Every instructor brings their own unique story and experience to the classroom, and Monique Richardson is no exception. With years of trucking experience and a strong commitment to helping others, Monique has transformed her passion for the open road into a career dedicated to shaping future drivers. Her journey from professional driver to instructor is one defined by hard work, dedication, and a genuine desire to see her students succeed. We sat down with Monique to learn more about her background, her approach to teaching, and the advice she shares with those pursuing a career in trucking.
Here is Monique's story:
Tell me a little bit about yourself. I am originally from Virginia. When I decided to start driving, I was living in California with my husband and five kids. Life was becoming increasingly unaffordable, and we were reaching a point where it could put us in a financial hole we could not get out of. I decided to start truck driving in 2016. With three of my children grown and my two youngest still at home, I wanted a career that allowed me to balance work with family life. I enjoy the trucking industry and the laid-back nature of the people, and I wanted to stay in trucking without being on the road every day. I began my teaching journey after driving professionally and eventually found my way to Tri-Area Trucking School in Muncie, IN.
How was your experience as a truck driver when you first started? I went through Roadmaster Driving School, which is owned by Warner. I honestly had no idea what to expect at first, but I had done my research and found the school had good reviews. My mother had also gone through a trucking school, which influenced my decision. Even after a few months, I realized my training provided me with much more knowledge than hers. The experience was very pleasant, and I still keep in touch with a few classmates. Of course there were some parts that were really hard, but overall, the training I received motivates me to give students a similar, high-quality experience.
How has your experience as a truck driver influenced your approach to teaching? My time on the road gave me a wide range of experiences that I now bring into the classroom. When students are out driving, I can guide them through real-life scenarios they might encounter on the road and offer practical solutions. My goal is to prepare students as much as possible before they graduate. While you can never prepare for everything, you can provide tools and knowledge that help them handle the unexpected with confidence.
Was teaching a new experience for you? Yes, I had some training experience with Warner, where new drivers would work with trainers before being assigned their own trucks. Before coming to Tri-Area, I was at Sage Truck Driving School for a few months. My transition from driving to teaching was smooth because of the preparation and experience I had gained. I knew how to adjust my techniques to fit each student and understand that not everyone learns the same way. Some students need more guidance, patience, or mentoring. It’s important to adapt to each student’s learning style.
What surprised you most about teaching at Tri-Area Trucking School? Tri-Area offers more consistency with instructors, which allows for stronger relationships and rapport with students. At other places, students sometimes rotate through many instructors for different maneuvers, so building connections took longer. Here, students work with the same instructor, allowing for more personalized attention and better learning outcomes.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in trucking? Do your research and find the school that is the best fit for you. Put 100 percent effort into the program because you get out what you put in. Motivated and determined students help instructors feel motivated to ensure their success. Trucking can be challenging, especially in a male-dominated industry, but it is growing. Women, in particular, may have advantages in patience and problem-solving, and it can be a great career for those who are independent and willing to work hard.
What kind of truck driving did you do, local or over the road? For the most part, I did over-the-road driving, covering long distances across the country. I had a short period of home daily driving, but the opportunities were limited, especially during COVID. Over-the-road work offers more variety and experience, but it also requires careful planning, time management, and the ability to adapt to different situations.
What are some of the most common struggles students face when entering the program? Finances are a big challenge. Students often need to take weeks off from work to attend school, which can create financial pressure. Bills may pile up, and the stress of passing on the first attempt adds to the emotional load. Many students see this program as a quick way to get into a career, so the pressure to succeed quickly can be overwhelming. Sacrifices are necessary, but the rewards can be significant if they stay committed.
Which part of the curriculum has the greatest long-term impact on students’ careers? The driving portion is essential, especially training on manual trucks. While not all companies require manual driving, learning it maximizes earning potential and ensures students are not disqualified from job opportunities. This training gives them flexibility and a competitive edge in the industry.
How do you help students who feel intimidated or lack confidence at the start? I reassure students, especially women, that the truck is not intimidating if they stay safe and follow instructions. By the end of the program, students gain confidence in maneuvering the truck and handling the road. Understanding that the truck only moves as they control it. Also, most of our students are trained during the day, but I teach techniques like taking wide turns, which apply to any driving condition. With proper trip planning and communication with dispatchers, night driving should not be a major obstacle. It is a skill that can be adapted once they are on the road.
What non-academic lessons do you hope students take away from your classes? Life skills are just as important as driving skills. Trip planning, staying in communication with dispatchers, and pre-trip inspections ensure safety and efficiency. Dependability is crucial because punctuality affects earning potential. Students who learn these habits are better prepared for long-term success in trucking.
How do ownership and leasing work for truck drivers? There are lease operators and owner-operators. Lease agreements can be tricky, sometimes almost predatory. Owner-operators can make great money but are more vulnerable during economic downturns. Over-the-road drivers must balance pay, company support, and equipment maintenance to succeed. A strong dispatcher can make a huge difference in earnings and job satisfaction.
How has teaching impacted your personal life? Teaching has allowed me to be home consistently with my children. Before teaching, I was only home three or four days out of the month, often spending that time preparing for the road. Now I can participate in daily life, help with homework, and be present as a mother and wife. Although the pay is lower than over-the-road driving, the trade-off is worth it for family time and stability.
How do you spend your free time outside of teaching? Most of my time is spent with family. I enjoy helping my children with daily activities, doing homework, and simply being present in their lives. Teaching has allowed me to reclaim this time, which was previously sacrificed while being on the road.
What is your outlook on the future of trucking? Trucking experiences ebbs and flows, but the industry will always rebound with the economy. Students who can weather downturns and build strong relationships with companies will find long-term success. Trucking remains a viable career, and over-the-road driving often offers higher pay for those without local connections. It is a challenging but rewarding career path for those committed to learning and adapting.
Have you had mentors or people who inspired you along the way? In trucking, I had an experienced driver early on who gave me practical advice, especially when I faced challenges on the road. More broadly, I look up to my large extended family, using them as guideposts in life. Mentorship can come in many forms, and sharing experiences with peers is valuable in this industry.
