If anyone knows how important truck drivers are to a functioning society, it’s Lynne, Safety Compliance Officer for Fuel’s fleet. “There’s a great saying about trucking,” she says. “If you’ve got it, a truck brought it.”

Lynne has been working in trucking for over 30 years, coordinating with drivers and making sure they’ve got what they need to keep their goods and themselves moving safely. “We have a lot of drivers to look after. I make sure their hours and inspections are good. I check if they have any problems or need any permits, and that they’re safe and compliant with everything in order.”

It’s a role that requires a lot of organization and a mind for detail, but Lynne also knows the importance of simply being a voice for these drivers to connect with at any given moment. “I review the data to ensure all is running smoothly, to make sure they’re okay, and coach them as needed. I just talk to the drivers and be there. If anybody has any questions about regulations I can answer them.”

Making sure our drivers feel supported is a critical part of the job, and Lynne is quick to emphasize that communication is everything. “Every driver is different. Step one is understanding how they work and what they need. Listening is a big part of communicating and I think a lot of people forget that.”

Being that reliable point of contact is a rewarding role for Lynne who says that working with the drivers is her favourite part of the job. “We have a really good team and when the drivers call me and I answer a question, it feels good to be there for them.”

Of course, as a safety compliance officer, Lynne is hyper-focused on the safety of our fleet more than anything. “When I get home every night I always say ‘thanks for a good day and a safe drive home.’ Anything can happen on the road for the drivers out there. Our drivers are really safe and we put a lot of safeguards in place to keep them that way.”

Coordinating the safe travels of multiple drivers might sound stressful but Lynne sees stress as a waste of energy. She takes every challenge one step at a time and emits a palpably peaceful aura if you get the good fortune to meet her. How does she maintain such serenity in this high-stakes role? She reads, she cooks, and she tends to her 130 plants, all thriving in one condo. Lynne attributes much of her peace of mind to two factors: gardening and divorce.