Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/506679
May 2015 | Overdrive | 35 Overdrive's MOst Beautiful ben10890-05_REMAN Ad_Ovrdrv_OUTL_v06AR_20141217.indd 1 12/17/14 10:20 AM Bendix_OVD0115_PG045.indd 1 12/19/14 9:21 AM Elaine Melcher Hometown: Bellingham, Wash. Occupation: Company driver, Sanitary Service Co. Years trucking: 3 months Hauls: Recyclables "I've always liked diesel trucks and was considering becoming a diesel technician. But once I got behind the wheel, I realized I felt at peace and a sense of freedom on the road. While I don't have much experience and am just getting started, I feel very confident." As the only female recyclables driver in What- com County, Melcher backs up, starts and stops hundreds of times a day. She's a fast learner and already loves the trucking life. Michelle Mintling Hometown: Royse City, Texas Occupation: Owner-operator, leased to Landstar Years trucking: 11 years Hauls: General freight "When my husband asked me to come on the road with him, I said yes and didn't look back. I love my work, and while it's dirty and hard, I try to look nice and present a professional appearance. Driving makes me smile." Mintling trucks with her husband and their two dogs. A recent cancer survivor, she tries to help anyone who needs it. Her husband says you might see her muddy or with her nails broken, but never with a broken spirit. Janeane Skelton Hometown: Carson City, Nev. Occupation: Company driver, FedEx Freight Years trucking: 2 years Hauls: All kinds of freight "An important virtue I have shared with my girls, and that every woman should remem- ber, is that physical beauty will fade over time, but true beauty is timeless." Skelton got her CDL a few years ago when she relocated. She drove a year over-the-road with Schneider, then switched to working with FedEx. When she's had enough of the road, she rides her Jeep offroad with friends. Skelt- on plans to do the Rubicon Trail at Lake Tahoe next year.