Mentorship on the Road

Wallis has made a career out of training and guiding other drivers. “I’ve been training ever since I started with Freymiller,” he said. “I’m a mentor to probably about 10 different people who have moved from training into their own trucks.”

His dedication extends beyond teaching maneuvering and safety. Wallis brings his own experience from competitive driving to the table. Winning the 2024 Oklahoma Truck Driving Championship in the Sleeper Berth division qualified him for national competition, but accolades are not his main focus.

Bill Woolsey, Freymiller’s director of safety, praised Wallis’s commitment: “With over 15 years as a driver trainer, Toby has mentored countless trainees, guiding them to become successful, professional drivers. His dedication to sharing his knowledge and fostering safe driving habits has shaped the next generation of drivers, strengthening our fleet’s overall performance.”

Advocacy and Industry Engagement

Wallis’s recognition as TCA Professional Driver of the Year also gave him opportunities to engage with broader industry issues. He participated in TCA’s Call on Washington last September, meeting lawmakers to discuss challenges such as parking shortages, cargo theft, and highway conditions.

“It’s interesting to see some of the behind-the-scenes activities, and something of the way laws are created,” Wallis said. “I knew (TCA and the trucking industry) were lobbying for legislation, but to see how that process actually works and getting to talk to people — that’s always been interesting to me.”

A Career That Started Unexpectedly

Like many professional drivers, Wallis didn’t start his career planning to be on the road. “I was working at a sheetrock company, and their driver was quitting,” he said. “They told me that if I got my CDL, they’d pay me more.” He earned his Class B CDL, later completing Class A training at Schneider, and eventually joined Freymiller in 2005.

Balancing life on the road with family responsibilities has shaped his approach. “My wife passed away about 12 years ago, so it’s pretty much just me, my mom, and my grandmother,” he said. “As long as I can come in and check on them and talk to them regularly, I don’t see any reason to come off the road.”

Wallis also has three adult children, proudly noting that his youngest earned a master’s degree. “No grandkids yet, but they’ve got to hurry up before I’m too old,” he joked.

Supporting Veterans and Mental Health

A former medivac crew chief in the U.S. Army, Wallis earned a psychology degree using the GI Bill, helping him manage PTSD and informing his work supporting others. “It helped me a lot with my PTSD, and I try to use my brain as much as possible,” he said.

He volunteers on a mental health hotline, focusing on veterans but assisting anyone in need. “On Wednesdays and Sundays, and once in a while as a fill-in, I run a mental health hotline,” he said. “We lean more towards veterans, but we help everybody.”

Passion for the Profession

Wallis’s approach to driving blends professionalism with personal fulfillment. “I enjoy getting out here and meeting new people, doing new things, going new places. It’s always something different every day to me,” he said. “What I really love about my job is being out on the open road — but also the fact that I get to be a trainer. I get to help bring up the new group of drivers out here and teach them some of the old ways of doing things, along with some of the new technology.”

He offers practical advice for newer drivers: “Be a truck driver, not a steering wheel holder. Stay aware of your surroundings. Keep a smile on your face, and never take anything personally.”

Wallis emphasizes attitude and outlook as key factors in a long and fulfilling driving career. “If you enjoy it, it’s a career,” he said. “As soon as you start calling it a job, you’re going to start looking for something else.”

Woolsey summarized Wallis’s impact on the fleet and the industry: “Toby consistently sets a high standard, proudly representing our company on the road and with our customers. His professionalism, safety record, and positive attitude make him a role model for all our drivers, enhancing our company’s reputation in the industry.”

Wallis, however, keeps it simple: “I’m a firm believer that every day is a new gift from God.”

Source: The Trucker

The post TCA Honors Toby Wallis as Professional Driver of the Year for 2025 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

As of May 2025, Walmart operates around 4,605 stores across the United States, including Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and discount stores, and more than 10,500 locations worldwide in 19 countries. At the heart of this massive network are drivers like Haidara, whose story is rooted in resilience, service, and an unwavering commitment to others.

