FIXTITLE Goldie Seymour.docx

GLORIOUS TRIUMPHS

The Story

Of

Goldie Seymour

One should never underestimate the importance a person can have in changing the future. I had the pleasure of interviewing a woman that has over 45 years of experience in the trucking industry. That is just dating back to when she became licensed at the age of 16. When she was only eight years old, she could fully operate a tractor. As soon as she could reach the foot pedals, she was driving a pickup. At 14, she was working full-time on her family’s farm while still attending school. The way of life was much different in the 50’s. Every family member, young or old had an obligation to fulfill. Responsibilities to handle. Each day of work was another chance to learn.

If you are not familiar with the name Goldie Seymour, I’m about to fill you in. Last year, Goldie was named National Carriers Driver of the Year 2014. She began paving the way for women in trucking the moment she took to the road. She was originally born in Colorado, but raised on a ranch near the Nebraska and Wyoming line. Then she relocated to Oklahoma in her early 20’s. In 1982, Goldie was awarded and certified as the first female truck driver in the state of Oklahoma to operate a fracking truck in the oil field.

Unaware of the barriers she had broken, Goldie continued to make a living in trucking simply by applying the same work ethic that was taught to her at an early age. To this day, Goldie does not rely on anyone. She has always been fearless in making her own decisions. Admired by many, because of her independence and strength, Goldie has raised the standard. Not just for herself or for women, but for everybody in the business.

I asked Goldie, “After all that you have accomplished and overcome, what helped you the most in your trucking career?” Her reply was to always remember that you don’t have to prove anything to anyone. As long as you are doing what you love, for yourself, only then will it be great. She continues, “Trucking isn’t easy. It is a lot of work and stress, but you will learn to manage it all. Know your limits. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Stay within your comfort zone.” Meaning, take your time. With progress and growth, comes confidence. You don’t have to rush things or take on more than you can handle. That leads to mistakes, even injuries. “You don’t have to be, Super Driver. Stay tough, consistent and success will follow,” she said.

When Goldie was old enough to get her driver’s license, he dad advised her to obtain her commercial license, as well. Left with little say in the matter, she understood that since she was the oldest of eight children it was her responsibility to help out as much as possible. “My dad has always been my biggest influence. When I turned 16, he basically let me know that we had cattle that needed to be delivered. His main worry was that I had to learn how to shift things first. He told me, ‘Learn the gears. We have loads that have to go to Montana.’ My dad had one of them looks, where you knew that he was serious. He put me in an old 9-speed Mac and I learned how to drive it right there on the farm. And I hauled my first load from Wyoming to Montana.” With her father driving right behind her, he was able to judge by the smoke coming from her stack if she was shifting on time.

Before Goldie was driving on her own, her chores around the house included the hay, tending to 14 head of cattle; milking and feeding them before school. Then again in the evenings. Also pulling the night shift during calving season. She explains, “Every night after supper, I would sit in the calving barn to watch the cows. In between checking them, I would do my homework and my dad would come relieve me at midnight.” At 14, when she joined the family farm full-time she received somewhat of a pay raise. “I was making a whole twenty-five cents an hour,” she says with a laugh. “Before that it was only ten cents.”

Growing up, Goldie’s father had always been in trucking. Initially, driving tankers in California, he then moved his family to manage a cattle and buffalo ranch. Her mother had her hands full too, raising their full house. Goldie stayed home and hauled cattle until she was 18. At that time she moved out and began a family of her own. “All of my life, I’ve sort of been self-sufficient and confident enough to do things on my own. That’s why I love trucking,” she said. Quick to learn and unafraid. Two reasons behind Goldie’s success. She has never been intimidated by the unknown. Naturally, Goldie gives her best at everything, as if nothing in this world troubles her. Humbled with complete belief in herself; stemmed from her father’s tough love, she knows what she is capable of and goes for it. She doesn’t compare herself to others, leaving no room for doubt.

