Truck Driver Lynn Herrington began her Publix career in 1995 at a store in Atlanta as a way to support herself. But she wasn’t a stranger to Publix.

“Growing up in Florida, Publix was the only grocery store I knew,” said Lynn. “My dad retired from Publix — he worked in refrigeration for 18 years.”

Lynn’s manager urged her to pursue a career in retail management, but she always felt drawn to driving.

“One of my neighbors in Florida drove a truck for a moving company, and I used to talk to him about it,” she said. “And when the Publix drivers would deliver to my store, I’d ask them a lot of questions. That really helped me decide to go for it.”

A truck driver for 11 years, Lynn enjoys the freedom of the open road, and each day takes her on a different journey. A typical workday lasts 10 – 12 hours. She clocks in around 3 a.m., selects her route and hits the road.

“I like the long distance drives — they’re easy to navigate and there’s less traffic,” said Lynn. “Right now, our longest deliveries are to Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama, and Columbia, South Carolina.”

When Lynn arrives at a store, she is usually greeted by shock. Most people expect a man to hop out of the driver’s seat. But Lynn is going the distance to make sure that stereotype is a thing of the past.

“People don’t believe it when I say I’m a truck driver,” she said. “It’s kind of empowering. But anyone can do it — it’s all about learning how to drive correctly and safely.”

Pictured above, Lynn Herrington is one of Publix’s 27 female truck drivers. Read more stories below about some of these wonderful women.

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Truck Driver Terrie Thomas
Truck Driver Stacia Okobi
Where the rubber meets the road

• Atlanta Distribution Center
• Deerfield Distribution Center
• Jacksonville Distribution Center
• Lakeland Distribution Center
• Orlando Distribution Center

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Meet Truck Driver Terrie Thomas

Publix News (PN): When did you begin your Publix career?
Terrie: I was hired as a produce selector in our Atlanta distribution center in July 1998.

PN: What brought you to Publix?
Terrie: I always saw Publix from the highway. I did some research and knew I wanted to work for Publix. I saw it as a good future for me.

PN: What do you enjoy most about working for Publix?
Terrie: Publix has taken care of my family and provided well for us. Publix is always growing, and we look for ways to improve the company so it will always be here for us.

PN: When and why did you become a truck driver?
Terrie: May 2007. Once I started working for Publix, it became my goal. I just love driving!

PN: What was it like driving a truck for the first time?
Terrie: It was nerve-wracking!

PN: What do you enjoy most about being a truck driver?
Terrie: It’s a wonderful job. I love having my own responsibilities. Every day is different.

PN: What’s the biggest challenge of driving a truck?
Terrie: You have to work hard and never forget the position you’re in — it can be dangerous, so keep your guard up and anticipate other drivers. I tune everything out and respect what’s in front of me. And, if you can make it in downtown Atlanta, you can do anything!

PN: What’s a typical day like for you?
Terrie: I work four days a week for about 10 – 12 hours a day, depending on the schedule. I like having long stretches of time off; it’s like I get a mini-vacation, and I can spend more time with my family while still working to provide for them.

PN: Do you have a favorite route?
Terrie: I love driving to Columbia, South Carolina — it’s different than driving through Atlanta’s traffic!

PN: What’s it like being a woman in a predominantly male industry?
Terrie: It makes me proud, like I’ve achieved something. Some stats show women are safer drivers and less aggressive. I’m very honored to drive for Publix.

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Meet Truck Driver Stacia Okobi

Publix News (PN): When did you begin your Publix career?
Stacia: October 1987

PN: What brought you to Publix?
Stacia: I was a young single mom, and I needed a job to support myself and my son. I heard Publix was a great company, and I applied and was hired at the Lakeland bakery plant. Publix is the only company I’ve known.

PN: What do you enjoy most about working for Publix?
Stacia: We have great people working at Publix. Publix is about family — I’ve always had support to improve from my managers and the people around me. Knowing where I came from and where I am now, there have been endless opportunities.

PN: How did you end up in Atlanta?
Stacia: I was working in printing services, and I knew we were opening the Atlanta Division. I felt like I could do more in my career at Publix, so I took a leap of faith and transferred to Atlanta.

PN: What’s it like working in Atlanta after starting in Lakeland?
Stacia: Publix is Florida, so it’s up to me to share that culture and my experience in Atlanta. I tell stories about the culture and try to motivate more people. I remember Mr. George used to say, “Hi,” in the corporate cafeteria and made everyone feel important. Knowing where I started and where I am now, it makes me proud.

PN: When and why did you become a truck driver?
Stacia: December 2003. I was loading trucks for awhile, and I wanted a bigger challenge.

PN: What do you enjoy most about being a truck driver?
Stacia: I’m a people person — I love to talk. Driving lets me visit lots of people, and I don’t have to worry about anyone telling me I’m talking too much!

PN: What’s the biggest challenge of driving a truck?
Stacia: It’s a challenge to work in a man’s world; people don’t think women can do it. When I arrive at a store, most people don’t realize I’m a truck driver. But times have changed. The other women and I work as hard as the guys and gained a lot of respect.

PN: Do you have a favorite route?
Stacia: I try to stay local; I like going around the city [Atlanta]. I can make a lot of short trips and get out to talk to a lot of people. Our trucks are billboards for Publix, and people respect our brand, so it’s important I’m always on top of my game when I’m representing Publix.

PN: What’s it like being a woman in a predominantly male industry?
Stacia: A lot of women are scared to drive a truck and think they can’t do it. But if you put your mind to something, you can do anything.

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Where the rubber meets the road

Twenty-seven women are currently driving trucks for Publix, and between them, they have miles of experience.

Atlanta Distribution Center

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Deerfield distribution center

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Jacksonville distribution center

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Lakeland distribution center

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Orlando distribution center

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