Industry Leaders

Industry leader: Lisa Fotheringham

TRAILER MAGAZINE SPEAKS WITH LISA FOTHERINGHAM WHO CURRENTLY SPLITS HER DRIVING TIME BETWEEN HER PARTNER’S TRUCK AND GRANITE DOWNS TRANSPORT. LISA PRIDES HERSELF ON HAVING AN UNDYING PASSION FOR THE JOB AND HER ABILITY TO CAPABLY PERFORM ANY TASK WITHIN HER REMIT AS A SEASONED PROFESSIONAL OPERATOR.

Lisa Fotheringham.

Q: What first drew you to the commercial road transport industry?

A: The first thing that drew me to the transport industry was the freedom of the job. I derive a great deal of satisfaction from being charged with the responsibility of operating and taking care of valuable machinery, not to mention earning a good living.

Q: What does a standard day for you look like?

A: My working days are always full of long and sometimes trying hours either behind the wheel or loading/unloading the truck. As a woman, I don’t feel I’ve really had it easier than the guys – spoilt maybe just a fraction; I’ve always done my fair share of multiple drops and pick-ups. My first trucking stint was with Flynn Transport. Being green at the job they put me through the right steps – firstly in a body truck running around Brisbane then came the trailer. Stepping it up to interstate – Brisbane-SydneyMelbourne-Adelaide – the job was never about just driving; it was unloading and loading with pallet jacks, throwing straps, washing the machinery, fuelling, paperwork – all the good stuff.

Q: What has been a highlight of your career so far?

A: Highlights of the job are that I started out passionate and can honestly say I still am; employers have commented that I’ll always have a go and never give up. Also driving flash blinged-up trucks in the bush in pitch black dark at any given time. Feeling your way on roads that are buried in bull dust or sliding in the mud on remote winding mountain roads – definitely a game-changer

from interstate work.

Q: What do female-driven events in commercial road transport mean to you?

A: It’s important to let women know that they can do this job. Over my years of driving I’ve had women approach me in awe and praise me for even attempting to drive a semi. My response is if I can do it anyone can. While it’s not for everyone, if you’re cut out for it the job can be rewarding mentally and for your purse.

Q: What is the best thing about the transport industry?

A: If I had to narrow it down to just one thing, it’s the drivers and their resilience. The industry is full of great hard-working guys and girls who always seem to put a smile on my face.

Q: What do you think could be improved?

A: Where do I start? I believe allowances on axle weights should be more lenient when your gross weight is correct. Also, my pet hate as a truck driver is being limited to two left lanes on a four-lane motorway – it causes more problems than it solves.