Recently, we faced a temporary challenge related to equipment availability and staffing in our refrigerated company divisions. As a result, we needed to adjust our approach temporarily. During this short period, we shared with our fleet that we would not be adding any solo company trucks and we still had opportunities for company teams or the option to operate as a team or solo independent contractor. This issue has since been resolved and we have immediate solo and team opportunities as a company driver or independent contractor.

We want to clarify that this was a short-term adjustment to ensure the smooth operation of our fleet and to meet our commitments to customers. It does not signify a permanent shift away from hiring company drivers or solo drivers.

Please contact communications@primeinc.com with any questions or concerns. If you’re interested in driving for Prime, you can apply online at www.primeinc.com/?r=blog or give our recruiters a call at 866-290-1568.

Q: Did you come through our training program here at Prime Inc and how was your experience?

A: I came through as a PSD five years ago. I had a great training experience. I took the information that I received from my trainer and made it my own.

Q: What made you decide to become a trainer?

A: Well, I was happy with the money that I was making, but after speaking with my fleet manager and looking into the numbers, I couldn’t believe I could earn that. So, I decided to give it a try to see whether I liked it.

Q: Were you able to see the numbers he was talking about?

A: I did, yes.

Q: How long have you been training?

A: About 2 years. I really feel like I’m preparing people for life on the road.

Q: In your opinion, what makes a good and coachable student?

A: One who pays attention and who asks questions. The student and the trainer must be respectful.

Q: What do you think are the key components to becoming an effective trainer?

A: You must be understanding that everybody doesn’t learn the same way. You also need to be organized and willing to help people to be effective. That’s the main thing. I feel good when I can teach my students something, and they can go out in the world with that.

Q: What type of questions do you ask your students to get to know them, and their motivation for being here at Prime Inc?

A: One of the first questions I ask is “why did you come here?” Especially with social media, they can get all kinds of perspectives in their head. Some have all these expectations. I try to figure out where they came from and what are their goals in the trucking industry.

Q: What are some of the strategies that you put in place to help your students succeed?

A: I like to give them a routine and a schedule. I also try to be attentive and give them a flow, so they understand what a productive day looks like. My students learn what they need to do before can roll so, that when we are rolling, they can be attentive. And when we are stopped to make the most of their time.

Q: Do you think it’s important for a trainer to get to know their individual students? If so, why is that important?

A: Yes because everybody doesn’t learn the same. Certain things may affect them in a certain way, compared to another individual. I ask questions like, “how do you respond to certain situations?” That helps me out as a trainer getting that feedback.

Q: How do you handle conflict resolution to keep your students focused and engaged?

A: Since the beginning, I made it a point to avoid having conflict. I remember being a student. So, in the beginning I am already aware of the process. I let them know that I’m the trainer and here to help them. I explain that whatever I ask them to do, it’s for their benefit as a student and as a future driver. My role is to guide them through their success as they put in the work.

Q: Are you approachable and transparent with your students?

A: Yes, I am approachable. I let them know that they can come to me at any time. I try to make it clear that I am here to answer any concerns they may have.

Q: Would you say that coaching skills are necessary when working with your students?

A: You do have to sometimes assist people with things outside of trucking. I feel like for me it’s being motherly. If the student is a male, it’s more like coaching. I use my motherly instincts with the way I train.

Final thoughts:

This work can be very rewarding in different aspects. It’s rewarding to see your students go on with their trucking careers and be successful at it. The financial aspects can also be rewarding. That said, I love training.

Q: What did you do before coming into the trucking industry?

A: A little bit of everything. I drove a bus for special needs kids. I delivered pvc pipes for Seven Eleven. I did in home healthcare, and I worked at Toys R Us.

Q: Were you intimidated coming into a male dominant industry?

A: I was scared at first, because I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I met so many good people and I had awesome trainers. My TNT trainer, Mike Settle, was with Prime for 30 years. Mike basically taught me everything that I needed to know about trucking.

Q: What does being a Highway Diamond mean to you?