Taking the First Step Into Trucking

Haidara’s trucking career began unexpectedly. While frequently passing a truck driving school on her daily routes, curiosity eventually got the better of her.

“I didn’t even know what I thought I could get out of it, but I just went in and started asking questions,” she recalls. “They told me that my GI bill would cover my training, so I came back on Monday and got started.”

From there, she committed fully, leaving her possessions in storage and moving forward with her new path.

“I put everything in storage and felt that I could retrieve it anytime,” she says. “Well, 12 years later, I am still trucking.”

A Veteran Thriving in a Male-Dominated Field

Before trucking, Haidara served as a Navy Seabee Combat Veteran with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. The physically demanding work prepared her for the challenges of trucking—another field often dominated by men.

“The military set me up to work in a man’s world,” she explains. “There were so few of us women who could do the job well. 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.”

Championing Women in Trucking

Haidara has made it her mission to encourage more women to pursue careers in trucking. Her simple but powerful message:

“If I can do it, you can do it.”

She has inspired many to take the leap.

She urges those considering the industry to stop hesitating:

“Just do it! What are you waiting for?”

For Haidara, trucking brought not just financial stability, but peace of mind.

“My life became so peaceful. 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.”

Balancing Work, Advocacy, and Giving Back

When she’s not on the road, Haidara dedicates her time to non-profits, especially those focused on mental health, a cause that holds deep personal meaning for her.

“This is where my heart is, and Walmart not only supports my mission but also gives 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.”

Training the Next Generation

Walmart’s Associate-to-Driver Program, a 12-week training initiative, allows employees from any department to earn their CDL and train directly with Walmart drivers. Haidara plays a key role, preparing new drivers not only for the road but for success in the company.

“It is so cool to see them at a less stressful time, and they are like, ‘OMG, you were there.’ It is so great to see people go from 0 to 100, and I have seen it so many times.”

Standing With Veterans

Haidara’s dedication to fellow veterans is unwavering. She actively participates in multiple veteran-focused non-profits and projects—using her platform to support those who served.

“I am a big advocate for Veterans, and whatever I can do for them, I will!”

Her story reflects more than a successful trucking career; it’s about service, perseverance, and inspiring others to see what’s possible when you refuse to let barriers stand in your way.

Image & Source: Women In Trucking

The post The Inspiring Journey of Yuma Haidara: “If I Can Do It, You Can Do It!” appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Her first day at trucking school did not start smoothly.
“One of the instructors looked at me and said, ‘Are you lost?’” she recalled with a laugh.
Instead of letting it discourage her, Terrena earned her CDL, joined the industry, and never looked back.

A Family Connection to the Road

Trucking runs in the family. Her older brother has been driving for more than three decades and was the one who first taught her to handle a vehicle and even change a tire. That early exposure instilled a love for driving that never waned. When she lost her job during COVID-19, she leaped into commercial driving.

Next March marks three years with NFI, and she credits her trainer, a driver with over 30 years of experience, for setting her up for success. His focus was on replacing bad habits with safer and more efficient ones. One of the biggest lessons was relying on traditional maps and trip planning instead of GPS alone.
“In places like New York, your GPS might lead you somewhere trucks cannot go,” she explained. “Planning ahead can save you a lot of headaches.”

Finding Belonging at NFI

At NFI, Terrena says the camaraderie among drivers is unmatched.
“There are only a handful of women here, but they were the first to show me how to handle flatbed straps,” she said. “We support each other, the guys too. If someone is stuck finding a location, we are just a call away.”

Life on the Road and at Home

Terrena started in over-the-road trucking, enjoying the solitude, music, and scenery. She has seen places she may never have visited otherwise, including South Portland, Maine, which is one of her favorite destinations for its summer weather and fresh seafood.

Today, she runs local routes to spend more time with her children and three grandchildren. Family activities like fall apple picking trips are now a regular part of her schedule. Still, she believes every driver should experience over-the-road trucking at least once for the lessons it teaches, from pre-trip inspections to parking strategies and backup plans.

