Sophia breaking barriers as a female truck driver

For nearly five years, Sophia Bewry-McLarty has been making her mark in a traditionally male-dominated profession. This holiday season, she plans to enjoy the festivities with her loved ones, a departure from previous years when she fearlessly navigated snowy and cold terrains, traversing the United States in her impressive 36-foot Peterbilt trailer truck.

A Jamaica-born woman now residing in Florida, Bewry-McLarty is the proud owner of Sophia Bewry Trucking. She grew up in Ocho Rios, St Ann. She was adopted at three months old and later migrated to the USA in 1999, initially working in the security sector. However, her path took a different turn as she contemplated future endeavours, ultimately leading her into the trucking business. A pivotal meeting with her birth parents five years ago solidified her decision.

"When I met my birth parents, I found out my father and blood brother were truck drivers. I was in the security field overseas, and I did an early retirement when I was in my 30s. I was thinking about becoming a police officer, but then I found out that truck driving was in my blood so that's how Sophia Bewry Trucking started," she said.

Married to dancehall artiste AceGawd, Bewry-McLarty acknowledges the challenges of being a driver, especially the loneliness that comes with driving hundreds of miles for extended periods.

"Being alone on the road isn't for the faint of heart," she said, while attributing her resilience to her husband, who keeps her company through frequent video calls.

With an 11-year-old autistic son requiring full-time care, Bewry-McLarty highlights the importance of her family's support.

"My husband, AceGawd, is incredibly supportive. He video calls me throughout the day and night. It's a coping mechanism for the solitude on the road. I also rely on music to pass the time," she shared.

Recognising the male-dominated nature of her industry, Bewry-McLarty emphasises the challenges faced by women in trucking.

"It's a man's world and a man's job, so you won't find many females on the road. The job is far from easy, especially in winter and snowy conditions. Extreme caution is required during these times. I've driven from Florida all the way to Washington State, Oregon, and as close to the Canadian border," she added.

The trailblazing truck driver said she encounters surprise when she steps out of her heavy machine. "People are often taken aback and ask if I'm the driver or the driver's girlfriend. The fact that I'm a woman doing this job is a source of amazement," she said.