A: It means everything to me. I wish I could win the Highway Diamond of The Year award. I like seeing the women that Prime has chosen for Highway Diamond. Look at Emily Plummer and Dee Sova! I feel like they have earned it.

Q: What advice would you give to a woman wanting to come into the trucking industry?

A: The training program at Prime is great if the student is serious. Trucking isn’t for everybody. It takes a special type of person to do the job and to be willing to lay aside everything and for an over the road career, in my opinion. If that’s not what you’re willing to do, this might not be for you.

Q: What have you been able to accomplish that you wouldn’t have before becoming a driver at this company?

A: I’m 52 years old. I feel like I’ve come a long way. I’m not just working from paycheck to paycheck. I can buy anything I want! Prime has made me a stronger, better woman. I’m glad to have this opportunity to be a part of Prime. They have certain award they give out and I have earned a lot of them!  I have earned my safety jackets, my on-time, my PTC jacket, and now I’m working on my million miles. Next year will be my seventh year with Prime Inc. Six years accident free with no critical events and no tickets!

Q: Are there any places that you’ve travelled since you’ve been with Prime that stick out to you?

A: My first load took me across the Golden Gate Bridge!

Q: What is something that you must have on the truck with you?

A: A Bible and prayer

Q: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

A: Probably retired. But I really hope I’m healthy and still able to do the job.

Q: What or who has helped you to experience success here at Prime?

A: One person is Dee Sova. I really look up to her. There are so many others I could mention. I think there are so many great people that work for Prime.

Q: Who is your fleet manager? How important is that relationship?

A: My fleet manager is Maurice Anna. You have to a good relationship with your fleet manager. If not, you can’t work together as a team. Make sure to communicate with them and be on the same page. So that, they can keep you moving and making good money.

Q: How long have you been driving with Prime?

A: I started driving at night for Prime back in 1997 and I drove team with my husband, Michael.  Then, I drove solo for 2 years. After that, I wanted to get off the road for a couple of months just to take a vacation. Long story short, I found out that my mother had cancer and I had to stay home to take care of her. My husband got a local job because he didn’t want to be out on the road without me. I ended up going back to college and getting a lab degree and worked as a Lab Tech. After a few years, we came back to Prime.

Q: How did you get into trucking?

A: I had a friend that drove for a small mom and pop trucking company in Dallas, Texas. I was looking at his check stubs and saw how much he made. I thought, “I want to do this!”  But back in those days there weren’t a lot of female truck drivers. I asked my friend if I could drive a truck. He challenged me and told me I couldn’t do it. I am not one to back down from a challenge. Three or four months after, I was driving a big truck.

Q: What has it been like to team with your husband?

A: It can be a little challenging at times. You can’t go off into the other room when you’re mad. You must learn deal with one another’s idiosyncrasies. But I must say, I wouldn’t trust anyone else’s driving while I’m asleep in the bunk.

Q: How instrumental has your fleet manager been in this whole process of teaming?

A: Chance has been awesome since day one in 1997. When we came back in 2018, the first thing we did was see if we could get back on his board. He has been awesome through everything! If anything family related came up, Chance immediately asked if we needed a plane ticket to get home. His attitude has always been “what can I do for you?” When I found out that I had breast cancer and needed surgery, he asked “what can I do?”.

Q: October is breast cancer awareness month. Can you tell us how you found out you had breast cancer?

A: In 2020 I had a new doctor that was assigned by the hospital. When I went for the meet and greet, he was going through my charts and said “wait a minute. I don’t see where you’ve had a mammogram in two years.” He had me go downstairs and get it done. A few weeks later, I received a call from the doctor’s nurse telling me to come back because they found a lump and I was going to need surgery. I remember telling her “I don’t have time for this mess!” Her response was “yes you do.” I called my fleet manager Chance and told him what was going on and he routed us back to the house. I had the procedure and had to take a month off work. The healing from that surgery wasn’t bad at all. At the time they caught it, I was stage one. I was told that if I would have waited another six months, I would’ve been at stage three.

