Cover Story

Linda Gray - USA Truck, Inc.

Lynda Gray devoted 19 years of her life to nursing before economic realities forced her to consider other, more lucrative options. “I worked as an LPN (licensed practical nurse) in an Arkansas retirement community, but my income just seemed
to dry up,” says Lynda. “In 1999 I decided to move on.”

Lynda had always been fascinated with big rigs, and she even assembled model trucks as a teen. “I was infatuated with long-haul trucks whenever I saw them rolling down the highway…I guess I was a tom boy,” she says.

Van Buren, AR-based USA Truck, Inc. operated a truck driving school near her home, and it was there that Lynda earned her CDL. The experience brought with it a mix of emotions. “It was scary and exciting at the same time,” she says. “It was scary for me because the tractor was so huge, and it was exciting because I was living a dream I never thought I’d realize.”

Once Lynda had completed four weeks of additional instruction with a USA Truck trainer, she was on her way as a professional, over-the-road driver. From the very beginning, Lynda appreciated the real respect that she received from company management. “I get the red carpet treatment, that’s for sure,” she says. “I walk in the door, and they know me by name, which is really nice. When I’m on the road, I talk with plenty of drivers who tell me that it isn’t like that where they work.”

Lynda loves the 2001 Freightliner FLD she drives, and she acknowledges the steady support she receives from David, her dispatcher. “I tend to stay out three weeks, then come home for three days to relax,” says Lynda. “One of my daughters, Jessica, had a beauty pageant recently and USA Truck made sure that I was there to cheer her on. That was very important to me.” Jessica is 13 years old, and another daugh ter, Melissa, is 21.

Lynda is the proud recipient of the Highway Angel award, which is given by the Truckload Carriers Association in recognition of a driver's "good deed." This could be a simple act of kindness, like fixing a flat tire, or a heroic life-saving effort, like pulling someone from a burning vehicle and administering CPR. In Lynda’s case, she was working a fuel island during a trucking school session when a bad accident occurred on an interstate nearby. Lynda’s years of nursing expertise kicked in, and she provided emergency care for the wounded until additional help arrived.

When she’s not saving lives and getting the job done for USA Truck, Lynda enjoys participating in activities at her hometown church and sewing for the kids. “I’m still a tomboy,” says Lynda with a laugh, “so I also like to hunt deer and fish when I get the chance.”

To other women who contemplate a career in trucking, Lynda says to go for it. “Don’t be intimidated, because it will all come together for you. Just act like nothing bothers you, and before you know it, nothing will.”

The staff of Over the Road and Pro Trucker magazines would like to wish Lynda continued success at USA Truck. To learn more about company driver opportunities available at the company, see their ad on page ___ of this issue.