TMC's First Female Trainer of the Month

Audrey Ellis, of High Point, N.C., has seen the Pacific coast, the Atlantic coast and everything in between. She's been able to experience all of this because she's not only a driver for TMC, but because she's one of the best driver/trainers on TMC's board. That's why she was recently announced as the new Trainer of the Month — the first woman in TMC history to achieve the honor.

"My family was pretty surprised when I told them I was going to be a truck driver. Everyone kept asking me, 'Are you sure?' like I've lost my mind." But Ellis was not intimated, not even for a minute that she couldn't do it. In fact, her biggest fear had nothing to do with the fact she was stepping into a male-dominated industry. "I was more afraid of running people over on the road than anything else!"

As a loving wife and mother of three, there was a time a few years ago when she started to look for a new career. "After my husband decided to go back to school, I needed a good job that I could pay the bills with that wouldn't have me gone all of the time." That's why she turned to TMC. Home time was of utmost importance and being home every weekend was something she was looking for. "It was tough at first, but knowing that I was coming back made things easier. Now that I've been out for a while, we have a system." The phrase "See you Friday" is something that Ellis cherishes and is said every week before leaving.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2006 182,000 truck drivers and similar workers were women, up from 84,000 since in 1983. Ellis says that she also sees the trend rising. "I see more and more women, which is encouraging, but still not as many as I expect. I think it's a good opportunity for both males and females to make money. I wish more women would try it." Ellis believes that the biggest reason why there are not as many women out there is because of intimidation. "There's a lot of hard work to do in flatbedding, male or female. I think a lot of women don't want to do the work. I personally appreciate the flatbed because it keeps me moving."

Flatbedding does keep Ellis moving, especially compared to her last job at a secretarial position in customer service. "I'm stubborn and hard headed, so I was determined to do it." Ellis is no stranger to physical, strenuous work, but she says that she was not expecting all of the upper body strength that it takes. However, she did what she needed to do to prepare for the job by practicing throwing straps and picking up tarps. "It takes perseverance," says Ellis. "There are always those days, no matter your occupation, where you feel overwhelmed, but you get through it and it really gets easier over time."

Being a woman trucker in a predominantly male industry presents its own unique set of issues and circumstances, but for Ellis, there aren't any. She actually contributes the easy transition into flatbedding to the male dominate population. "I was surprised the reception and support that I got from my male counterparts, from both TMC's side even others on the road. I receive a lot of encouragement out there." That's something that makes training easier for Ellis.

"All of my trainees have also been very receptive to me as a trainer. No, we don't have burping contests in my truck, but they listen and follow instruction well. We just keep pushing forward until they get what they need to know. I think that when guys see me do it, they know they can do it too. It's a guy thing."

To receive the Trainer of the Month award, trainers are judged on the number of drivers trained, trainee retention, and trainee safety record. All attributes fleet manager, Bryan Swinback says that Ellis exceeds. "Audrey is a pleasure to work with because she has a 'drive' to be successful out on the road and is flexible when it comes to situations where home time may not happen," says Swinback. "Honestly, I was not surprised when I got the great news that she earned the Trainer of the Month honors. The only surprise was that she did not get it sooner. She truly is an asset to this organization."