I went back out on the road thinking everything was peaches and cream. Suddenly, the phone rang. I was told that I needed to return to Fairfield. The doctor had done a biopsy on the lump, and they thought that there were cancer cells still in my breast and I would need a second surgery. This time they took lymph nodes from underneath my arm. This surgery took longer to heal from so my husband went out and ran solo without me. I finally healed from it.  My fleet manager Chance checked on me regularly to make sure I was okay.

Q: Did you have any signs of cancer?

A: No, it was a nodule. It was a tiny one-centimeter nodule that was way in the back on my breastbone. I had no indication whatsoever that I had cancer. I would have never known if Dr. Jenks didn’t make me have that mammogram.  That is why I really wanted to tell my story.

Q: What advice would you give to a woman who’s afraid to get a mammogram?

A: It is so important that you don’t rely on the palpating breast exams. The mammogram is such a simple procedure. You walk in there and in 15 minutes you’re done. Look at my story. If I wouldn’t have had that mammogram, I would have never known about my cancer until it was too late. Do the mammograms and be aware.

Marilyn, thank you so much for sharing your incredible story.

Interviewed by: Dee Sova

Q: What were you doing before you came to Prime Inc.?

A: I was a Yard Jockey at a Dollar General warehouse in Montgomery, Alabama.

Q: How did you hear about Prime?

A: A highway Diamond named Jessica Taylor used to deliver to the Dollar General Warehouse.

Q: Since coming through the training program, how was that experience for you?

A:  It was awesome! Organized and everything was out in the open. Everyone was honest and wanted to be helpful. The open door policy made me feel right at home.

Q:  Were you intimidated coming into a male dominant industry?

A:  A little. Some of the men in my family made it seem scary. But I wanted to succeed. I was driven not to give up.

Q: Any advice for women coming into this industry or women coming to train at Prime?

A:  There are going to be times when you are going to question your resolve. But remember regardless of what people say about your choice in career, know that you are a Diamond in the rough. You will go through pressure so you can shine brightly. When coming to Prime, come with an open heart and mind. Prime is a great company. You aren’t just a number here. You matter to this company. Being a Highway Diamond is what you make it.

Q: What have you been able to accomplish that you wouldn’t have before becoming a truck driver for Prime?

A: I came to Prime having just lost my home. Since being here, my family and I have a roof over our heads. We are close to buying our first home. It has also allowed me to show my children that there is more to the world than the 334 area code.

Q: What does being a Highway Diamond mean to you?

A: The Highway Diamonds are a sign of exceptional excellence. A sisterhood of likeminded women that are looking not only to elevate themselves, but to also reach back and pull the next sister up to greatness. Making veteran Highway Diamonds like Dee Sova and Marietta Regnier proud that I’m part of the next generation means the world to me.

Q: Who has helped you to succeed here at Prime?

A: My fleet manager Barry Pahler, Jessica Taylor, Dee Sova, Marietta Regnier; my husband and my children have played a role in my success here. Whether through a word of encouragement, advice or lending an ear. I never feel alone.

Q: How important is your relationship with your fleet manager and why?

A: My fleet manager and I are a team. Without a good working relationship and understanding there is no way to survive. Honest and open communication is key and necessary so that we both succeed and support each other. Without him I can run and vice versa.

Q: Are there any places that you’ve traveled that stand out to you that you enjoyed? (Gold

A: The Arch of Saint Louis was beautiful to see. Near Oregon and Washington there is a river that extends the length of the state line. And the mountain range on either side is beautiful to wake up to. That view is spectacular!

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A: I want to have three trucks here at Prime Inc. I want to have my event planning business in full swing and a few Air    BnBs.

Q: What is an essential that you must have on the truck with you?

A: My air fryer and skillet I must be able to cook.

Q: Have you hauled any off the wall or exciting freight? such as fish to a pet store, potatoes to a Frito lay plant, or cancer medicine?

A:  Yes I have. But I don’t know which one was more shocking the carrots, the tile or my first high value load.

I am a believer in excelling in whatever you do. I’m also mindful about the next person. And I really wanted to pay it forward, so I decided to become a trainer. I am excited for this next step in my journey at Prime.

