Cabinetry To Trucker - Charlie’s Life
Trucker Queen, Charlie got into truck driving a little over a year ago. She had been constantly living paycheck to paycheck and was ready for a change. Below are some interview questions and a video to help you learn more about Charlie!
The Trucker Queens are two sisters that just so happened to sign up to earn their CDL at the same time. They ended up going to school together and team driving for their first 6-7 months. Now Charlie is OTR with her dog Jada along for the ride. She can't imagine where she would be if she didn't decide to start her truck driving journey!
WATCH: Did You Know These Things About Trucker Queen Charlie?
Q: You were a carpenter prior to trucking, right, what made you want to make that change?
A: One of my friends kept telling me how much a CDL could really take me places. One week I got sick and missed a lot of work, I wasn't able to make my bills. That's when it really hit me that I was sick of living paycheck to paycheck, and I decided to listen to my friend and go for it.
Q: It has been about 1 year now since you started, what has that first year been like?
A: Crazy. It's been like a mountain that I have to constantly keep climbing but I can finally see over the top now. I would say it's been a lot of fun, and nerve-racking some days.
Q: Did anyone influence you to get into trucking, Nicole or anyone else?
A: One of my childhood best friends influenced me to sign-up.
Q: How are you doing with reaching your goals? What’s next for you?
A: I actually plan to get into crane operations in Wisconsin sometime this year. Once I've been doing that for a while I would love to get my pilot's license one day.
Q: Have you always been a dog lover? What’s it like having your dog with you?
A: I have always been an animal lover as long as I could remember, I was always the one to bring strays home. I adopted Jada 8 years ago, she's 10 now but doesn't act like it at all. Sometimes it's hard to have Jada in the truck with me, especially when she destroys the truck. But when it comes to long nights, Jada is constantly guarding me and making me feel safe. I couldn't imagine being away from her.
Q: What has your favorite thing about trucking been so far?
A: My favorite thing is definitely the views I've gotten to see. I love heading out west and seeing things I never thought I would see. My favorite place I've seen is coming off of I-40 between the New Mexico and Arizona the canyons are gorgeous.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I like to cook, If I'm in the truck, I have a routine that I rarely do much of anything else. But when I am home I like to kayak, ride my motorcycle, hang out with friends, go hiking, really anything that lets me spend time outside.
Q: Is there anywhere you want to travel that you haven’t made it to yet?
A: Within the states, I've only been to Utah at night and would love to see it during the day.
Q: What song is your go-to song on a long stressful day behind the wheel?
A: I love reggae so really anything Bob Marley. Some songs specifically would be; It Wasn’t Me by Shaggy, Highway To Hell or Hells Bells by AC/DC. All of those can always get me pumped up.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering trucking but reluctant to take the leap?
A: I would tell them to look at their life and if they aren’t happy and need a change, then to go for it. Just make that leap of faith because my life has changed for the better because of it.