Krista article
“Once I joined AFC, it felt like I had been here forever!” That is how Krista R., the AFC HR manager, describes the atmosphere inside AFC Trucking Company. She came here from a totally different field of occupation, seeking change and challenges for herself.
She admits that her job had never been boring up until that point. Moreover, she has taken many courses in the company that have helped her gain new skills, and even though she has already worked in the company for three years, she has never stopped moving forward.
Here, straight from Krista, is how she became a woman in trucking at AFC and what she realized about this industry.
You mentioned earlier that the trucking industry is a really important segment of the economy. Is that why you decided to join this field?
Honestly, when I first got into this industry, I had no idea just how much we relied on truck drivers. Food, medicine, clothing—you name it. The more I learned about that, the more passionate I became about being part of this industry and, most importantly, supporting the people who truly keep the country moving.
What do you like the most about AFC and the trucking industry in general?
The people! Logistics and trucking people are a different breed. You’ve got to be a little crazy, in the best way, to be successful in this industry. It’s fast-paced, unpredictable, and never stops moving. You’re constantly juggling priorities and adapting on the fly, and that’s exactly what I love about it.
How did you realize that you would stick with the company?
From my very first interview, everyone I spoke to seemed genuinely excited about what they were doing. Once I joined AFC, it felt like I had been there forever. I clicked with the
team, hit the ground running, and never looked back. I don’t ever wake up in the morning and dread coming to work, and that keeps me sticking around.
What skills have you gained during your three years at AFC?
AFC values continuing education, and I have been able to take part in many different trainings and courses that have taught me so much. One skill I’ve really honed is communication. In this role, you have to be direct. You might go from calming down an angry driver to interviewing a candidate to supporting an employee who’s in the hospital—all in the same afternoon. You have to quickly adjust your tone and approach and be the voice that each person needs to hear in that moment. I’ve become very skilled at navigating those shifts and building trust with my team at AFC.
Can you say that only ambitious women can survive in this field?
You absolutely have to be ambitious to succeed in this field, and even more so as a woman. Transportation is a male-dominated industry, and stepping into leadership roles means you have to be confident in your value and your perspective. I think you have to lean into the unique strengths we have as women rather than trying to compete with men. There is plenty of room at the table for everyone. You have to be able to stay focused on the big picture while navigating whatever challenges come your way.
What would you say to any women who decide to join the trucking field?
Do it! There are so many opportunities for women in this industry, especially here at AFC.