When Julie Johnson first sat behind the wheel of a 7.5-ton truck in the UK, she had no idea it would spark a passion that would eventually bring her across the Atlantic to drive the highways of North America. Today, as one of Bulk Carriers' valued drivers, Julie embodies the spirit of determination and love for the open road that defines our team. Julie's path to trucking started almost by chance. Working for a company that hired lift trucks, she volunteered to make a delivery when no other drivers were available. "I did that a few times,"

Julie recalls, "and one day I mentioned to the owner of the business that I would like to drive the bigger trucks." That conversation changed everything. Her employer paid for half her training and testing, earning her a Class 2 license. She later moved to another company that sponsored her Class 1 training for semi-trucks. What began as a temporary fill-in position became her calling.

"Once I was on the road, I liked it and never wanted to get back in the office," she says "Put me behind the wheel of a truck and I am happy. I don't need motivation, I'm motivated by the open road."

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Julie's journey to Canada happened through an equally serendipitous conversation. While unloading a truck, she chatted with another driver who showed her photos of driving in Canada. "I said I would love to do that," Julie remembers, though she initially thought she might be too old to make such a major change. Encouraged to pursue her dream, Julie turned to the "Mother Truckers" Facebook group and asked if anyone had experience driving in Canada. Someone shared a link to a Bulk Carriers job advertisement, and she received glowing recommendations from two Bulk drivers: John Rozema and Mike Boks. "I felt it was a sign," she says. Her first impression of Bulk confirmed she'd made the right choice. "Everyone is so nice - such a lovely environment to work in," Julie says. "Pascal and Sylvain were so helpful in bringing me up to speed with the necessary training." From day one, she felt welcomed into the Bulk Carriers Team.

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As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, Julie has noticed a significant difference between her experiences in the UK and Canada. "I think Canada is better than the UK," she observes. "There's still a fair bit of sexist attitude in the UK from other drivers, but I haven't found that here. In fact, lots of people are impressed about women driving here in Canada." Like any professional driver, Julie has faced her share of challenges on the road. "Lots of deliveries can be tricky, but I enjoy a challenge," she says. In her early days, she felt apprehensive about navigating unfamiliar cities and finding new locations. However, each trip built her confidence. "Even being here has given me more confidence as I drive to places I have never been to before. Here I feel like I can go anywhere."

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One achievement stands out in Julie's mind: her first trip to Florida. Covering approximately 3,350 kilometers, it marked the farthest distance she'd driven. "That was a milestone for me, my first time in Florida," she says with pride. Now she's setting her sights on new horizons, eager to explore the western United States.

Despite the miles between them, Julie stays connected to her two daughters and two grandchildren back in the UK through regular FaceTime calls. She makes time to watch them enjoy pony rides from afar and cherishes the hope that one day, one of them might join her on the road.

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For women considering a career in trucking, Julie's advice is straightforward and heartfelt. "You've got to have the love of driving and get to see the countryside. Now we've got all the leaves changing colors, and it's beautiful. Go for it, just do it, and don't hold back." When asked how the industry can better support women drivers, Julie points to practical improvements. "I would like to see more attention paid to rest stops for women," she says. "I do think shippers and consignees should provide proper toilet facilities, including separate washrooms for women."

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Julie 's story reminds us that the best careers often find us when we're willing to say yes to unexpected opportunities. Her journey from volunteering for a local delivery in the UK to traversing North American highways exemplifies the dedication and passion that make Bulk Carriers' team exceptional. As she continues to explore new routes and embrace new challenges, Julie proves that it's never too late to follow the open road.