From Art to the Open Road

Jo Lynn “JJ” Kelley’s career path was anything but conventional. Starting out in art and accounting, Kelley decided to take a leap into the trucking world to combine her entrepreneurial spirit with her love for travel. Her ultimate goal? To spread kindness and joy wherever she goes. Reflecting on her spiritual outlook, Kelley shares, “I absolutely loved driving that big rig all over the United States. Throughout the miles, trials, and tribulations since entering this industry, my spirituality has deepened to a complete and unwavering reliance upon God and all His promises in the Bible. With God, all things are possible.”

400,000 Miles and Counting

Now in her sixth year as a professional driver, Kelley has logged over 400,000 safe miles—a milestone she attributes to her faith and dedication. “I may drive an 18-wheeler, but in my cab, God is truly in charge of that 19th wheel,” she expresses.

Finding Her Path in Trucking

Kelley kickstarted her trucking career with Schneider National, driving long-haul routes that spanned 47 states in the U.S. Her decision to join Schneider was based on the company’s federal safety rating, diverse freight options, and acceptance of new drivers fresh out of trucking school. Over time, she mastered skills in dry van hauling, tanker transport, flatbed operations, and even teaming.

Transforming Challenges Into Compassion

The early days of Kelley’s career weren’t without their difficulties. At one point, she felt overwhelmed and considered giving up. Yet, through prayer and reflection, she realized the power of stepping outside her own struggles to help others. Kelley began creating wallet-sized cards with uplifting messages, leaving them at truck stops and rest areas for anyone who might need a reminder of their worth. This act of kindness sparked a larger initiative, complete with $5 coffee gift cards and trivia games that encouraged recipients to “pay it forward.” Her employer was so impressed that they supported her efforts by contributing more gift cards to expand the campaign.

Blending Art and Trucking

With a knack for creativity that she honed during her artistic career, Kelley penned two interactive trucking books, Trucking with JJ: Volume 1 and Volume 2. These photo-based books include short stories and QR codes linking to video content, offering readers an inspiring glimpse into life on the road. Both volumes are available to download for free.

A New Chapter with Walmart

After years of long-haul driving, Kelley transitioned to Walmart’s private fleet, drawn to their emphasis on safety and work-life balance. Now a regional driver, she appreciates the home time and the supportive community of experienced professionals. “The walls in all of our distribution centers are packed with plaques of 500,000-mile, 1 million-mile, 3 million-mile, and higher driver careers,” Kelley noted. “I feel humbled and honored to be among such a stable and safety-driven family of truckers.”

Through her role at Walmart, Kelley also became an integral part of WIT’s outreach efforts. She drives the WITney Educational Trailer to various events, operating the truck-driving simulator inside and inspiring visitors to explore opportunities in the industry.

Championing Diversity in Trucking

Kelley is passionate about spreading the word on how trucking can offer a rewarding career path for people from all walks of life. The hiring age is simply 18+, and there are no gender, racial, educational, or spiritual boundaries. “Virtually every tangible item has been on a truck at one point in time, so the world will always need safe professional drivers.”

Faith as a Driving Force

Reflecting on her journey, Kelley acknowledges the challenges she’s faced but credits her faith for grounding her. “My trucking career path has seen me in tears, anger, doubts, and confusion,” she explained. “God always restores me to a peaceful inner joy with new insights on navigating a life of abundance that I never dreamed—or perhaps, never allowed myself to dream of.”

Life Beyond the Road

When she’s not behind the wheel, Kelley resides on an award-winning equestrian horse farm nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Though retired from her artistic endeavors—including painting, photography, and blogging—she continues to seek out new hobbies, experiences, and friendships. With a life brimming with adventure and gratitude, Kelley remains an extraordinary example of the warmth and resilience that Women in Trucking celebrates.

Jo Lynn “JJ” Kelley’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Through her efforts on and off the road, she’s leaving an indelible mark on the trucking industry.

Source: The Trucker

Image: WIT

The post Jo Lynn ‘JJ’ Kelley: Women in Trucking’s February Member of the Month appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

For a long time, Walmart associates have admired the vital role of the company’s Private Fleet—a dedicated team exceeding 13,000 drivers who ensure timely and efficient delivery of goods. Many associates have shown interest in becoming drivers themselves. However, the financial and time requirements of obtaining a CDL often seemed daunting.

Enter Walmart’s Fleet Development program. Initially launched to offer supply chain associates a streamlined path to earn their CDL and join Walmart’s Private Fleet as drivers, this initiative is now extending its reach. Associates in retail stores, distribution hubs, fulfillment centers, and transport offices near participating transportation facilities can now apply for the Associate-to-Driver program.

This comprehensive 12-week training, guided by seasoned Walmart driving instructors, provides hands-on experience. Participants who complete the program and earn their CDL can step into one of the most desirable roles in the industry. Walmart notes that new drivers have the potential to earn up to $110,000 in their first year, with earnings increasing based on location and tenure.

Among the latest success stories is Levor Franklin, who completed his training in Dover, Delaware. He now fulfills his aspiration of being a Walmart truck driver.

Walmart drivers are trained to uphold standards of safety, courtesy, and pride in their work. This dedication to safety has been recognized by the American Trucking Association, which has awarded Walmart the title of Safest Fleet in the Over 250 Million Mile Division for six consecutive years. By offering premier training from the outset, Walmart not only cultivates a skilled team but also sustains high standards for safety and customer service.

This program offers mutual benefits. Associates can progress in their careers without leaving Walmart, the company strengthens its workforce, and customers continue to receive reliable service from one of the largest private fleets in the industry.

Aspiring drivers can find more information at drive4walmart.com.

Source: Walmart

The post Walmart Elevates Career Paths with Expanded Driver Training Program appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.