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At 19, Charlene Kerkhof is proving that young professionals are ready to drive the future of road transport. Growing up in a trucking family in the Netherlands, she has turned her passion into a career. Now she’s mastering the road and calling for better opportunities to help more young drivers succeed.
Charlene Kerkhof begins her mornings early, confidently climbing into the cab of her truck like a seasoned professional. She started driving at 18, and now, at 19, she has already proven herself in the demanding world of road transport. While many her age are still exploring career paths, Charlene is already on the road, ensuring goods are delivered safely and on time.
She has always been surrounded by trucks. Her brother hauls containers, while her grandfather was both a driver and a mechanic. From an early age, she knew that she wanted to follow in their footsteps.
Now she is combining classroom learning with hands-on experience. It’s a challenging balance, but one that she embraces fully.
“The real knowledge comes from being on the road,” she says.
“You can learn a lot in school, but nothing prepares you better than actually driving.”
The road to confidence
Stepping into the industry at a young age comes with its challenges. At first, some people are surprised to see a young woman behind the wheel.
“They don’t expect it,” she admits. “But once they see how well I handle my truck, respect follows.”
Her biggest concern, however, is not gender. It’s the lack of young drivers.
Driving safely, thinking ahead
For Charlene, safety is the foundation of her profession. She takes every aspect seriously, from route planning to anticipating the behaviour of other drivers.
The training and mentorship she has received from experienced drivers have helped her build confidence.
“I started by riding along, watching how professionals handle different situations. That gave me the experience I needed to get behind the wheel myself,” says Charlene.
A vision for the future
Charlene’s determination to succeed is evident in how she approaches every aspect of her work. Whether it is maintaining her truck, perfecting her driving skills, or planning efficient routes, she takes pride in being a professional.
For her, every journey is a learning experience. She sees each day as an opportunity to further improve her skills and gain new insights into the industry. She enjoys the independence that comes with the job but also values the camaraderie among drivers. Read more
Source: IRU
