Chicago, Illinois — Operating out of Roehl Transport’s Chicago Area Terminal, flatbed driver trainer Kayla Cosens leverages a decade and a half of commercial driving experience to mentor newcomers entering the freight industry. Having joined the carrier roughly eighteen months ago, Cosens was drawn to the organization by its emphasis on safety records and a driver-first operational philosophy. Today, she works directly with professional truck driver jobs candidates, helping them transition from classroom instruction to demanding real-world conditions on interstate highways.
Her path to the cab was anything but conventional. Before earning her commercial driver's license, Cosens worked as a professional firefighter, tackled pest control as an exterminator, and spent time in fine dining helping kitchens achieve Michelin star recognition. That eclectic career history forged high levels of discipline and situational adaptability—traits she now passes on to trainees learning the complexities of securement, trip planning, and heavy hauling.
Mentorship under Cosens goes well beyond basic shifting and backing maneuvers. She focuses heavily on sustainable lifestyle habits out on the road, including meal preparation inside the sleeper berth. By teaching trainees how to cook affordable, nutritious meals in the truck, she helps drivers avoid costly truck stop fast food while maintaining the physical energy required for long shifts behind the wheel.
What This Means for Drivers
For modern OTR truck driver candidates and recent CDL school graduates, hands-on mentorship from seasoned veterans remains the most effective bridge to a sustainable career. Learning securement techniques and route management directly from a driver with fifteen years of experience prevents costly rookie mistakes and reduces early turnover rates. Carriers investing in dedicated trainers like Cosens signal a commitment to retention and safety compliance that benefits the entire driver pool.
Industry Reaction
As major trucking companies hiring fresh talent continue to grapple with high driver turnover, onboarding models that emphasize practical wellness and mentorship are gaining traction across the sector. Fleets that pair new hires with experienced flatbed operators see better retention metrics and fewer cargo claim incidents. Experienced trainers note that drivers equipped with strong foundational habits—ranging from securement to proper nutrition—stay in the industry longer and build more stable careers.
Key Points
- Kayla Cosens brings 15 years of commercial driving experience to her role as a flatbed trainer at Roehl Transport.
- Her background includes working as a firefighter, an exterminator, and in Michelin-starred fine dining kitchens.
- Cosens is based out of Roehl’s Chicago Area Terminal, training new drivers on real-world flatbed operations.
- Training includes practical guidance on trip planning, safety, and cooking healthy meals inside the truck.
Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job-matching service connects CDL-A drivers, OTR drivers, regional drivers, and owner-operators with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.
Photo by Bastian Riccardi on Pexels