Truck driving academy offers growing, lucrative career path to single moms

"I chose trucking because it's fun, very lucrative, and it's an industry that's growing," says Karina Dailey, who became a truck driver in 2016. In less than a year, she had her own company. Dailey says she has overcome a lot since becoming a single mom at the age of 17, and now she wants to help other women become financially independent.

"If would have had this as a young mom – being a mom at 17 years old in high school – I know I would have made different decisions," she said. "But it was necessary for me to go through this so that I could be an example for other mothers to let them know that you can still do it."

Her non-profit, HER Legacy, NC, will officially launch the program in August. Its focus is on working single mothers with children who are 17 years and younger. Dailey will even help by connecting them with a childcare center.

"It's not for everyone," she admits, "But this is why we bring you in and coach and counsel you in the beginning to make sure that you have clarity as to what it is that you want to do."

While most truck drivers have to be away for weeks at a time, Dailey will offer moms a job at her company working from eight to five.

"When I first decided to go into it, I was thinking 'men,' the 'dirty men,' you see what I'm saying? Because that's what we always saw. There are lot of women that are going more into the industry that look very much like me, that are mothers, that are wives, that are sisters and friends," she said.

Dailey already has women enrolled in smaller classes in the program before the official launch in August. She's also acquired a site for the academy on Wesleyan Boulevard in Rocky Mount.  One of her first students in the program is Stacy Tucker, a single mom of four who works long overtime hours at a convenience store.

"It feels like a weight has been lifted off of me, to know in my mind and in my heart to know what I wanted to do," says Tucker, "And then have someone placed in my life that can show me the ropes and guide me."

Tucker hopes it will give her financial freedom and more time to spend with her children.

"Being able to take trips, vacations, and knowing that when we get home the bills will be paid, you still got a roof over my head food, on the table. It's a good feeling."

For more information on the program, you can call Legacy Truck Driving Academy at 877-469-2357 or 877-4MYCDL7, or email admin@herlegacy.com.