Interested in learning more about the Prime Inc. Highway Diamonds program? Visit www.highwaydiamonds.com. 

A: Rolland Kendall aka: Rollie

Q:What did you do before trucking?

A: Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) in management and coordinator in a Manufacturing warehouse

Q: Did you get your cdl through Prime? if not, how long have you been driving?

A: I did not obtain my cdl through Prime Inc. I have been in the industry for 7 1/2 years. My husband worked for Prime back in 2012.  So, I decided to give it one more shot to run teams with him.

Q: Were you intimidated coming into a male dominant industry?

A: Absolutely not.

Q: What have you been able to accomplish that you wouldn’t have before becoming a truck driver for Prime?

A: I have became more knowledgeable about the trucking industry; especially the business aspect. I’ve also been able to accomplish paying off several debts.

Q: What are essentials that you must have on the truck with you?

A: Everything but the kitchen sink.  I’m joking. Water and food of course.  The necessary clothing for that season.

Q: Any advice for women wanting to come into the trucking industry?

A:Just because it is a male dominant industry, do not be afraid to express your opinion professionally. Do your job and do it well.

Q: What does being a Highway Diamond mean to you?

A: That I am a member of the Elite. Driven by the Best.  Many are called but only a few are chosen (The Bible)

Q: What are some of the highlights of teaming with your spouse?

A: A good argument. The number one thing he knows how to do is keep me calm when my anxiety kicks into overdrive. He always has my back, especially during winter months.

Q: Any places the two of you have travelled together that stick out to you?

A: The place that we have traveled that sticks out the most is anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.

Q: What/Who has helped you to succeed here at Prime Inc?

A: Dee, you have helped me in more ways than you can imagine. Especially through your social media pages. Also my fleet manager, Rollie and the way Prime communicates everything on the App.

Q: How important has the relationship been between the two of you and your fleet manager?

A: It is very important. In the beginning things were not the best; however, as the relationship grew things became better.  We have sort of a Frank and Jesse James kind of team going. Only without being us outlaws.

Q: Where do you see yourselves in the next 5 years?

A: If it was left to my children I would be a full time babysitter. I would like to be an owner operator and have my own mini fleet.

Interviewed by Dee Sova

Q: Who is your fleet manager? Are you lease or company?

A: Bron Beck is my fleet manager and I’m a lease operator. When I started, we didn’t have company drivers. I’ve leased since the very beginning. It was a company of all lease drivers. You couldn’t work here if you didn’t sign a lease. So, the experience level was a lot higher back then. They came out of the schools, but they were educated on what the lease process was as they went through training. It was different then. You had an education on what a lease was and how to do one. Now they don’t teach that in the schools. They don’t teach you how to read a map anymore either.

Q: If you could give advice about leasing, is this something that you’d recommend?

A: I think new drivers should do 6 months to a year as a company driver in today’s time. Close to a year as a company driver and learn the ins and outs of the industry. Because it’s much more complicated now than it used to be. Go company. Learn it, learn how to drive that truck. Learn about handling that truck when someone else is covering all your bills.

Q: What made you choose trucking as a career?

A: Well, there’s a couple of reasons. But the main reason is because I’d lost my mother at age 18.  And I was seriously addicted to drugs and in this trucking industry, you must stay clean because you take drug tests all the time. And so that was incentive for me to stay clean. I had gone to college and that’s where I became addicted.

Q: What did you do before coming into trucking that may or may not have contributed to that decision?

A: I grew up on a farm. My brother drove a truck. It was like life just kept happening and the truck just kept popping up. When I was a kid running out to the mailbox and pumping my arms at semis coming up the hill, that just got in my blood from a very young age. Things kept reverting to that.

Q: Did you train through Prime Inc, or did you go somewhere else?

A: Prime didn’t have any training when I began my career. I was hired by a man named Bob Rushin. He was an owner operator with a small fleet of trucks. His company was leased on to North American electronics division. He taught me how to…. well, my brothers had taught me things about a truck. It was one of those things that had an engine and wheels. You make it go and you figure it out. (LOL) He put me in an old cabover that he had a mechanic make road worthy, because he didn’t hire women. He said that he wouldn’t lose any money if I wrecked that one.

