“Getting my CDL was the best thing I ever did for myself.”

Jenny Kincaid, Professional Truck Driver, Pilot Flying J

For the past ten years, Jenny Kincaid has been proud to work as a professional truck driver. She has been working for Pilot Flying J for five years, transporting fuel from terminals to stores as a local driver in Joplin, MO.

From as young as 16 years old, Jenny knew she eventually wanted to be a truck driver. “I always thought it would be a cool job,” Jenny told TMAF. “I liked to drive, and I wanted to see the country. I always told myself that one day I would do it.”

In 2012, Jenny decided to follow her dream to become a truck driver. She enrolled in truck driving school at a local community college, which provided her with an affordable option to obtain her CDL. Making the career change was an easy decision for her. “It was a career that didn’t require years of college.” She chose to haul chemicals as her first job, since a specialty would provide her with greater opportunities down the road.

Her first day driving an actual truck was on her 26th birthday, which made her birthday an extra special day that year. After completing her eight-week program, she became a professional driver. She spent the first four years of her career as an over-the-road driver. First hauling chemicals and then moving onto munitions and government freight; finally making the transition to hauling fuel locally for the past six years. Tanker was her first job and she has always enjoyed it most, but over the years she has gained flatbed and van experience too.

When asked what she would tell other people who are considering a job in trucking, Jenny said, “I would tell them that they should absolutely go for it. Getting my CDL was the best thing I ever did for myself. You can make great money doing it, and it didn’t take years of college to make a career change. As a driver, I have never woken up and said I hate my job.”

For Jenny, working in trucking is an adventure to her. “The thing I love most about being a truck driver is the freedom. You are in a truck all day long, but you’re not trapped in a cubicle. I’ve had the opportunity to see so many different places.”

Jenny has been responsible for hauling various hazardous materials her entire driving career, so safety is always her number one priority. “Safety is key in this industry.” She remains focused and pays attention to her surroundings while on the road. “At the end of the day, the goal is for everyone to make it home safely to their families.”