I love my job! It all started 5 years ago and I haven’t looked back since. I finished my classes, passed all my exams, successfully got my Z endorsement, and finally on my first attempt, I passed my road test on August 18, 2020, obtaining my full AZ licence! None of that would have been possible for me if it wasn’t for a group of women who empower other women, supporting each other, educating one another, building all women up, cheering each other on to reach your potential, and giving opportunities to women who otherwise may not have them. We all have dreams, and those dreams become achievable for each of us when we support each other.

The day the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada  awarded me a scholarship is the day they changed my life and five years later, I find myself even more thankful than I was back then. I’ve worked hard to make them proud of their decision to support and believe in me and hope I have done just that. I’m 50 years old and a mom of 4 Kids who always came first, so my dreams were put on hold. Being a mother of 4 is a very hands on job but eventually, my kids grew up, became adults, and I decided to go after something I’ve always wanted, and the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada was right there to support me. They are a huge part of my story, having helped me to achieve my dreams, and got me to where I am today. For that, I will forever be thankful.

I acquired employment immediately after passing my road test with Contrans Tank Group. Today I work for Contrans as a local driver out of our Burford terminal, pulling liquid tankers hauling a variety of food grade products. I pull both tandem and multi-axle equipment and even pull a trailer with my picture on the side of it. I love the days I get to pull that trailer! Throughout my career, I’ve faced some challenges, as everyone does when first starting out. Some of the hardest challenges are those simply associated with being a woman in this line of work. From the beginning, it’s been nothing I’ve been too afraid of to face head on or had any issues with showing what this woman is capable of. I’ve worked hard and come a long way in a short time, earning respect with male Drivers where so many times, it’s usually given automatically. I’ve been asked, why would I want to work in a profession that is historically male dominated? Why would I want to be a trucker, that’s a man’s job? I always respond with why not? I’m quite capable regardless of our differences. If nobody questions a male in a traditionally female-dominated career, why should a woman have to explain or justify herself?

Since day 1, Contrans has welcomed me as a part of their team. My dispatchers, the mechanics, the wash bay crew, management, and my fellow Drivers have all treated me with respect, and supported me through good days and bad and I am proud to work along side each of them. Working for Contrans has given me the opportunity to continue to learn and grow, not only as a Driver but also as a person. I have a lot more self-confidence now and I’ve certainly toughened up. When I was offered the opportunity to be a trainer for new hires (something I am very proud of), I was shocked to think, “Contrans believes in me?”. I now get to spend 2 weeks on road with new hires, training them on equipment use for loading & offloading product, customer sites, yard movement, safety & emergency procedures, paperwork, and anything else they may need to have a successful career driving for Contrans Tank Group. I really enjoy this part of my job and it means a lot to me that Contrans trusts me to be one of their trainers.

I find myself sitting back and thinking, “Wow 5 years went by fast and so many things have changed for me”. The best change of all is that I don’t dread going to work anymore because I get to do something I love every day, and every day is a new adventure! Thank you to everyone at The Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada for helping me achieve something I had wanted for such a long time. I do not take the opportunity you gave me for granted at all and I recognize, appreciate, and value what you have done for me. Your generous gift unlocked my success story and I will forever be thankful!

Dana Allard is a Professional Driver at Contrans Tank Group 

A Message from the Women’s Trucking Federation

Dana,

We couldn’t be more proud of everything you’ve achieved over these past five years. From the moment you earned our scholarship to the day you passed your AZ road test on the first try, you’ve exemplified determination, passion, and excellence in every mile you’ve driven.

Your rapid rise from new driver to trusted trainer speaks volumes about your skill, leadership, and unwavering commitment to safety and professionalism. You’ve not only shattered stereotypes in a traditionally male field, but you’ve also become a role model for women across the industry showing what’s possible when dreams meet hard work and support.

Watching you mentor new hires, guide them through every procedure, and empower them with confidence fills us with immense pride. Your success story is exactly why we exist: to open doors, foster sisterhood, and amplify women’s voices on and off the road.

Thank you for carrying our mission with such grace and grit. We look forward to cheering you on as you continue to blaze trails, inspire others, and redefine what it means to be a woman in trucking.

In sisterhood and solidarity,

The Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada Team

Resources and Advice for Aspiring Women Drivers : 
• Join a women-focused industry network for mentorship and support
• Partner with a company/trainer who believes in you and challenges you to grow
• Build confidence through continuous learning “every mile is a lesson”

Keep your dreams alive, support one another, and remember: the open road is big enough for all of us.