Still Trucking Despite The Black Eye: What's Next On The Horizon? 

Take pride in knowing that you got your black eye doing hard work Shelby. Stay safe on the road.

I'm 60 yrs old and been in trucking over 30 yrs.. There's no getting out of trucking. Tried several times but always came for all the reasons that you mentioned. Being a trucker is like not even having a job.. Everything pales in comparison. Trucking becomes a part of who you ..I love it and will be trucking as long as I can..

I don't know you, but I do know the position you are in. It's the point in your life where you have to choose what road you are going to take. My wife and I were, like you, right around thirty and things were going really well. She wanted kids and I was like why rock the boat? We had great jobs, big house, toys, etc. but, she insisted. Now fast forward 25 years. Thank God for my wife. Nothing, and I mean nothing, could ever replace those kids. No job, car, truck, toy, experience.... nothing. I only write this to give you my perspective as I look back and see where things could have gone differently. Thank God and I hope He is with you while you make your decision.

Over 590 comments and 28k views - there's a lot of people who care about you, and I'd probably speak for most that we'd like you to know we care for your health and happiness, and we're all looking forward to more smiles from you. Maybe consider taking time off with an RV and see if being a vlogger/RU-vidr is your passion?

Anyone know what happen to this channel? No new videos for months

I'm glad to see you post again Shelby. I don't think I've ever been so worried about someone I don't even know. I hope you're all healed up from your injury now. As for your future plans, I know 30 seems like a scary number, but don't worry too much about it. You're still have a long life ahead of you. At that age we all start feeling pressure because we think there are certain boxes that we have to check of by certain points of our life, but you don't. Focus on doing what makes you happy and brings you the most fulfillment. If that's trucking, we'll keep on trucking, if not, find something that still makes you happy. You are a very intelligent, hard working person and I know you'll thrive no matter what path you take and I'll be here to support you all the way. Don't be afraid Shelby the best is yet to come.

Don't feel bad, I am going to be 43 this year and I still do not know what I want to do, ever since I got out of the military in 2013, I've been a little lost. I would love to be a truck driver but health reasons have kept me from doing so. So feel grateful you have a job that pays you to travel this great country.

You've got a good sense of space around the truck, those dock angles look awfully tight for a 53'. Small suggestion: if the chance to enjoy local beauty is what motivates you in trucking, can you maybe cut back on your runs to 4 days a week, and spend some days hiking trails with Dakota? In other words, get away from the truck a bit more, maybe? Also, have a doctor take a look at you; external bruising looks bad, but internal bruising around the brain can be dangerous.

You've got so much going for you, that picking a specific career path might take a while. If you somehow become a grade school teacher, the kids and their parents would absolutely adore you 😊

Don't like dunkin?!?!??! Clearly an alien here as a spy. We're on to you martian!

You are way tougher than most of the drivers out there these days. Stay strong, stay safe.

Self reflection and thinking comes with the life as a trucker, especially so at your age, after having driven for 8 years already. Be proud of the things youve done and accomplished. Life is a journey in so many ways, trucking isnt an endgame, and I get what you say by wondering what keeps you in it. For me it’s inexplainable, after 32 years of ups and downs, Im still a trucker. Love the way you allow us along for your travels and the life you share!

You can tell this injury has been weighing on you. You try to go out and live your life then people instantly judge you. They don’t know how you got that injury but still it can be hard. Your smile when the make up worked was SO bright and the Shelby we know and love was back! Keep laughing through the pain and being the light in the world you are, much love 🙌🏻

Please wear a hard hat, chin strap and safety goggles when chaining. A bungee could break and take your eye out permanently. Stay safe.

With or without the make up, you still look great. My prayers to you and Dakota for safe travels

GLAD to see you smiling again!!! I CAN'T QUIT trucking after 43 years doing it, even after cancer.. TRUCKING IS MY PASSION ❤

When I saw you smile after you was able to cover up the eye it made me feel so much Joy for you. You are such a great success. Hope you feel better soon.

Your a beautiful woman! Don’t let it bother you too much and look high!

I'm glad you are still going strong with your trucking despite what happened. I'm really proud of you and I truly appreciate everything you do!

Look beautiful Shelby

It was so nice to see you smile so wide again after the small change of the concealer and heading out to go check out the cool Rvs and campers. You looked like you were lighting up again and it was so infectious. It made me smile! You are so strong and intelligent. I look up to you all the time. ❤️ Sounds like your next adventure could be van life for awhile! It sounds like you leave your heart on the road and you are meant to be there :)

what happened?!? where did you go!?

