The Women In Trucking Association has announced Lehua Anderson as its September 2024 Member of the Month. Anderson is a professional driver for GP Transco, an Illinois-based carrier.
Originally from Moloka’I, a tiny island in Hawaii, Anderson relocated and was raised in rural Alaska where much of the population survived on fishing, farming and hunting. This upbringing, surrounded by a family of towering Polynesian men, showed her that challenges are meant to be conquered, regardless of gender norms.
“Men don’t scare me,” says Anderson.
Once Anderson’s children moved out, she said she and her husband decided they wanted to travel and began pursuing professional truck driving careers. Now, with 25 years of overall experience, she enjoys the freedom of driving saying,
For Anderson, trucking isn’t just a profession, it’s a passion forged through years of dedication and a deep-seated love for the open road.
“I don’t have to manage or supervise anyone, and I have the freedom to make my own choices about when my day is going to start and where I want to go.,” she said.
Anderson stresses the importance of researching and finding a company that prioritizes the safety of their drivers especially as a woman in a male-populated industry. As an example, while at her first company, she recalls a time she got stuck in a blizzard with no heat in her truck. Anderson relied on her ten years of living in Alaska to survive.
A statement from WIT said, “In the world of trucking, where grit and determination pave the way, Anderson stands as a beacon of strength and resilience. Her journey with GP Transco is not just about miles driven, but about overcoming obstacles with unwavering courage.
“As Anderson continues to drive forward with GP Transco, she embodies the spirit of perseverance that defines the Women in Trucking community. Her story inspires admiration and a profound respect for those who dare to break barriers and pave new paths in the world of trucking.”
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