After leaving the family farm, Goldie moved to Oklahoma. She found a job at a truck line company in the city of Cushing. She became the first female at the company to work in the parts department. Three years later, she was introduced into the oil field. Officially certified to drive fracking trucks, again she was recognized as the first woman in the state to do so. When the bottom fell out of the oil business Goldie returned to the trucking line, selling truck and trailer parts.

In 1985, Goldie relocated to Canada. For 12 years Calgary, located in Alberta was her home. She landed a similar job as before and stuck with it for four years. Next, she took a position as a truck driver for a different company and began pulling refrigerated freight down to California and back. She drove a Peterbilt for seven years. She talks a bit about Canada, “It is absolutely beautiful there! I traveled all through the provinces. The weather is always nice and the people are fantastic.”

It is the freedom of the road that captivates Goldie. She mentions that she has family spread all over the country and enjoys visiting when she is passing through. Riding in the truck with her are her two pals, Hoss and Sissy. Hoss is the oldest. He is eight years old and Sissy is six. Both are Dachshunds. She goes over some of her advantages of being on no set schedule, “I’ll take them for nice walks when we stop places. I can go shopping when I want. And I get to meet lots of interesting people from all over.”

In August, Goldie will be celebrating her third year with National Carriers, Inc. She has spent the past year as a lease operator. Her nickname is Miss September, given to her for winning Driver of the Month in September of 2013 and again in 2014. The year of 2014 was a special year for Goldie, being she was announced the Driver of the Year, as well. With over 5 million miles and an exemplary track record, the acknowledgment from National Carriers, Inc. is well deserved. She is currently running the southwest regions, pulling a 53ft refer van. Usually, she will travel anywhere from 12 to 16 weeks. Baby Blue is her 2014 Kenworth T680. She says, “I got her brand new and have put every mile on it.” Her relationship with the staff at National Carriers, Inc. go beyond praise. “I’m very blessed, in so many ways. The people in the office work with me. They’re a great company to work for! I like the family oriented atmosphere and their open-door policy.” Her loyalty to National Carriers, Inc. is solid for many reasons. She continues, “I make great money and they provide us with nice equipment… also, our recruiters will go to bat for you. I feel that our company is very honest. Especially as far as our recruiting goes. That means a lot to us drivers.”

Goldie recently purchased a 1 ton truck that she uses to pull her fifth wheel camper. She plans on letting her youngest son use it for local work. That way he can make money and still be home with his kids. Eventually, Goldie wants to start her own fleet with National Carriers, Inc. All three of her sons drive, along with one of her nephews. Her next goal is to have all of her family join her. She adds, “I’d like to get one more semi and another 1 ton to do some hot shot work with.” As her record shows, anything Goldie puts her mind to is definitely within reach.

Her continued success, on the brink of 50 years is the result of hard work with a purpose. By taking risks, Goldie has opened avenues for future drivers, more women in trucking, and most importantly her own family members. She admits that she has no desire to retire. “I love my job! I am basically a paid tourist. I can’t see myself just sitting around. I get to travel, see my family… do whatever I want.” She has been known to catch a few NASCAR races or skip on down to Florida in Baby Blue; park her and jump on a cruise ship. When she is on the road, there is not one particular place that she favors. The variety is what appeals to her. “You can go up and down the same road,” she says. “But there is always something changing. I can be passing through the desert, the city, or the mountains… all of it is unique and beautiful. And different each time.”

Goldie takes pride in knowing that she gives National Carriers, Inc. 100% and more. “That’s the only way I know how to work. I come across tougher than what I actually am. In reality, I’m a marshmallow. I will lend a helping hand every chance I can. I’ve been burned several times, but I can’t give up on people,” she said. With three sons, 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandbabies she has built a life that she can be proud of.

Every benchmark that Goldie has reached, she did it for her own personal growth. Working from such a young age to obtain a goal, she could never had imagined the difference she would be making in the trucking industry today. Her professional trucking career is still constantly growing. She has pushed through some rough times and accepts that each misstep was a part of her journey. She hasn’t let up yet! Goldie has found success on her own terms.

In the words of our beloved Superman himself, Christopher Reeves;

“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

Courage can be contagious.