Representing Women in Trucking

In a male-dominated industry, Terrena values being a visible example for other women.
“I have had people stop me and say, ‘You are driving that?’” she said. “It feels good to inspire someone else to go after this career.”

For her, the best part of trucking is not just the destinations or the independence. It is the support from fellow drivers who are always ready to lend a hand.

Image Source: NFI

The post From Layoff to Lifelong Career: How NFI Driver Terrena Built Her Place in Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Jackson shared his story recently through a Landstar blog post, giving insight into the roots of his trucking career.

A Childhood Marked by Grease and a Wooden Spoon

Jackson traces his trucking journey back 46 years to when he was just five years old. He recalls, “It all started 46 years ago, when I was just 5 years old … with a smear of grease and a wooden spoon.”

As a child, he helped his father and grandfather while they worked on their trucks, fetching water and coffee for them. “In return, they would put a little smear of grease on my arm to signify I was their helper,” he explained. “I wore that grease stain with pride.”

Over time, he progressed from helper to “wrench grabber,” earning short rides in his father’s truck to nearby terminals to pick up loads. “Before leaving, I would sneak a wooden cooking spoon from the kitchen, sit in the sleeper and simulate my father shifting gears,” Jackson remembered.

The moment he got to practice shifting “for real” beside his father was pivotal. Standing near the driver’s seat, moving the gear stick up and down, he was hooked. “That was it! I was sold on becoming a truck driver,” he said.

Building a Career Through Trials and Triumphs

Jackson began driving professionally at 23, and in 1998, with family support, he purchased his first truck.

However, in 2005, Hurricane Katrina brought immense challenges. Forced to evacuate New Orleans, Jackson was hauling blue tarps for a Landstar agent contracted by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Reflecting on that time, he said, “I wasn’t prepared for what I saw once I was able to work my way into the city with relief supplies. We lost everything!”

In response, Landstar offered financial support through their BCO Benevolence Fund, established in 2005 to aid owner-operators in times of crisis. Jackson expressed gratitude, stating, “That (assistance) spoke volumes about the company I had just leased to. I knew I was going to be here until I retire.”

Now in his 21st year with Landstar, Jackson plans to donate a portion of his $20,000 prize from the TCA Professional Driver of the Year award back to the Benevolence Fund.

Giving Back Through Service and Mentorship

Jackson’s commitment to the trucking community extends beyond his own success. After Hurricane Harvey struck Texas in 2017, he actively hauled disaster relief loads. Later, he spent 16 months in Puerto Rico helping coordinate fuel truck dispatch and deliveries following Hurricane Irma. “I thought I’d spend a month or two, but ended up staying for 16 months,” he said.

Back stateside in 2019, Jackson expanded his business by leasing additional trucks to provide opportunities for other drivers to build experience and income.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, despite supply shortages and many trucks being sidelined, Jackson increased his fleet size to keep others on the road. “I chose to stay on the road among other ‘essential workers,’” he noted.

Now a small-fleet owner, Jackson focuses on mentoring new operators. He helps them with credit, setting up business accounts, and selecting the right truck. “I strive to prepare newer operators for success in their own truck someday,” he said.

Safety as a Cornerstone of Professionalism

For Jackson, safety is paramount. “You’re not just driving for you, but also for everyone around you,” he emphasized. “As a professional driver, it’s my duty to make sure everyone around me remains safe. A professional maintains a clear vision of their surroundings, obstacles, potential hazards, and has an emergency plan of action at any given moment.”

He also enjoys the simple moments of the road, saying, “I like to ride in the right lane in a clean, shiny truck, especially when I see a kid in a car rolling up, pumping an arm up and down as a signal for me to toot the air horn.”

Owning 12 trucks today, Jackson’s passion still connects him to his roots — the grease on his arm and shifting a spoon in his mother’s kitchen.

Image Source: Landstar Systems Inc.
Source: Ginger Jewell, Landstar Corporate Communications, Truckload Authority Staff, The Trucker

The post Walter Jackson, Named TCA 2025 Professional Driver of the Year, Reflects on His Humble Start appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.