Suzanne Carlson on Building a Career Through Discipline, Safety and Reliability

Suzanne Carlson is an Oregon-based professional truck driver whose career reflects discipline, reliability, and a deep understanding of the transportation industry.

With years of experience moving freight throughout the Pacific Northwest and across the western United States, she has built a reputation for professionalism, safety, and consistency behind the wheel.

Raised in Eugene, Oregon, Suzanne developed an appreciation for travel and transportation at an early age. Family road trips along the Oregon coast and through the Cascade Mountains sparked her interest in the movement of goods and the vital role trucking plays in everyday life. After high school, she worked in warehouse operations, retail logistics support, and dispatch assistance, gaining valuable insight into how supply chains operate.

Motivated by a desire for independence and responsibility, Suzanne earned her Commercial Driver’s License and entered the trucking profession. Over the years, she has transported construction materials, refrigerated products, agricultural shipments, consumer goods, and industrial equipment. Her experience includes navigating mountain passes, coastal highways, major urban corridors, and challenging weather conditions throughout the western United States.

Within the industry, Suzanne is recognised for her strong safety record, thorough vehicle inspections, and dependable communication with dispatch teams and customers. She is also a respected mentor who encourages and supports newer drivers, particularly women entering the profession.

Beyond trucking, Suzanne is an avid cyclist who enjoys exploring Oregon’s scenic roads and trails. Her career and personal interests share common values: patience, preparation, adaptability, and perseverance. Through her work, Suzanne continues to demonstrate the professionalism and leadership that help keep the transportation industry moving forward.

Suzanne Carlson on Life Behind the Wheel, Safety, and the Future of Trucking

Q: Suzanne, what first sparked your interest in trucking and transportation?

A: I grew up in Eugene, Oregon, and spent a lot of time travelling around the state with my family. My father worked in construction and often travelled for projects. During those trips, I became fascinated by highways, freight yards, and the large trucks moving goods from place to place. Most people probably did not pay much attention to them, but I always wondered where they were going and what they were carrying.

Q: Did you always know trucking would become your career?

A: Not at first. After high school, I worked in warehouse operations, retail logistics support, and later in dispatch assistance for a transportation company. Those jobs gave me a closer look at how freight moves through the supply chain. I worked with drivers and logistics teams every day. The more I learned, the more interested I became in driving professionally myself.

Q: What was the transition into trucking like?

A: I enrolled in a commercial driving programme in Oregon and focused on learning everything I could. We covered vehicle operation, freight securement, route planning, federal regulations, inspections, and defensive driving. Once I earned my CDL, I started on regional routes throughout Oregon and Washington before eventually moving into longer-haul work across the western United States.

Q: What kinds of freight have you transported over the years?

A: Quite a variety. I have hauled construction materials, refrigerated goods, consumer products, agricultural shipments, and industrial equipment. Every type of cargo brings different responsibilities. Learning how to handle those differences safely is a big part of being a professional driver.

Q: What have been some of the biggest challenges on the road?

A: Weather is always a factor. The Pacific Northwest can bring heavy rain, dense fog, snow, and ice, sometimes all in the same week. I have driven through mountain passes during winter storms and dealt with difficult conditions on coastal highways. Traffic in major cities can also be challenging. Those situations teach you the importance of preparation and staying calm under pressure.

Q: Safety seems to be a major theme in your career. Why is it so important to you?

A: Safety affects everyone on the road. A truck driver has a responsibility not only to deliver freight but also to protect other motorists. That starts with thorough pre-trip inspections and continues throughout the entire journey. I have always believed that patience and preparation prevent many problems before they happen.

Q: How has the trucking industry changed since you started?

A: Technology has changed a lot. Trucks are more advanced, and communication systems have improved significantly. Drivers have better tools for route planning and fleet management. I have also seen the industry become more diverse. There are more opportunities for people from different backgrounds, including more women entering the profession.

Q: As a woman in trucking, what has your experience been like?

A: Early in my career there were times when I felt underestimated. Instead of focusing on that, I concentrated on building my skills and doing the job well. Over time, professionalism speaks for itself. I am encouraged by how much progress the industry has made, and I enjoy seeing more women choose careers in transportation and logistics.

Q: You are known for helping newer drivers. Why is mentorship important to you?

A: Starting out can be intimidating. There is a lot to learn, and confidence takes time. I remember what it felt like when I was new. If I can help someone feel more comfortable or share something useful from my experience, I am happy to do it. Supporting newer drivers helps strengthen the industry as a whole.

Q: What do you enjoy most about life on the road?

A: I enjoy the independence. I also appreciate seeing different parts of the country. Some of my favourite routes pass through the Columbia River Gorge, coastal Oregon, and the forests of Washington. Every route offers something different. There is a sense of focus and responsibility that comes with the job that I find rewarding.

Q: What do you do when you are not driving?

A: Cycling is my biggest hobby. I enjoy long-distance road rides, forest trails, and coastal routes throughout Oregon. It gives me a chance to stay active and experience the outdoors from a completely different perspective. I also enjoy camping, photography, reading travel memoirs, and exploring small towns during my time off.

Q: Looking ahead, what interests you most about the future of your career?

A: I plan to stay involved in transportation for many years. Long term, I would like to spend more time in mentoring, training, and safety education. The industry depends on skilled, professional drivers, and helping develop the next generation is something I would find very meaningful.