Q: In the 35 years in trucking did you ever choose to train?

A: Yes, I trained for Prime. That’s when I had to take my first test. Because I had never took a test. I was grandfathered in from having my chauffeur’s license. That is what was required back then. MTS was the school Prime used before their training program. Robert had his hands in that program. It used to be at the Campus Inn where our students are now housed. I came in right as they were converting over from that school to their own. I was in the very first class to become a certified trainer. I trained off and on for Prime for a while. I was really excited about that program at the time, and I put forth the effort to jump into that program. After that, my husband and I ran teams off and on in the flatbed division. I trained in both. I trained in the flatbed division and in the reefer division during that crossover. I did it for about 4 or 5 years.

Q: Did you have any specific goals when you entered the trucking industry?

A: Initially I had been kind of disowned by my family. It was desperation to not be homeless at first. But it was that little kid thing. The big trucks coming up the hill. Don Williams had a song called “big wheels in moonlight.” (It’s a beautiful song if you’ve never heard it.) It’s a truck driver’s song. I fell in love with that as a kid. Trucks would be coming up this big hill where we lived, and it always went back to that. Even though I was homeless, I lived in the truck. I had a home, I had a job, I had money. And because of that, I can get a real home. All these things in life, that was my solution to life at the time.

Q: When did you start at Prime?

A: I started at Prime Inc in April 2001.

Q: During your time at Prime, what do you think are some of the highlights of your career? What has change from the time that you began your career?

A: Oh my. The one thing that stands out, as far as changes, the trucks have slowed way down (LOL) When I first started over there, after you’d leased a while, you could move up in the trucks. You could move up to a fancier truck. Every time I would get close to that, the rules would change. I never got to drive that classic. (LOL) I did get to order my own truck, with my own graphics and do all of those things. Today, I drive a good old Freightliner. I don’t need fancy. Everything from logbooks to electronics has changed. When I started, there were no cell phones. The truck I had, there was no jake brake. There was a trolly valve. It was spring ride, no air. And now the electronics guide you everywhere. A lot of people don’t know what an atlas is anymore. Or how to read one. They don’t know how to break down a tire or how to change a starter or alternator. We did all of that on the side of the road.

Q: What are the things that you think could be improved in the trucking industry, especially where women are concerned?

A: I would like to see the professionalism brought back with the driver. It’s just a different world. There’s no comradery anymore. There’s no respect amongst the ranks out there. It’s a doggie dog world. It used to be about people helping people. With another truck driver, you could feel safe. You could get a ride from them to go somewhere and get help. Nowadays, I wouldn’t get in someone else’s vehicle; trucker or not. It’s just not there. The respect and the professionalism. There’s just so many of them showing up at the receivers in their pajamas and flipflops. It just blows my mind. If I could wave a wand, I’d change all that.

Q: If you could give advice to a woman who was choosing to come into the trucking industry, what advice would you give those ladies?

A: Pay attention to the basics and learn the actual skills of the trade. And not worry so much about who am I in this truck? The truck is not your fingernails. Painting it up does not make the person. You must work hard, and you must understand that. My mama used to say, “you’re going to get out of it what you put into it. It’s about the career to me. It’s about the love of the truck. Trucking to me, used to solve a problem. You can’t wrap it up like a Christmas package. You must take the good, the bad and the ugly and it’ll all come out in the wash. You got to put it in perspective. You need to stick to the basics.

Q: If you were talking to a woman who came to you and said, “I want to do what you do.” What would you say to her specifically, that she needs to know to be successful in this industry?

A: I think I would have to ask her why first. Why do you even want to be here? And if they were to answer me what I consider to be a good or real answer, I would tell them to open their eyes. Pay attention to everything. Take it all in, every bit of it. Take it in, pay attention. Watch these people in the parking lot. Watch them back up. Watch them correct their mistakes. Watch everything that’s going on. That’s how you learn is to open your eyes and be openminded at the same time.

