At Van Duuren, we have 40 female drivers who hit the road every day, either driving with a colleague or travelling solo. We’re proud of them! We love sharing who they are, what motivates them and what they enjoy about their work. This time, meet Mariana Roman!
For Mariana, being a truck driver is about much more than covering kilometres. It’s a profession that combines responsibility, personal growth and the freedom of the open road. For five years, she has been discovering new places, taking on challenges and collecting stories along the way.
No two days are the same
What does Mariana enjoy most about her job? “The variety. One day I’m driving through busy cities, the next I’m travelling along quiet roads surrounded by impressive landscapes. No two journeys are the same, and there’s always something new to discover along the way.”
Some places stay with her long after she has left them behind. “It’s those unexpected moments that make the job special. A beautiful landscape can make me forget my fatigue and remind me of how much there is to see along the way.”
Well prepared for the road
For Mariana, a good journey begins before the engine starts. She plans her route, checks the truck and takes the time to prepare for what lies ahead. “I always set off without rushing and with a clear head. I think that really makes a difference. As a driver, you carry responsibility – not only for your cargo and your vehicle, but also for safety on the road.”
The job calls for attentiveness, discipline, patience and respect for other road users. It also means staying calm when things don’t go according to plan. After all, you can’t control everything that happens on the road, but you can decide how you respond to a situation.
Mariana also believes that a good driver never stops learning. Being willing to learn new things and continually improve yourself is what makes you a true professional.
Don’t limit yourself
For Mariana, the past five years represent more than professional experience; they have also been a journey of personal growth. “Every kilometre has taught me something. Every challenge has helped me become stronger. My advice to women who are considering becoming truck drivers is not to let other people’s expectations limit them. Find out more about the profession, prepare yourself well and give yourself the chance to try it. Of course, there will be difficult days when you have to persevere. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it.”
Mariana believes women don’t have to prove they’re better than men. “It’s about doing your job with dedication and taking pride in what you build.”