Meet Patty Lopez - Trucking Moves America

Patty Lopez

“When the kids see it’s a female behind the wheel, their eyes get huge!”

Professional Truck Driver
Pilot Flying J.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?
I have been working in the professional truck driving industry for nearly 16 years. I’ve driven reefers, box vans, flatbeds, oversized, military HET’s (heavy equipment transporter), tankers and heavy haul, overseas in Iraq, Kuwait, and the U.S. I am currently working as a lead hazmat driver for Pilot Flying J.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE INDUSTRY?
I love driving my LVC (long vehicle combo), which is 95’ plus long and weighs 109,000 pounds loaded with fuel. It’s not just the adrenaline, but the people I meet, and places I go. The service we provide is so important. Without fuel, America would come to a standstill!

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER WOMEN OUT THERE?
When I am on the road, I’d like to inspire and empower all generations of women to follow their dreams and not be afraid. Since I started driving trucks in the year 2000, the number of women out there driving has definitely increased. When the kids see it’s a female behind the wheel, their eyes get huge! I hope to open their minds to think outside the box! I encourage them to do the research, ask questions, meet other women professional drivers and follow their heart. The possibilities and opportunities are there for women in the trucking industry.