StoryCorps Discussion with RWIT President for the Library of Congress

REAL Women in Trucking President Desiree Wood recently participated in a StoryCorps interview for the Library of Congress to revisit the Covid-19 Pandemic effects on truck drivers.

Her conversation partner and StoryCorps facilitator Latojia Dawkins asked Desiree about how she became an advocate for women truck drivers through her work at REAL Women in Trucking Inc. and how the newly formed Truckers Emergency Assistance Responders - T.E.A.R. responded during the early days of the Pandemic.

By putting together care packages with donations from Stephanie Stuckey , Transfix, Uber Freight and The DDC Group a distibution system was developed nationwide for truck drivers who were on the road that had no immediate access to gloves, masks, hand sanitizer and just a Thank You for their service during the crisis.

Nevada

Florida

Desiree talks about the network of truck drivers helping truck drivers during the intense heat of Spring and Summer 2020 in Las Vegas to pass out numerous care packages at truck stops, and later on the Florida Turnpike, the Long Beach Port and other locations nationwide.

To memorialize this national crisis for the Library of Congress is a tremendous honor.

The timeline of the interview includes Desiree talking about driving from Florida to California before the Pandemic to work on the Movie Paradise Highway and to be an Expert Witness in the Jane Doe v CRST case.

Other Timeline Events

4:58

Desiree discusses Truckers Emergency Assistance Responders and describes NPR's request for truckers needs.

10:57

Desiree recalls putting together care packages to give out at truck stops and recalls a truck driver friend dying after his delivery.

20:50

Desiree talks about a lack of medical access for truck drivers, the long-term negative impact of isolation, long-term debt from a lack of work and change to virtual community impact events.

30:34

Desiree describes the Queen of the Road Awards during the Pandemic, the work of REAL Women in Trucking Inc.

You can listen to the full interview here: