Shelle Lichti: The Rainbow Rider of Trucking
Shelle Lichti, known as the “Rainbow Rider,” drives for Hirschbach Motor Lines and has been in the trucking industry since the early 1990s. The freedom of the open road became her escape from a troubled past and the burden of concealing her sexuality.
Having grown up in an orphanage, Lichti faced numerous challenges including harassment, bullying, and homophobia. The trucking world offered her a pathway toward healing and personal growth. “I found that I had an affinity for it, and I loved the power and freedom,” she said, attributing her success and resilience to her career in trucking.
Reflecting on her past, Lichti decided to move forward rather than use her struggles as an excuse. As a mentor, she advocates for the rights of women in trucking through her nonprofit, LGBT Truckers. After the tragic loss of a friend from the LGBTQ+ community, she focused on fostering a supportive space for drivers, which now has over 6,000 members on Facebook.
The LGBT Trucker group, initially launching as a phone conference line in 2008, expanded based on the evolving needs of its members. One initiative, the “Highway Hangout,” allows participants to enjoy karaoke together online, while also providing resources for finding LGBTQ-friendly trucking schools and addressing housing and food security.
The response to her efforts led Lichti to request support from Hirschbach for a Pride-themed truck wrap, which became the well-known “Rainbow Rider.” This adorned Freightliner features a vibrant “Love Is Love” design, symbolizing her commitment to the community. Lichti intends to eventually purchase the truck and donate it to LGBT Truckers.
Lichti’s travels in her truck serve as both a job and a lifestyle, as she enjoys spending her time exploring various campsites across the U.S. Acceptance and compassion guide her interactions, both with other drivers and the animals she rescues. During COVID-19, she created the Facebook group Trucking Furbabies as a way for drivers to connect over their pets.
Currently, Lichti cares for two cats and a Chihuahua named Zulu. She understands the healing power of animals, especially for long-haul drivers. “I wouldn’t know what to do without one,” she shares. Committed to helping animals find their forever homes, Lichti has rescued around 300 pets over the years and believes strongly in the bond between drivers and their furry companions.
