For Roehl Transport driver trainer Kayla Cosens, truck driving isn’t just about moving freight from point A to point B - it’s about helping others build lasting, successful careers. With 15 years of driving experience, and the last year and a half with Roehl, Cosens has taken on the role of a flatbed driver trainer, guiding new drivers across the country as they learn the ropes.
Cosens' road to trucking is anything but ordinary. Before climbing into the driver’s seat, she worked as a firefighter, helped high-end restaurants earn Michelin stars, and even spent time as an exterminator. Each role came with its own challenges, but they all taught her something about hard work, problem-solving, and resilience -- the same skills she now passes on to her trainees.
As a flatbed driver trainer, Cosens goes beyond teaching her trainees how to handle a truck. She also shares tips for living on the road, including one of her favorite practices: preparing meals in the truck. She not only cooks for herself but teaches her trainees how to prepare healthy, budget-friendly meals on the go - a skill that makes life on the road more comfortable and sustainable.
Cosens' decision to join Roehl came down to the company’s values and culture. She’s based out of Roehl’s Chicago Area Terminal and appreciates the full-service, clean and safe facilities drivers can rely on. From comfortable bunk rooms and clean showers to hot meals and safe parking, she says these amenities make drivers feel valued and respected.
She also highlights Roehl’s unique leadership, noting how much it means that CEO Rick Roehl is also a CDL truck driver who still goes out on runs. “It makes us feel like he knows what we go through and strengthens our community,” she said.
More than anything, Cosens points to Roehl’s commitment to safety. “Safety is a cornerstone here,” she said. “Everything you do on a daily basis -- whether it’s working with customers, hauling a load, or talking to your fleet manager -- comes down to safety.”
Another reason Cosens enjoys Roehl is the variety of opportunities available to drivers. From hazmat to flatbed to oversized loads, Roehl gives drivers the chance to grow by gaining experience in all areas of trucking—experience that pays off in the long run.
“Roehl gives drivers the chance to get their foot in the door with support to earn a license and build real experience,” she said. “But you can also keep growing your career here because there are so many different driving opportunities and routes to choose from.”
Cosens embodies Roehl’s Driver Driven culture through her work as a trainer. She doesn’t just teach the technical skills -- she’s all about preparing new drivers for the realities of trucking while setting them up for success. For her, that means showing them how to balance safety, health, and personal growth on the road.
The company said her story is a reminder of what makes Roehl special: a company where drivers aren’t just numbersc—cthey’re people with goals, talents, and unique journeys. With opportunities to thrive through different driving experiences, routes, and career paths, Cosens believes Roehl truly sets drivers up for long-term success. As she puts it: “Roehl is going to help you be the best driver you can.”
