Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Perkins.
Hi Gabrielle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2006 at the age of 20 years old, I was a single mother on section 8 housing struggling from paycheck to paycheck working for an airport shuttle bus company making only 7.75 an hour. I picked up customers from airport terminals and dropped them back to their cars and vice versa.
Several co-workers were bus drivers for school districts and they encouraged me to get my Class B CDL because of how safe I drove.
After 6 months driving shuttle buses, I left for more pay and became a merchandiser at Bush intercontinental Airport located in Houston Tx, but was eventually terminated after 3 yrs of employment in 2010. This termination sparked my desire to move forward with getting my CDL. I applied at Aldine ISD, and received a tentative offer once I passed all my CDL tests. I studied and passed the test within a week and was hired within a month making $12.75 hr.
Subsequently 2 yrs of still struggling with Aldine ISD, a friend told me about a Hot Shot driving Opportunity that would allow me to use my own personal vehicle. I would only carry mail and small parts. I started out working weekends only but the extra money I received working just the weekends was paying better than my bus driving job. The amount of responsibility and lack of pay at Aldine made me contemplate upgrading my license to a Class A CDL. After researching the best schools and prices, I decided on Houston Community college (HCC). I signed up for a program which would cover tuition costs but there was a waiting list. While waiting for funding for my CDL, I decided to leave Aldine ISD and work fulltime as a Hot Shot driver and everything was great for the first 8 months. I started applying for jobs due to the lack of work at the Hot Shot company and was hired at Pittsburgh Glass works (PGW) delivering windshields.
While employed at PGW I received a call from Gulf coast services stating they had reached my name on the waiting list for my class A CDL training. I wasn’t sure how I would work, go to school and take care of my child but I was determined to upgrade my license from Class B to Class A. I started CDL training in April 2013 and completed my course in July 2013.
I was finally hired at a local company by the name of Cyclone Enterprises in which I hoped to gain hands-on experience driving 18-wheelers however I was assigned a route utilizing a box truck and there was a lot of manual labor. I maintained my position at PGW and Cyclone, however I decided to leave Cyclone after 5 months. My coworker informed me of a bet my fellow co-workers made; He stated they didn’t think I would make it three complete days because a lot of males didn’t make it past a week. He also told me to never give up on my dream.
I initially was discouraged and decided to switch careers and trained to be a dental assistant while still working at PGW. I was able to complete the program and find a position but I had to leave everything due to a domestic violence situation. I moved back home to Baton Rouge, La. It was difficult finding work in Baton Rouge in the dental field. I eventually found a driving job at U.S Xpress for about 6months, then left there and went to Werner enterprises for about 5 months. While working for these companies I become comfortable with my driving skills. I started researching owner-operator companies to gain more insight into running a business. Roadrunner hired me within a week and I started orientation in December 2017 with 3 other drivers. Unknown to me at the time, one of the orienteers would later be my partner in the business and help me do a lot of the leg work to keep it going. I was initially bringing in about $3000 a week take home but when Brandon and I started team driving we grossed $14,000 in a good week and $10,000 minimum.
By January 2018, I was ready to start my own company and later purchased a truck in October 2018 with Brandon’s help team driving. During the start-up process, people took money from us which we later had to threaten to sue and other people overcharged for simple things because they knew I was new to the business. I was not business savvy nor did I understand operation cost and other expenses while constantly splurging on unnecessary luxuries I was not accustomed to. We started to need costs for repairs on the truck and had little to any money saved. I was fortunate to have a strong support system and family and friends that all came together and helped cover those unexpected expenses. We paid all of the debt off and I am grateful for them to this day. In 2021, GABBYCAKES TRUCKING, is a certified minority owned company and we are now working on truck number three.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve encountered many obstacles but one was trying to get hands on experience and self confidence after obtaining my Class A CDL. Not properly managing money for business repair, etc. The biggest obstacle of them all was being new to the trucking industry and being taken advantage of.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Gabbycakes Trucking was founded in 2018. Our success over the last 3 years is credited to logistical excellence and broad market outreach with honesty and integrity. We have dedicated employees that strive to create a professional work environment. Our staff works efficiently to ensure we are being the most productive company and having a safe and comforting work environment. Currently, we are seeking CDL-A Company Drivers to join our team out of the Dallas and Houston, Texas; Georgia and Louisiana. We believe in treating our hardworking employees with respect and dignity. Our company thrives to have a diverse and inclusive work environment. Gabbycakes Trucking offers competitive wages, a comprehensive benefits package and valuable home time.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Angie Thomas
The Hate U Give
DeVon Franklin
The Wait
Steve Harvey
Act like a lady,
Think like A man
T.D. Jake’s
Making Great decisions
Reflections for a life without limits
Pricing:
- 350 miles or less is $5 per Mile
- 350 miles or More $3 per mile
Contact Info:
- Email: gabbycakesllc@outlook.com