Q: Obviously you’ve been at Prime longer than the average driver. Is this a company that you are happy working for? If you had it all to do over again, would you still choose Prime Inc?

A: I would’ve probably started there sooner. I’ve been at 4 companies, but at Prime gave us a great opportunity compared to those other companies. The thing that keeps me at Prime, if you do your job and something happens there, you can go to management, and they will help you. I had stage 4 cancer, and I also had a stroke. I was in and out and I stuck with this company because they stuck with me.

Q: What does Highway Diamonds mean to you?

A: Highway Diamonds means to me that I belong to a strong, powerful and blessed group of women.

Q: Did you come through the training program? If so, how was the experience?

A: I did get my training through the PSD training program here. I was trained by a local trainer named Russell. The experience was okay. I came through last year with a huge class. Some of the trainers had 4-6 students at the time. So, it made it difficult for you to get good one on one time. Granted, I must’ve learned enough, because I trifecta’d.

Q: Advice for any female entering the training program at Prime Inc? What brought you to Prime?

A: Advice that I can give is to stay strong, focused, and positive. I came to Prime because of the training program and the support of having a large fleet of women.

Q:  What have you been able to accomplish that you wouldn’t have before becoming a truck driver for Prime?

A: I’ve been able to purchase land and place a home on that property with animals. And we now live off the grid.

Q: Were you intimidated coming into a male dominated industry?

A: I was not intimidated at all coming into a male dominant field. My dad was a truck driver.

Q: What/Who has helped you succeed here at Prime Inc?

A: My success is due to the mini fleet that I drive for. James and Melanie Novalis of Super Nova Express, and Thomas Long, my fleet manager.

Q: Any advice for women wanting to come into the trucking industry?

A: My advice is to go for it and be prepared to work hard.

Q: How did you hear about Prime Inc?

A: I heard about Prime from my neighbor who knew about the company.

Q: What were you doing before you came to Prime?

A: Before coming to Prime, I drove school buses for 8 years. Then I became a home health aide and worked in the deli of a local store. I worked odd jobs.

Q: Have you ever hauled any off the wall freight?

A: The most unique item I hauled was tropical fish and hermit crabs Ludlow, Kentucky.

Q: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

A: Hopefully in 5 years I’ll be on the beach in Cozumel relaxing.

Q: What is an essential that you must have on the truck with you?

A: What I must have on my truck most definitely is water, a tool kit and a flashlight.

I want to add that I am a survivor of domestic violence of 12 years. I lost everything including my respect. I lost family, friends, my self-worth, self-esteem, love and the respect from my kids. I’m glad we are alive today. I will always have mental scars from that experience but I’m now married to my soulmate. I’m proud to know that this company is a huge supporter of bringing awareness to domestic violence. And that they give by way of Harmony House. I’ve come a long way from where I was 2 years ago. I was able to walk away from my fears and start over. I have a new life and a brighter future. Being a part of Prime has helped with my mental health and my anxiety. I’m glad to be working here.

Interested in driving for Prime? Apply online at www.primeinc.com/?r=blog. 

Before coming to Prime Inc, I was a pay day loan manager and I traveled to other stores in the upper peninsula of Michigan.

While riding in the truck with my husband, we passed by a Prime truck and I thought, “that’s a nice looking truck.”

I came through the training program in January of 2022. The experience was fun. I gained a lot of knowledge. At the time, I came with a large class. My PSD trainer was Mike Tatum. If I were to give advice to a woman entering the training program at Prime Inc, I’d tell them to be patient and willing to learn. You’re going to get your own truck in time. Patience is going to be key.

I was not intimidated coming into a male dominate industry. It was more of a challenge than it was intimidating. Coming into trucking, my father, grandfather and later my mother were all truckers.

If I were to advise women coming into trucking, I’d tell them to be patient. Be willing to realize that you’re going to miss some things. Try to find balance in how you plan time around important events.

