Driver Interview: How Pamela J Fields Unites Pets with Their Forever Homes

Pamela J Fields has been a road warrior for over two decades, driving trucks across the country. Yet, it wasn’t until recently that she found a way to blend her lifelong love for animals with her driving expertise. In our latest driver interview, Pamela shares how she discovered CitizenShipper and her experiences helping to connect cherished pets with their prospective families.

A Love Affair with the Open Road

“I’ve been driving a truck for over 20 years,” Pamela says, the pride evident in her voice. With a career that spans not just years but hundreds of thousands of miles, she’s a seasoned pro behind the wheel. Her dedication and passion for driving are beyond question, a testimony to her commitment to the open road.

For the Love of Animals

Pamela’s love for animals has always been a guiding force in her life. “I’ve always loved animals,” she confesses, “I put those two things together and decided to unite people with their pets!” It was this passion that eventually led her to CitizenShipper, a platform she discovered through a simple Google search.

First Steps on CitizenShipper

Joining CitizenShipper wasn’t without its learning curve. “Honestly, I made a huge mistake on my first load,” she admits with a chuckle. “I didn’t get any payment up front and I ended up losing money. I learned though! It’s been great since!” This early setback was a valuable lesson in preparedness and determination, traits Pamela displays in abundance.

Transporting the Beloved: Memorable Journeys

One of Pamela’s most memorable experiences was helping a dog named Reggie. “I helped transport a dog from a kill shelter in Atlanta, GA to an adopter in Canada,” she recounts. “I took Reggie, (The best boy ever!), to the border at Sweetgrass, Mt. He was an absolute joy and it felt SO GOOD to help save a life!”

Safety and Comfort First

Pamela’s commitment to the well-being of the animals she transports is unwavering. She ensures that each pet has a comfortable, appropriately-sized kennel and stops frequently for breaks – every three hours for adult dogs and every two hours for smaller puppies. “I make sure the temperature is comfortable as well,” she adds, emphasizing the importance of every pet’s safety and comfort during transit.

Pointers for New Drivers

Pamela’s advice for new drivers reflects her own experiences: “Don’t give up! You’ll think you’ll never get that first job, but bid on everything that’s feasible for you. Keep in mind, since you’re new, those first few jobs you may only break even on. Without any reviews yet you’ll have to bid a little lower and reach out to the potential client. Communication is key.”

Her strategy emphasizes persistence and the power of effective communication to build a trustworthy reputation in the CitizenShipper community.

The Coaching Call Experience

Though Pamela initially struggled with some technical aspects of the CitizenShipper site, she found a great resource in the coaching calls. “Haick [CitizenShipper’s Driver Success Manager] was very helpful and encouraging!” Pamela recalls. “He took lots of time, explained everything the site has to offer, and gave me several helpful tips to win bids.” She emphasizes the importance of these calls, recommending them to other drivers who might have questions or need a bit of guidance.

Preferred Routes and Communication

While Pamela enjoys traveling all over the lower 48 states, she has a special fondness for the northwest. However, she notes, it can be more challenging to find jobs there. Integral to her success is her way of communicating with pet owners, ensuring them that “their pet will receive top-notch care.” She maintains frequent updates with pictures and ETAs, which helps reassure and build trust with her clients.

Stretching Beyond the Role

In terms of growth, Pamela hopes to one day trade in her Subaru Outback for a minivan or cargo van, potentially expanding her transport services to include towing. This expansion aligns with her goal of continuing to do something she loves while earning a comfortable profit.

“As a member of Gen X, I admit I’m not extremely tech-savvy,” Pamela laughs, appreciating CitizenShipper’s user-friendly design.

Reflections and Aspirations

Reflecting on her journey, Pamela shares that the most rewarding part of her job is uniting people with their new or relocated pets. “It’s awesome to see people SO happy. Also spending time with a variety of pets is wonderful for me,” she beams.

Conclusion: An Inspiring Path with CitizenShipper

Pamela Fields embodies the spirit of CitizenShipper drivers: passion, dedication, and a heart full of care for our furry friends. Her stories illuminate the profound impact that transporting pets can have not just on the animals but on their new families, too. As Pamela wheels down the highways of America, she continues her mission with CitizenShipper, creating new beginnings and joyful reunions with every trip.

To all prospective drivers, Pamela’s journey illustrates that CitizenShipper is more than a job—it’s a calling that aligns perfectly with a passion for animals and the open road.