by Kellylynn McLaughlin, on Feb 11, 2020 1:17:00 PM
As those in the trucking industry know, the Post-Trip Inspection is a time to check and see if anything has changed with your equipment since you began your trip and if there are any items that need to be addressed before continuing on down the road. It’s a time to assess, reflect and plan what’s next.
ASSESS
A very special trip began in March of 2019 for me after I became the first-ever Driver Ambassador for the Women In Trucking Association while remaining an OTR Driver and Training Engineer at Schneider. Nine months have since passed by and quite a bit has changed for the better in my life, in the industry and in the organizations. As the Driver Ambassador, I’m responsible for traveling the country in my state-of-the art Schneider 2020 Freightliner Cascadia and doing what I love most … talking truck! Connected to the truck will be a Women In Trucking Association Educational Trailer that people interested in learning more about opportunities for and the history of women in trucking can explore and interact with. I was beyond honored to be chosen for the amazing opportunity to be a member of the Women In Trucking movement and have the chance to shine a brighter, positive light on the trucking industry.
REFLECT
The collaborative effort between WIT and Schneider has enabled me to share so many stories of women in trucking success and encourage more women of all ages to consider the trucking industry – not just driving – as a profession. I didn’t imagine when I first entered the trucking world 6 years ago that it would be so rewarding – and the last few months have been no exception. As a professional driver and trainer with Schneider, I’ve met countless people who have inspired, guided and challenged me. My students have taught me as much about the goodness and strength of humankind as I have taught them about over-the-road driving and safety. Even before the ambassadorship with Women In Trucking, I knew how valuable and influential women are to the trucking industry as I’ve spoken to them in operating centers, industry conventions, rest stops, customer locations and on the phone. I’ve seen their impact firsthand under the hood as diesel technicians and behind the computer as logistics experts. Their work has amazed me and I’m beyond grateful to be a voice for them in this new role.
