Chasing Dreams: Myrna Chartrand’s Journey of Honor and Passion

Myrna Chartrand: A Bright Presence on the Road

Myrna Chartrand, a truck driver with a distinctive look—vibrant pink hair and a matching black and pink truck—is a figure that cannot be overlooked on the highways. This 40-year-old embraces her unique style, believing it adds joy to her encounters with others.

Early Life and Family Influence

Raised in Oak Point, Manitoba, Canada, Myrna comes from a family rooted in the trucking industry. Her father drove construction trucks during her childhood, and her brother Corey eventually became the family’s first long-haul trucker, inspiring Myrna to consider a similar career.

A Different Path Before Trucking

Initially, Myrna sought other career paths under her mother’s guidance, who preferred her to avoid trucking. With a diploma in chemical and land science technology from Red River College Polytechnic, Myrna joined Apotex, a pharmaceutical firm, where she worked for seven years but felt her passion for trucking calling.

Following Her Passion

After realizing her true interest lay in trucking, Chartrand decided to pursue it. She joined trucking school despite doubts and initial struggles. Encouraged by her brother, she persisted and ultimately thrived in her new career.

Establishing Her Career

Chartrand landed her first trucking job with Lee River Transport right after obtaining her Class 1 license. Despite leaving for personal family reasons temporarily, she re-entered the trucking world by joining Portage Trucking at her brother’s suggestion and has been there ever since.

Achievements and Community Engagement

In 2018, her hard work was recognized when she received the Manitoba Driver of the Year Award. Chartrand enjoys the diversity of her job, forming friendships along the way and using her pink trucks, symbolizing breast cancer awareness, to connect with others about personal experiences with the cause.

A Family in Trucking

Myrna values the strong sense of camaraderie she’s found in the trucking community, describing it as a family environment where support is a constant. She continuously cherishes the connections she’s made throughout her journey in this field.