Empowering Women in Trucking: Safety Training, Sustainability, and Career Insights with Kierra Meyer
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has named Kierra Meyer its Member of the Month for January 2024. Currently serving as the Senior Manager of the Operations Academy at Sysco Corporation, Meyer's journey into the trucking industry started with a realization during her college years. Recognizing the need for more comprehensive training for truck drivers, she has since become a crucial part of shaping training programs within the industry.
During her college days, Meyer was involved in coordinating a One Republic concert on campus. A memorable incident occurred the night before the show, where a truck driver attempting a blind reverse with a 90-degree turn into the parking lot faced a mishap due to inadequate guidance. This experience sparked Meyer's belief in the importance of training to prevent such incidents.
Meyer's entry into the trucking sector began through a referral from a former colleague, leading her to a role as the DOT Safety Manager and Assistant Warehouse Manager at a Bakery Supply Distribution Company. Since then, she has dedicated herself to the industry, joining Sysco Corporation in March 2022 as the Senior Manager of the Operation Academy.
In her current role, Meyer and her team focus on designing curriculum for Sysco's Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training facilities. The in-house training is designed to support existing employees in advancing their careers at Sysco by becoming CDL certified drivers. The program, entirely funded by Sysco, includes professional trainers, covering all costs of training, licensing, and certification. Upon completion, each qualified driver is offered a position as a driver at Sysco. Meyer also oversees the curriculum for all new Sysco Delivery Partners, whether they already possess a CDL or have recently graduated from the CDL program. Through her efforts, Meyer aims to increase the number of qualified drivers at Sysco and enhance the career earnings potential of those trained.
This course delves into the essential skills required to ensure the safety and efficiency of their Delivery Partners. Additionally, there is a collaborative effort with Veterans, offering them opportunities to drive after completing their training. Various training classes, including backing maneuvers, are conducted in a secure environment with a strong focus on safety.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Meyer strives to lead a sustainable lifestyle. Having experienced a broken table that she successfully repaired, she now tends to purchase used items or create them herself. Currently, she is working on refinishing an oak dining table and six chairs. Last year, she constructed shelves using scrap wood, finding enjoyment in acquiring new skills that may prove useful in unexpected ways.
Meyer sees women as catalysts for change in the trucking industry, traditionally dominated by men. She envisions a more balanced workforce, with women constituting around 50% of the industry. While progress has been made, Meyer believes there's room for further improvement. She encourages women to explore the opportunities available in the trucking industry, emphasizing the importance of making their voices heard and being proactive in contributing new and valuable ideas. Meyer advises not to shy away from taking on projects or work, as initiative leaves a lasting impression, even if everything isn't perfect initially.
Reflecting on her unexpected journey into the trucking industry, Meyer, who once felt the need for more driver training during her college days, now plays a pivotal role in designing curricula to enhance drivers' backing skills. Her overarching goal is to simplify work for others by grasping the broader perspective. Meyer's advice to others is to take each day as it comes and to embrace the opportunities that arise.
During her college days, Meyer was involved in coordinating a One Republic concert on campus. A memorable incident occurred the night before the show, where a truck driver attempting a blind reverse with a 90-degree turn into the parking lot faced a mishap due to inadequate guidance. This experience sparked Meyer's belief in the importance of training to prevent such incidents.
Meyer's entry into the trucking sector began through a referral from a former colleague, leading her to a role as the DOT Safety Manager and Assistant Warehouse Manager at a Bakery Supply Distribution Company. Since then, she has dedicated herself to the industry, joining Sysco Corporation in March 2022 as the Senior Manager of the Operation Academy.
In her current role, Meyer and her team focus on designing curriculum for Sysco's Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training facilities. The in-house training is designed to support existing employees in advancing their careers at Sysco by becoming CDL certified drivers. The program, entirely funded by Sysco, includes professional trainers, covering all costs of training, licensing, and certification. Upon completion, each qualified driver is offered a position as a driver at Sysco. Meyer also oversees the curriculum for all new Sysco Delivery Partners, whether they already possess a CDL or have recently graduated from the CDL program. Through her efforts, Meyer aims to increase the number of qualified drivers at Sysco and enhance the career earnings potential of those trained.
This course delves into the essential skills required to ensure the safety and efficiency of their Delivery Partners. Additionally, there is a collaborative effort with Veterans, offering them opportunities to drive after completing their training. Various training classes, including backing maneuvers, are conducted in a secure environment with a strong focus on safety.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Meyer strives to lead a sustainable lifestyle. Having experienced a broken table that she successfully repaired, she now tends to purchase used items or create them herself. Currently, she is working on refinishing an oak dining table and six chairs. Last year, she constructed shelves using scrap wood, finding enjoyment in acquiring new skills that may prove useful in unexpected ways.
Meyer sees women as catalysts for change in the trucking industry, traditionally dominated by men. She envisions a more balanced workforce, with women constituting around 50% of the industry. While progress has been made, Meyer believes there's room for further improvement. She encourages women to explore the opportunities available in the trucking industry, emphasizing the importance of making their voices heard and being proactive in contributing new and valuable ideas. Meyer advises not to shy away from taking on projects or work, as initiative leaves a lasting impression, even if everything isn't perfect initially.
Reflecting on her unexpected journey into the trucking industry, Meyer, who once felt the need for more driver training during her college days, now plays a pivotal role in designing curricula to enhance drivers' backing skills. Her overarching goal is to simplify work for others by grasping the broader perspective. Meyer's advice to others is to take each day as it comes and to embrace the opportunities that arise.
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