Melissa Eauclaire loves being a team driver with her husband, relishing the opportunity to travel across the country together. Employed by Boyle Transportation, a subsidiary of Andlauer Healthcare Group, Melissa drives for a company that serves the biotech, pharmaceutical, and government/defense sectors.
Melissa’s journey began in 2003 as a school bus driver. Over 14 years, she worked as a driver, dispatcher, and safety officer. During this period, she met and married her husband in 2008. After moving to Tennessee, she spent three years as a motorcoach operator, touring the United States and Canada. Although she enjoyed her job, the pandemic led to a layoff, prompting her to pursue her dream of earning a CDL-A.
Jokingly, Melissa and her husband had discussed her obtaining a CDL-A, but the pandemic made it a reality. Tennessee offered grants for unemployed workers, which she utilized for truck driver training. Excelling in her studies, she graduated and started job hunting. Her husband, concerned about her safety on the road alone, became her trainer at Boyle Transportation. They are both extremely pleased with the company. “They are a fantastic company to drive for,” Melissa says. “They treat us well, pay well, and we enjoy what they do.”
The couple has traveled to all 48 contiguous states and several Canadian provinces. Melissa is now planning future vacation spots. In their leisure time, they enjoy riding their Harleys, camping, hiking, attending races, antiquing, and, of course, traveling.
Melissa encourages women to consider trucking: “go for it!” She advises those seeking change or more fulfillment to “follow your heart. If you love to travel, stare out the window, and get paid for it, then do it! Women, especially as they become empty nesters, sometimes need a change. We do not all want to be homebodies anymore. If you get to a stage in your life when it is possible to make a change, take the bull by the horns and do it! Being out there on the road is so satisfying and fulfilling.”
Passionate about mentoring, Melissa and her husband mentor new teams at Boyle, finding it both fulfilling and rewarding. She enjoys the blend of learning and teaching that mentoring offers.
Melissa believes the transportation industry is an excellent career choice for women, with increasing leadership roles. The WIT Index shows that 34.5% of leadership positions are now held by women. She emphasizes that the industry offers various careers beyond driving. Visible female representation in roles such as recruiters, operations, safety, and leadership can inspire more women to join the industry.
As a new WIT Image Team member, Melissa is eager to promote trucking. “All women can be truck drivers if they want it,” she asserts. “Nothing should keep you from it if you want to drive and be a part of the trucking industry.”
In their driving partnership, Melissa drives during the day while her husband takes the night shift. She proudly responds to surprised shippers with, “Yes, I drive this truck!” Melissa plans to stay with Boyle Transportation until retirement. “I do not see myself anywhere else. Boyle is a great company and traveling with my husband is very entertaining.”
Source: Women in Trucking
Image: Women in Trucking
