Clarissa Rankin, founder of the Road Knowledge Training Academy, discusses how she found her calling in trucking and her advice for women in the industry.
You’ve built a big presence in trucking as a driver, trainer, and mentor. What first drew you into trucking, and what made you realize it was the right path for you?
My husband inspired me to get into trucking. He always talked about wanting his commercial driver’s license (CDL), so one day I told him to just go for it. He loved it, and when I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and couldn’t find a job, I thought maybe we could start a trucking business together. However, I didn’t want to own something I didn’t understand, so I got my CDL, too. When I went through orientation, I noticed there weren’t many women, especially women who looked like me. I thought women need to know about this industry. I started posting on social media right away, and that’s when I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.
For someone considering trucking, how can they know if it’s the right fit, and what can they expect starting out?
Trucking isn’t easy, especially for women. It’s still a male-dominated field, so you have to be tough and ready to handle anything. Out there, it’s just you and your truck, and there’s no one to save you but yourself. But it’s also life-changing. You gain financial independence, travel the country, and see the world in a way most people never do. Once you have that CDL, it’s like having a golden ticket. You can haul cars, run heavy loads, drive reefers or flatbeds. There’s no limit to where you can go.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your trucking career, and what keeps you passionate about this work?
The most rewarding part is watching my students grow through my training school. Seeing someone go from struggling to landing their first trucking job, buying their first car, or standing taller with confidence fills me up. Trucking changes lives, and being part of that journey keeps me passionate every single day.
What resources make the biggest difference in helping drivers stay safe, save money, and feel supported?
I always tell drivers to learn how to manage their money as well as they manage their miles. Use your reward points at truck stops, ask about CDL discounts at stores, and take advantage of programs that help you save on fuel, parking, food, and even taxes. Some banks and CPAs offer special services for truckers, so it’s not just about driving; it’s about building your business and your future.
Safety is always top of mind, especially for new drivers. What are the most important habits they should build early on?
Learn when to step away from your phone and focus on the road. You are the professional out there, so lead by example. Get proper rest, stay active even on the road, and don’t let the pressure of the clock make you unsafe. I’m not a fan of ELD logs because I think they make drivers chase time instead of focusing on safety, but no matter the system, always prioritize getting home safe.
What’s one challenge you faced as a driver that taught you a lasting lesson?
Parking was one of my biggest challenges early on. I would find myself with nowhere to stop and no access to showers or restrooms. As a girly girl, that wasn’t going to work for me, so I transformed my truck into a mini apartment with a kitchen, candles, and even a ceiling fan. It taught me that you can make anywhere feel like home if you’re creative enough. That’s what I tell my students now: Don’t just survive on the road, live on it.
