All the moms out there know – being a mom is a huge time commitment. And all the Professional Drivers out there know the same goes for being a driver. But believe it or not, there are some superstars who manage to do both. In honor of Mother’s Day, we caught up with two of them, Sheryl Morales and Rochelle Green.
How long have you been driving?
Sheryl: Almost three years.
Rochelle: Three years and four months.
What made you become a driver?
Sheryl: To leave the minimum wage industry. I wanted something better so I could contribute more to my goals and my family.
Rochelle: Driving allows me to make a better life for my children.
What’s your favorite part about being a driver at U.S. Xpress?
Sheryl: U.S. Xpress really does take care of its drivers – much more than a minimum wage job typically does.
Rochelle: I like knowing how the company operates and that they have implemented new strategies and resources to serve drivers. It allows me to feel comfortable with operations and chain of command.
How many kids do you have?
Sheryl: Right now, I have a 9-year-old daughter. But my husband and I are planning on having a second child sometime soon.
Rochelle: Two – a 14-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son.
What’s it like being a mom and a Professional Truck Driver?
Sheryl: I love my job. It’s hard, but it’s also rewarding. It has taken me places I wouldn’t have thought of and, though it keeps me away from home sometimes, my daughter knows it is allowing me to grow and support our family more than before. Plus, she loves the truck horn!
Rochelle: As a mother who drives, I’m even more aware of my surroundings when driving. Trucking is my bread and butter, so doing my job effectively and coming home safely to my children are my priorities.
What example do you hope to set for your kids?
Sheryl: It’s ok to be vulnerable. Don’t be afraid to tell your kids about your failures and shortcomings. Share with them how you’ve learned to be resilient and how you overcame the challenges and obstacles you faced. Always be improving yourself in some way, every day if you can.
Rochelle: I hope to continue showing my children how to make better choices in life. I want them to know how to evaluate their current situations and think smarter so they can work smarter.
What do you and your kids like to snack on?
Sheryl: My go-to is Gatorade or ginger ale with a small bag of regular Doritos, but my daughter loves a bag of Taki’s with a glass of milk.
Rochelle: I always go for Ranch Bugles and my kids love chips and honey buns.
Where have you been while driving professionally that you would like to take your kids back to?
Sheryl: I would have to say Salt Lake City and Oregon. I told my husband I want to take an RV trip there because the view is beautiful.
Rochelle: California and Las Vegas.
Women like Sheryl and Rochelle are incredible – the real MVPs. Their dedication to their jobs and families is unparalleled, making them great examples not only to their children but to all of us.
To all the moms out there, thank you, and happy Mother’s Day.
