a sign to jump in and do it. I knew I was never going to be independent on $13 per hour.

I did it part time and am proud to say that at my school not one of the male trainees thought I could do it. (I was the only girl).

When I got my license on the first try,  they all said it must be easy if I could do it.

Two of those men had to take the test twice.

I started out with a big company as no one wanted to take on someone new especially in the winter.   I spent only 7 months there and I really learned a lot. I don’t think a day goes by that I am not thankful for all those slow maneuver courses they put me through.

After that I found a smaller company that was willing to take a chance and for almost 7 years I was part of the Flash Freight family.

I had gotten remarried and my husband and I wanted to try driving as a team so we found a different company that could accommodate us. Three months later and with next to no sleep we moved on to another company as solo drivers.

I tried my hand at training and was stunned at what passes for driver training.  This student had never seen the inside of the engine compartment!

That one week gave me HUGE respect for the trainers who put their lives and heart on the lines to help new drivers find the love of the job.

I learned quickly that driver training was not for me. I can do my job, but I could not explain from the ground how to back up. I am so happy I got the chance to try and learn about another role in the driving industry. I hope that some of the wisdom I shared with her (the trainee)  helps her along the way.

I think the hardest things for me in all of my job aspects is trying to feel like I belong out here. My  perception has been that it is very hard to earn the same respect men get,  without going way above what they do. I have also had to “grow a thicker skin”.  I am still having to work on that.

I think my favourite dumb question from a man about me driving my truck was “Did you really drive that big truck all the way here by yourself?”  I smiled nicely and informed him that driving it was much easier then pushing or pulling it all the way. 

After a couple years of shuffling around, my husband and I have returned home to Flash Freight.

If I could pass on knowledge to a new driver it would be to be very careful who you trust out here.  Remember to make time for family and friends…  Don’t let this career be your life. That gets very lonely. 

And never stop challenging yourself. There is such a huge feeling of pride in myself when I successfully back in where that seems impossible.  Speed isn’t the key to a successful backing up. No damage  to anyone or anything and getting into the dock is success no matter if it takes 5 minutes or 30.

  Put yourself in the Drivers seat !! 

Flash Freight Systems is  a family owned and operated company located near Guelph, Ontario. If you are looking for consistent freight, lots of available miles and home time configured to your needs, give Heather a call at 1- 877-392-3171 ext# 249