When the pandemic forced her out of her previous job, Terrena saw a chance to chase a dream she had carried for years: becoming a truck driver. Today, she is thriving behind the wheel for NFI, a company she calls both a career home and a community.
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
