By Heather Hogeland

This is a new feature we are introducing this month in order to bring some much deserved recognition to a select group of ladies within our industry who have achieved the milestone of having completed a million or more miles of safe driving while operating a commercial vehicle.

This is an accomplishment very near and dear to my heart as I have been so honored by the Women In Trucking association for my 4 million plus miles of safe operation. It has meant so much to me to be recognized by such a prestigious organization that I wanted to be able to do a little of the same for these special ladies.

Natalie Gammon is my dear friend, has been for 20 years now, ever since we all worked together in the early 90’s at KS & Co out of Trussville, Al. I felt that she was the logical choice to be the first ‘Million Mile Maiden’ since she recently completed her 2 million miles of safe driving and is being honored at the annual ‘Salute to Women behind the Wheel’ this month by the Women In Trucking Association at MATS.

She is currently a line haul driver working for R & L Carriers out of Wilmington, Oh. What that means is that she holds a bid, runs solo, pulling vans or doubles between Memphis, TN and her meet point in southern Kentucky 5 nights a week.

Natalie has been with R & L almost 14 years now. Recently divorced, she has segued from team driver into the nightly single turn around with her usual positive and optimistic attitude. She is a true asset to her carrier and to those of us who are blessed enough to be called her friends. She does all aspects of her job, from hooking up a set of pups to backing into the docks with professionalism and confidence, and we are all very proud of her.

Congratulations Natalie on reaching the 2 million safe mile mark, and congratulations on being the first Movin Out ‘Million Mile Maiden’!