Road to the Office: Nicole’s Path After Earning a CDL

By SWTDT | May 29, 2025

Meet Nicole, a Southwest Truck Driver Training graduate with a fleet assignment job at Werner.

Trucking wasn’t Nicole’s first career. When she applied to our school at her cousin’s urging, she was working as a hairstylist.

Nicole enjoyed her over-the-road (OTR) experience. “It was a way for me to travel and see the world without having to come out of my own pocket.” But she wasn’t destined for a life on the road.

 

Why Nicole Changed Her Path: Spending Time with Family

Nicole left her truck and entered the office to spend time with her children. A single mom of three, one of whom was under a year old, she missed her kids.

Despite that feeling, Nicole says single moms shouldn’t avoid the trucking industry. “I have three children, and I was out there working. Single parent, mom, you guys can do it too. Give it an opportunity. You might like it!”

If you’re worried about missing your kids but still want to drive, you have options. There are all sorts of trucking roles, many of which allow you to return home every few days, if not every day.

Often, these jobs require at least a CDL B, perhaps with an endorsement. But a CDL A qualifies you to perform all CDL B roles and more. Which CDL you pick is up to you!

A few vehicles you could drive locally or regionally are:

 

How Nicole Found Her Job in a Trucking Office

Nicole’s experience is proof that good relationships with coworkers matter. She spoke with an office worker about her sadness over not seeing her infant much. The staffer then mentioned that they were hiring, and that’s how her journey to the office began.

Applying for and getting this job allowed her to stay at Werner, and she’s been there for about five years now.

 

Fleet Assignments: Drivers Would Be Lost Without Them!

Nicole describes her job as pairing drivers with vehicles so they can get on the road. We think she’s being a bit modest! Fleet assignment specialists ensure that every driver and truck operates safely and efficiently.

While specific tasks vary by company, fleet managers often:

  • Operate as a point of contact for drivers. Drivers meet with them to get their assignments and contact them if problems arise.
  • Ensure driver and vehicle safety. By keeping an eye on truck maintenance, they help keep drivers safe. (Is safety your number one priority? Also consider a career in a trucking office as a safety specialist — a career held by another of our Southwest Truck Driver Training grads, Dylan, after an OTR driving job.)
  • Monitor fleet budgeting. They must keep an eye on all costs associated with loads and truck maintenance. Deciding to retire old vehicles and get new ones is also a major budgetary consideration.
  • Prioritize jobs. Some loads need to get on the road before others to ensure timely and safe delivery. This is especially true if loads include refrigerated or HAZMAT products!
  • Schedule drivers. In addition to driver requests, they must consider job priority, cost, travel time, and more.
  • Stay on top of state and federal regulatory compliance.
  • Train staff. Most employees need to understand the basics of fleet safety and operations.
  • Understand technology. They use everything from spreadsheets to fleet-specific software.
  • Work with the maintenance team. Fleet managers know when repairs are needed.

 

Nicole’s Advice for Truck Driving School Students

Nicole’s advice to students earning their CDL is simple: Study and ask a lot of questions. Staying focused on your schooling and reviewing what you learned is essential! And if you’re confused? Nicole says: “Just ask, ‘Hey, can I get more backing?’ They’re going to assist you with that!”

She’s absolutely right. At Southwest Truck Driver Training, we want to make sure our students are ready to excel in their careers. So, we encourage asking questions before, during, and after your training with us. (Did you know we offer lifelong career services to our graduates?)

 

Posted in Career Advice, Trucking Industry