“Everyone is quick to help each other out.”

Courtney Keller, Houston Lead Driver, Pilot Flying J

Courtney left her job as a catering manager to try something new. When she noticed an advertisement for truck driving, she decided to give it a try. She’s been driving for more than five years now; three of those years as a local Houston area driver for Pilot Flying J hauling fuel in a tanker trailer. In January 2023 she was promoted to Lead Driver for Houston where she enjoys overseeing seven trucks. She believes she has found a true career path with Pilot Flying J.

“I am comfortable here and honestly like what I do. I feel I can help people more as a lead driver, “she says. She likes having the opportunity to learn and grow and praises the ongoing flow of communications at the company. She adds: “Everyone is quick to help each other out, from questions on equipment to safety advice. We are always there for each other.”

Safety, of course, is never far from her mind as a lead driver. “Be patient. Be relaxed before you get behind the wheel. Be present.”

Courtney likes driving a truck because her office is essentially inside her truck. She also likes the travel of the job and the beautiful scenery, including seeing many sunrises.

When describing a special moment in her trucking career, she says, “When I was driving OTR (over the road) in Kansas through a small town, a middle-America type of place, with one main strip through town, I saw an elementary school. All the boys were excited to see me driving my truck through their town. Then, a little girl saw me driving the truck. Her teacher pointed to me as a woman driver, and her little face had an expression that said, “wow!” She got so excited and was beaming. I was so happy to see this. It was a really cool moment for me.”

Her hobbies outside of her job include being an avid camper. She adds “being in nature relaxes me, and it feels good to center myself outside. I enjoy live music. I recently picked up running, and I have a 5K run planned!”