Women In Trucking Association (WIT) announces Deb Bosworth as its September Member of the Month. Deb is a professional driver for Walmart Transportation.
Deb was recently named Trucker Buddy of the Year by Trucker Buddy International (TBI). She was first introduced to the organization in 2001 while working for Walmart. TBI is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to helping educate and mentor elementary school students in classrooms via a pen pal relationship.
The driver is matched with an elementary class either by the Trucker Buddy office, or the driver can suggest a school of his/her choosing. Each Trucker Buddy adopts the class for one year. They communicate through the teachers every week. Some drivers will drive their trucks to the school for a “live” visit, giving the students a real-life feel of the driver’s life on the road.
“If you are nominated for the monthly outstanding driver, then you are eligible for the Trucker Buddy of the Year,” said Gloria Clements, Director of Development, TBI. “Deb is amazing! She has mentored 20 classrooms over the years, and represents Walmart and our industry with the best attitude!”
Deb enjoys the trucker buddy program because it allows her to promote the important role of the trucking industry while giving back. She has also been a trucker buddy ambassador for the past five years. The duties include helping at truck shows, recruiting other drivers to join the program, and getting teachers involved in the program.
“Trucker Buddy is all about making truck drivers friendlier to the public. It is a great positive image for both the driver and the companies that support it,” said Deb. “Kids recognize the trucks on the road and know their buddy drives for them.”
After driving for over 28 years, her advice to others wanting to join the industry is, “Don’t be intimidated, but be prepared to be away from home. If you are a home body, it is not for you. If you are independent and ready to be on your own, you can do it.”
Deb also says that training is a must. “If you get the right training, you can do anything a man can do with rare exceptions.” She started off as a team with her husband, but since 2001, has been solo.
