Yuma Haidara, a seasoned over-the-road (OTR) professional truck driver, stands as a mentor and a certified driver trainer for Walmart Transportation in Raymond, NH. Her expertise and leadership in the field are evident. As of late May 2025, there are approximately 4,605 Walmart stores in the United States, which includes Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and discount stores. Additionally, there are more than 10,500 stores and clubs worldwide, including those in 19 other countries.
Haidara's journey in commercial truck driving began with a bold step. After completing many trips driving by the truck driving school, she decided to stop one day and inquire about the potential opportunities. Her decision, despite the uncertainty, is a testament to her unwavering perseverance.
“I didn't even know what I thought I could get out of it, but I just went in and started asking questions,” she says. “They told me that my GI bill would cover my training, so I came back on Monday and got started.”
Her need for a career that would complement her life financially led her to the trucking industry. Her career journey, from schooling to being hired by a company in Wisconsin, is a story of unwavering determination.
"I put everything in storage and felt that I could retrieve it anytime,” she says. “Well, 12 years later, I am still trucking.”
"The military set me up to work in a man's world," she continues. She is a Navy Seabee Combat Veteran who has made multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, a field traditionally dominated by men.
"There were so few of us women who could do the job well,” she says. “It was very heavy lifting. So, when I went to truck driving school, I was like, oh, here we go again, back into a male-dominated arena," she says.
Haidara's strong advocacy for women in the trucking field is a testament to her life’s mission. Her empowering message: “If I can do it, you can do it.” This resonates with women and ultimately encourages them to consider professional truck driving as a viable career option. She emphasizes the importance of representation and diversity, urging women to step into the field with her inspiration: “Just do it! What are you waiting for?”
"My life became so peaceful,” continues Haidara. “I became a better teammate. I realized that I needed to take care of myself at some point, and this job provided the opportunity to do so. I have accomplished many amazing things in my life. These opportunities are endless and available to anyone who wants to be a part of this wonderful trucking industry," Haidara states.
She maintains a balance between her life and work but spends all her free time working for non-profits. She enjoys giving back to mental health, which is a cause close to her heart, driven by personal reasons. She has lost so many people, and says: "This is where my heart is, and Walmart not only supports my mission but they also give me the time I need to do the things that I like. Trucking helps me get to where I need to go to help others, gives me the freedom to help them, and gives me the time to do so."
Walmart has established its private trucking school, which is affiliated with the company's driver program. An associate from anywhere in Walmart can go to their Associate-to-Driver program. It is 12 weeks at their original facilities. Haidara trains them for their CDL, takes them out on the road, and trains them the Walmart way, so they have no excuses. It is a very successful program. She feels that the work is fulfilling because it allows her to give back as well.
Haidara loves to see people succeed and see them in their uniforms. "It is so cool to see them at a less stressful time, and they are like, 'OMG, you were there,'” she says. “It is so great to see people go from 0 to 100, and I have seen it so many times," she remarks.
Haidara's unwavering commitment to supporting veterans is a cornerstone of her work. Actively involved in various veteran non-profit organizations and initiatives, she demonstrates her dedication to the veteran community.
“I am a big advocate for Veterans, and whatever I can do for them, I will!” she exclaims. This resonates with the audience, inspiring them to appreciate and contribute to her efforts.
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