Introducing Our New Blog Series: The Post-Trip Inspection
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.
PLAN WHAT’S NEXT
By Kellylynn McLaughlin, the Women In Trucking Driver Ambassador. Stay tuned for more Post-Trip Inspection blog posts!
Kellylynn, Congratulations! This is so cool to see what you have accomplished and still keep going! So many told me I was too old and in the middle of trying to complete the school for my CDL A I had a heart attack and triple bypass, i am 58, but i wanted to drive a truck so much! I got myself better and by August was training for tanker with Schneider! And you know what I love it! Its been under a year now a few bumps along the way, but Schneider has worked with me with so much help and I AM DOING IT! With a great company behind me! I have become so much more independent person! I want to tell any women my age it is never to late to change! Look forward to reading about your adventures! Go Kellylynn and Schneider!