Roehl Transport’s driver trainer Kayla Cosens has built a career defined by grit, growth, and giving back. With 15 years of experience behind the wheel, the former firefighter now helps shape the next generation of truck drivers, sharing not just technical know-how, but lessons in confidence, safety, and independence.
Cosens joined Roehl Transport about a year and a half ago, drawn by the company’s strong reputation for safety and its driver-first culture. Today, she’s a flatbed driver trainer based out of Roehl’s Chicago Area Terminal, working with new drivers as they gain real-world experience on the road.
From Firefighter to Flatbed Driver
Before finding her home in trucking, Cosens led a uniquely diverse career. She spent years as a firefighter, worked in fine dining helping restaurants earn Michelin stars, and even tackled pest control as an exterminator. Each role demanded discipline and adaptability—qualities that now guide her success as a trainer and professional driver.
Teaching Beyond the Wheel
For Cosens, training isn’t just about learning to drive. She teaches her trainees how to thrive on the road, covering topics from trip planning to personal wellness. One of her favorite lessons? How to cook healthy, affordable meals in the truck. She shows new drivers that preparing food on the go can save money, boost energy, and make long hauls more enjoyable.
Why Roehl Transport Stands Out
Cosens says what truly sets Roehl apart is its respect for drivers and commitment to maintaining safe, high-quality facilities. The company’s terminals provide clean showers, safe parking, hot meals, and comfortable bunk rooms, giving drivers a sense of home no matter where they stop.
She also appreciates the company’s leadership. “It makes us feel like he knows what we go through and strengthens our community,” she said, referring to CEO Rick Roehl, who still takes the wheel himself as an active CDL driver.
Safety remains Roehl’s top priority value, and Cosens reinforces this with every trainee. “Safety is a cornerstone here,” she said. “Everything you do daily — whether it’s working with customers, hauling a load, or talking to your fleet manager — comes down to safety.”
Building Careers, Not Just Jobs
Roehl Transport offers a wide range of driving opportunities—from flatbed and hazmat to oversized loads—allowing drivers to expand their skills and earning potential over time.
“Roehl gives drivers the chance to get their foot in the door with support to earn a license and build real experience,” Cosens said. “But you can also keep growing your career here because there are so many different driving opportunities and routes to choose from.”
Cosens embodies Roehl’s Driver Driven philosophy, helping trainees balance professionalism, safety, and self-care while building a career they can be proud of.
Her story reflects what makes Roehl Transport different: a company where drivers aren’t just employees, they’re part of a community. As Cosens puts it, “Roehl is going to help you be the best driver you can.”
Source: Roehl, Kayla Cosens
Source: Truckers News