What I’ve been able to accomplish that I wouldn’t have before becoming a truck driver is backing up a trailer. (LOL) But I did get better. I was able to go to my son’s wedding. My work ethic made it possible to contribute to the cost. It felt good to be able to pay the tab. Paying for the photographer. My daughters getting married and I’m also able to contribute to her wedding. Also, I love being able to leave a large tip for a waitress that’s having a hard time. I can imagine how good it would feel to see that you’ve been tipped $100. It’s a pay it forward thing for me and very empowering.

Here’s what Highway Diamond means to me. It’s like a Diamond that shines because of all the pressure it is put under and it still shines. Just like us women drivers. We shine because of all our pressure.

I credit my trainers and my fleet managers, along with my own work ethic as to my ability to succeed. My PSD trainer was Mike Tatum. My TNT trainer was Dustin Smith. My fleet manager is Charles Crosby. My trainers poured all their knowledge into me, and I loved it. My fleet manager is a great person, and he keeps me on course.

The place that I’m excited I got to travel on is the George Washington Bridge in New York. I’m not a huge fan of crossing bridges. But I was able to cross it twice and I loved it.

Five years from now, I see myself working for Prime Inc. I love it here and I stay out for two months at a time, sometimes longer. I have a goal of purchasing a home with cash.

What I must have on my truck is a portable potty. Some of the receivers that I go to don’t have facilities. So, this is a must have. I also must have a fridge, a microwave or something to cook with. Such as my Instapot. This keeps me from having to eat out or at a truck stop.

My favorite thing to haul is liquid chocolate. Oh my goodness, it smells so good when getting my tanks cleaned out. Smells like freshly made hot chocolate. I love my job!

Interested in driving for Prime Inc.? Apply or learn more online at www.primeinc.com/?r=blog.

Q- How long have you been working for Prime Inc?

A- December 2022 will be 8 years

Q-Did you come through our cdl training program?

A-I did. Originally, I went through a community college. But because I hadn’t driven in a while, I had to go through additional training. The training that I got at Prime was different, it was hands on. There were a lot of things that I did not know, as far as using the Qualcomm and sliding the tandems. That was all new to me. Also, the difference from going over the road verses being local, that was a new experience for me.

Q- What did you do before you got into trucking?

A-I was a correction officer for approximately 15 years. It became a little stressful and I just needed a change. I figured I would put my cdl back to work.

Q-Would you say that you have a good working relationship with your fleet manager, Jeff Allie? And how important is that partnership?

A-I have a great working relationship with my fleet manager. When I was on the company side, I knew him. And when I decided to go lease, he was fully on board. Saying, “sure kiddo.” That partnership must be the most important. Without it you won’t have much success. It helps financially you all are partners. He or she has to make you money. And if you’re not making any, they’re not making any. You must have a good working relationship to be financially stable and to grow.

Q-Do you have any goals you are looking to reach?

A- My ultimate goal when I first came to Prime was to achieve a million miles. In August of 2024, I will accomplish that goal! I also want to buy two more trucks to add to my Prime fleet. I think I’m on my way to that because my grandson called today asking how he can get his cdl.

Q- When you became a solo driver, were you company or lease? And do you like being an independent contractor?

A-I was company driver until January 2022. Then I became an independent contractor. Yes, and the reason I went lease is because of my grandson. His future is important to me.

Q- What have you learned as an independent contractor that you could advise other women considering leasing?

A-Watch your mileage and your speed. These two things effect your bottom line and you’re out here to make money. If you don’t need to fuel with your suggested fuel stops, don’t get it. Get enough to get where you need to go.

Q-If you could give advice to a woman coming into the trucking industry, what advice would it be?

A- This career has to be something that you want. It is not for the weak at heart. You have to have a strong backbone and a strong support system to make it out here. Listen to what the experienced drivers are sharing with you. I feel like an experienced driver have valuable information to pass on. If this is what you are choosing to do, pray about it and let God lead you. If He leads you to it, then you go.

Interview done by Dee Sova. Interested in driving for Prime? Apply online at www.primeinc.com/?r=blog or give our recruiters a call at 800-491-1240.