Truck Driver Appreciation Week – Meet Karina, Bobtail Driver

It’s Truck Driver Appreciation Week! In our business, nothing happens without our drivers. To show our gratitude, we’re shining a light on a few incredible drivers. Keep reading to learn more about Karina, a bobtail driver.

How did you get started driving?

I come from a family of truck drivers, so it’s kind of like joining the family business! I got my CDL at the age of 22 when I decided to step into the trucking industry due to losing my job when the pandemic started. I grew up watching my dad drive and always wanted to get into it, but didn’t actually do it until I absolutely needed to and I do not regret it one bit. I’ve been driving for one year, and I joined Gulf Coast in May 2021 as a bobtail dump truck driver.

Tell us a bit about your work.

I haul and deliver all types of aggregates (hot mix asphalt, sand, gravel, demo concrete) to all of our job sites in the Houston area. The bobtail can haul 12 ½ tons of material at a time.

What do you like about working for Gulf Coast?

The benefits of working with Gulf Coast are amazing, but what I mostly like about working with them is the people I work with, my coworkers/dispatchers are always willing to help when need be.

Any advice for newer drivers?

Be safe while driving and protect your CDL at all costs! Do not get discouraged. Being a driver is not always easy, but it is a very important job and you should always take precautions for yourself and for others out on the road.

As Steve Jobs said, the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you love to drive and love your career as a driver, you will succeed and be great in this industry!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Truck drivers make the world go round and I love being a part of that. It’s peaceful being out on the road exploring new cities/states if driving over the road, and opportunities in this industry are endless. I love being a driver because for me, every day is different and it sets forth a new challenge. I don’t like being stuck in an office; I want to be out in the world seeing different job sites. I love being on the open road.

Curious about job openings? You can find careers at CRH Texas Materials Group posted here.