Journey on the Open Road: Shery Mathewson’s Story as a CitizenShipper Driver

Shery Mathewson’s career path might not be what you expect from someone with a rich background in hospitality. With over 25 years in the industry, she built a professional life dedicated to serving others with warmth and dedication.

But life took an unexpected turn in January when she found herself in the hospital for six weeks. As she recovered, it sparked a realization — she needed something new, something that resonated with her evolving passions. That’s when she discovered CitizenShipper through a Facebook ad. “It was the best decision I made,” Shery reflects warmly on her transition. “I made my first trip on August 3rd and haven’t looked back.” Now, she’s traveled to 35 states and counting, embracing the freedom and fulfillment that comes with transporting animals across the country.

A Natural Pairing: Travel and Animals

The transition to CitizenShipper felt like a natural fit, combining Shery’s love for travel and animals. Her journey began with a significant experience that cemented her choice — a shipment involving an 8-month-old Doberman from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Las Vegas, Nevada. The interaction wasn’t just a job for Shery; it was a prelude to the countless encounters with furry companions she would cherish.

Her most memorable shipment to date involved transporting a 10-week-old Dachshund puppy to a family who had just lost their beloved pet. “This new puppy was going to help heal the pain of their loss,” she recalls, highlighting one of the many emotionally rewarding aspects of her work.

Staying the Course

Like many new endeavors, there were initial challenges with CitizenShipper. “When I first started, I admit I got a little discouraged about not getting bids,” Shery shares. However, perseverance paid off. She remained resilient, continuously refining her strategy and communicating the value she brought to the table. Now, she not only wins bids but also keeps a busy schedule, satisfying her desire to meet new people and transport beautiful animals.

On the Road in Comfort and Style

Shery’s vehicle of choice, a 2014 Subaru Outback, serves as her trusty companion on the road. To ensure safety and comfort for every pet she transports, her vehicle is prepared meticulously. From controlling the car temperature to equipping it with beds, blankets, pads, toys, bottled water and snacks, she ensures every ride is a pleasant experience. Her policy is to make stops every four to six hours for potty breaks and exercise, making the journey as seamless as possible for her furry passengers.

Communication: Key to Success

For Shery, communication is a pillar of her business. She is in constant contact with pet owners throughout the journey. “I take pictures at pickup and at every stop. I let them know when we stop for the night and send pictures. I also take pictures at delivery,” she explains. This level of transparency and updates provides reassurance to pet owners, and there’s no doubt it contributes to high customer satisfaction. Communication doesn’t end there; she sends a personal note with each delivery, building trust and receiving positive feedback that keeps her profile fresh and appealing.

Challenges and Solutions

Unexpected situations are part and parcel of any transport job. Shery handles them with calmness and keeps customers informed about what is going on, including possible delays. Her vehicle is equipped with essential emergency supplies like a first aid kit, food, water, blankets and a flashlight, ensuring she is prepared for any surprises on the road.

Tools of the Trade

Shery makes extensive use of GPS tracking, a feature she considers very important. It allows pet owners to follow the journey, providing peace of mind that their pets are in good hands. While she doesn’t stack shipments or offer VIP services, she focuses on providing a personalized experience by transporting one animal at a time, unless they are from the same household, prioritizing quality and care.

Pricing and Bidding

Shery’s pricing strategy is straightforward — she bases it solely on the miles from pickup to delivery. While she hasn’t delved deeply into advanced bidding strategies, her consistency and customer satisfaction have paved the way for steady work and positive reviews.

The Joy of Giving Back

Besides her day-to-day tasks, Shery also collaborates with a couple of animal rescues. “Being able to save those animals and provide families with wonderful pets,” she says, is one of the most rewarding aspects of her job. The impact she makes extends beyond individual journeys, contributing to rescue efforts that save lives and find homes for animals in need.

The Road Ahead

As Shery looks to the future, her aspirations with CitizenShipper are straightforward. She plans to continue focusing on pets, avoiding expansion into other areas for now. Her dedication remains within the realm of transporting pets safely and compassionately across America.

Conclusion: Celebrating Every Connection

Shery Mathewson’s journey with CitizenShipper is a testament to resilience, passion, and the joys of connecting with others across states. Her story encourages potential drivers to explore the fulfilling path CitizenShipper offers—one filled with the joy of travel and the added delight of working with animals.