Delivery Pros
3
min read
Driver Spotlight: Meet Kim!
Lamarr Sullivan
Published on:
February 24, 2022
Updated on:
Published on:
February 24, 2022
Updated on:
In this Driver Spotlight, you’ll meet a driver who helped stabilize our Portland market. Looking for a change in a new city, Kim turned to Dispatch as we were just getting started in the area. She’s been a top driver and a customer favorite since. Read on to see what makes Dispatch a perfect fit for her.
I was an OTR (over-the-road) truck driver for seven years. I wanted to get off the road and stop driving big rigs, but I didn't want to stop driving entirely. When I moved to Portland, I started working for a different company, but all of their deliveries were overnight. One day when I was talking to a coworker about my struggles adjusting to graveyard hours, they told me about Dispatch. It took all of two seconds to decide to sign up!
Since September 2020.
2020 Chevy Express 2500
I like using my own vehicle because I can set it up the way I want to. I can choose which runs to take, and since I'm fairly new to Portland, I get to check out local shops and restaurants in-between deliveries, as well as do a bit of sightseeing. No other job offers that kind of flexibility.
One day I got an out-of-the-ordinary call toward the end of the business day. A mudslide had hit a rural coastal town three hours away, and it was threatening the main highway in and out of town. It was far outside the typical Portland delivery area, but the crews couldn't find a driver anywhere. Dispatch to the rescue! I ended up picking up a giant hay bale that barely fit in the back of my van and delivered it at midnight directly to the emergency responders on the side of the road. Seeing them work so hard to clear the highway to help the town was incredibly inspirational, I was glad to be available that day.
Honestly, it sounds so cliche, but there is so much value in being your own boss. Having the freedom to set your own hours, take time off when needed, be able to travel and still work in other towns — there's nothing like it! I've been able to not only cover my bills, but I also purchased a new van last year.
It's simple — I can take breaks whenever I need to. There are so many horror stories about drivers working for other companies who get pushed so hard throughout the day that they don't even get to take breaks or lunch. I'm so thankful it's not like that here!
Save your back and invest in a lightweight folding luggage cart or a dolly if you have the space. Also, ask a lot of questions and keep up on your mileage for tax filing.
My favorite driving quote/inspiration: "My teacher said I'd never make money staring out the window all day...guess I won that round!"
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