Meet Tamra Fakhoorian — a company tanker driver in the trucking industry, transporting chemicals across the US and Canada. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a love for travel, Tamra has found the perfect blend of work and lifestyle in her role as a digital nomad.
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How It All Started
“Every entrepreneurial idea I had was ahead of its time,” Tamra says. So, she pivoted to find a “real” job that combined her love for travel with a steady paycheck. Trucking became the perfect solution.
A Day in the Life
Tamra is usually on the road for ten days straight, followed by two to three days at home. Her days start at 5am and she’s on the road by 5:30am. She takes a 30-minute break mid-day, often choosing a rest stop or truck stop for a brisk walk to stretch her legs. A typical workday averages around 14 hours.
“Trucking is a ‘hurry up and wait’ lifestyle,” she explains. “I love exploring communities and hiking opportunities during my waits. My delight is finding unexpected spots of beauty that sing to my Zen nature.”
What She Loves Most
The best part of this digital nomad job? “The ever-changing landscape, and awesome sunrises and sunsets every single day. I love my minimalist lifestyle in the cab of my truck.”
The Challenges
Like any job, trucking has its downsides. Tamra notes that some days can be stressful due to traffic, difficult unloads, or the occasional breakdown.
Income and Requirements
Tamra earns around $80,000 a year — a typical salary in the trucking industry. Getting started required a one-month CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) school, which cost around $4,000 out of pocket, followed by another month of paid on-the-job training.
Advice for Aspiring Digital Nomads
“Have an excellent driving record. Be comfortable as a loner. Don’t let the thought of a big rig scare you. It is stressful at first but once you get used to it, it is just like driving a car, only bigger.”
She also encourages women to join the industry: “Trucking companies love hiring women truckers. Only 6% of truckers are women.”
Tips for Success on the Road
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Drive safely and follow DOT regulations
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Make good sleep a priority
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Bring a hobby! Tamra carries a travel guitar and is currently learning to carve bamboo flutes
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Make it fun and fulfilling
Family Support and Freedom
Tamra didn’t face criticism from family or friends. In fact, they were excited: “My family knows I’m a traveler (36 countries) so they loved that I found a way to fund new international trips while earning a living.”
Favorite Quote
“My honest response whenever someone asks me how I am — ‘I’m happy.’”
Budget Travel Tip
“Cook in your truck to save tons of money and eat healthy.”
Last but not least!
- link to your website, whether that’s your business site, personal site, or blog that I may link to
- link to your Instagram page (whether personal or business, that’s up to you!)
- a photo you would like me to use on my blog post of you living your digital nomad lifestyle ♥
Linkedin, Instagram, and Facebook. Tamra Fakhoorian.
Website: Duckweedgardening.com.
