Today, we're shifting gears, quite literally, to bring you the story of Gabby—a spirited 35-year-old woman who's carved out her own lane in the predominantly male-dominated field of long-haul truck driving. Gabby's not just about manoeuvring an 18-wheeler; she's also navigating societal norms, physical demands, and emotional challenges while cherishing the freedom that comes with the open road. Buckle up as we ride along with Gabby's journey—a journey of resilience, grit, and an undying love for the highway.
SheThrives: Hi there, can you tell us your name, age and a bit about yourself?
Gabby: Hello, my name is Gabby and I'm 35 years old. I'm a long haul truck driver and have been in the industry for over 10 years now. It's a tough job, but I love it.
SheThrives: That's impressive! What inspired you to become a truck driver Gabby?
Gabby: I was always interested in driving and traveling, and being a truck driver allowed me to combine both of those passions. I also come from a family of truck drivers, so it runs in the family.
SheThrives: What do you enjoy most about being a long haul truck driver?
Gabby: I love the freedom and independence that comes with the job. I get to see new places and meet new people all the time. It's also very rewarding to know that you're transporting goods that people rely on every day.
SheThrives: What are some of the challenges you face as a long haul truck driver?
Gabby: The biggest challenge is being away from home for long periods of time. I'm on the road for weeks at a time, which can be tough on my personal life. It's also physically demanding work and can be difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the road.
SheThrives: How do you cope with being away from home for so long?
Gabby: I try to stay in touch with my family as much as possible, whether it's through video calls or phone calls. I also bring along personal items that remind me of home, like pictures and mementos. And when I'm not on the road, I make sure to spend quality time with my family.
SheThrives: What's the most memorable experience you've had as a truck driver?
Gabby: There have been so many memorable experiences, from seeing the beauty of different parts of the country to meeting interesting people on the road. But I think the most memorable experience was delivering a load to a small town in the middle of nowhere and being welcomed with open arms by the locals. They were so grateful for the supplies we were delivering and it was really touching to see.
SheThrives: That sounds amazing. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in becoming a truck driver?
Gabby: I would say to do your research and make sure it's something you're truly interested in. It's not an easy job, but it can be very rewarding. You also need to have good time management skills and be able to work independently.
SheThrives: What are some of the safety challenges you face on the road?
Gabby: There are a lot of safety challenges we face as truck drivers. We have to deal with fatigue, distracted drivers, poor road conditions, and more. It's important to always be aware of your surroundings and to take breaks when needed.
SheThrives: What are some of the biggest misconceptions about long haul truck driving?
Gabby: One of the biggest misconceptions is that it's an easy job. It's not just driving a truck, it's also managing your time, dealing with difficult weather conditions, and being away from your family for long periods of time.
SheThrives: How do you manage to stay connected with your loved ones while you're on the road?
Gabby: It can be tough, but technology has made it a lot easier. I make sure to call and video chat with my family every day. It's important to stay connected and let them know that you're thinking of them.
SheThrives: What are some of the unique challenges of long haul truck driving in Australia?
Gabby: The vast distances we have to cover in Australia can be a challenge. Some stretches of road can be hundreds of kilometers without a town or service station. You have to make sure you're prepared and have enough fuel, water, and food to last you through those stretches.
SheThrives: What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in long haul truck driving, Gabby?
Gabby: My advice would be to do your research and make sure it's the right fit for you. It's a tough job, but it can also be very rewarding. You have to be prepared for long hours and being away from your family, but if you're passionate about it, it can be a great career choice.
SheThrives: Thank you for sharing your story with us, Sarah. You truly are an inspiration to women everywhere.
Gabby: Thank you, it was my pleasure.