Completely understand the thoughts at the end of the video. Trucking still has a crazy hold on me, and I’d love to go back. Have been watching the industry to just stay in tune with it. But running from life is EXACTLY how I felt driving. Like I didn’t have to do what everyone else was doing. I left to see if maybe the settled down life was for me and it has been ok but nothing much has changed except the job. I thought it would be easier to meet the “forever person” lol, but idk no one really views life like people who have been on the road. We will always want to be on the move, it’s who we are. And I know for a fact now after two years out of it, that doesn’t change unfortunately/fortunately. Just follow your heart on it. Your super smart and hard working so you will always have doors to open. Take a step away if needed to find peace of mind. But your never stuck! There are jobs you could land with your understanding of trucking that would keep you in the industry also. Stay safe Miss! P.s. don’t stress about the eye. Battle scars build us. 🤘🏼

And with that realization, that choice you've given yourself to make this year. Can be frightening. It definitely won't be easy! But I think no matter what, you'll make the right choice and be successful in whatever you decide. You're definitely a freakin' ray of sunshine! 🖖🤣

I felt the same way at around that age. So I got out of trucking and tride something different. For several years I was out of trucking. I've been back in trucking for the last 10 years. Sometimes it necessary to try something else. Once you try something else, then you'll know.

Great video as always. I'm am not a truck driver and have only pulled small trailers with my pickup. I am always amazed at the skill truck drivers have in backing into, around and through countless obstacles to perfectly dock for unloading. Its great to see such skill on video! As for approaching 30 and starting to question your path in life and what you want to do going forward. I'd imagine as a woman you need to determine what's important to you in the coming years. You're smart to take stock now. Tik-Tok is filled with countless videos of women that did not and now regret it. I can't say I understand the call of the road since, as I said, I'm not a trucker. But I do understand loving something and not being able to imagine no longer doing that thing. Perhaps finding new ways to appreciate trucking to keep it in your life? Whatever decision you make, I'm sure it will be the right one for you. I only hope you continue posting on youtube even if you take a small (or large) step back from trucking!

Keep on being amazing, Shelby. There is no shame in self-reflection and discovering what it is you want out your adventure through life. Just make sure that whatever it is that you do, you do it for you and nobody else. Not a broker, a trucking company, but for human #1, yourself. Be safe out there and stay warm up north!

Your amazing and beautiful keep up the great work.

First of all, I like how you film your trips through Northern NV, home. I got out of the Military at 30 after focusing so much on it, and now it seems like another lifetime or someone else I talk about. So, let me tell you now, YOU STILL HAVE TIME!! If you want to go to school, there are ways, If there is another industry or trade you want to look into, try them out. You are still a kid, and trust me, no one ever really figures it out. Life just kind of happens.

Min 30:55 is so mind blowing to me because i am going thru the same thing right now… it’s so true that there is something so addicting about trucking, its like you want to be home but once you are home for a couple of days you just want to get back on the road. Always the best wishes for you and dakota. Stay safe ❤

This was one of your finest vids. Life is ever changing, guaranteed. Even if or when the outerworld looks much the same, our innerworld is always evolving. Even if you choose not to keep on truckin' at some point... your life always has to keep on truckin' one way or another. Humbling events can be tough to handle as they're happening to us, but thank heaven they offer us opportunities to grow that we might not discover otherwise. A brief hit to outer beauty coaxed your inner beauty to grow that much more. Cheers!

I feel that last part in my soul. I love trucking, and it feels like a drug most times. I just took a 2 month break because I was burnt out on it. But I found myself a couple weeks in ready to hit the road. And when I think about trucking for the rest of my life I am filled with a sense of dread. I don't wanna truck forever, but at the same time the thought of getting a normal job doesn't sit well with me. It's such a weird thing, I want out. But the thought of leaving is so foreign to me and even more so is the thought of "what do I wanna do after trucking". I feel you on this one, if you make a breakthrough on this please lemme know because I struggle with it almost every day.

Never should have worried about us seeing your black eye because you are beautiful inside and out. Whatever you decide your future is I think we will all support your decision. Stay strong and take your time on deciding what you want to do now and especially in the future.....Shelby STRONG !

Hi! So happy to see you back! Glad you’re feeling and getting better! Please take good care of yourself. Stay safe.

I hope you find what you're looking for Shelby. I am not an OTR trucker but find myself thinking about similar things and how to move forward and what's next as well. I turn 30 in September so definitely can relate :)

Quite impressed with your parking skills. Give Dakota a pat for me. Astounding how people can be so thoughtless when they park not thinking of who they’re blocking.

You haven't posted in a while ,Hope all is well.

I'm so glad you're OK.... You taught me so much my 1st 6 months of trucking.... Thank you!

So, are you gonna be using TikTok more or RU-vid? I seen your live feed the other day??

YAY - good to see you're doing well. Sorry your injury has been difficult on you but I'm glad you're making vids again. I can totally relate to the 30 and life review. I went through the exact same thing. I was working in the oil biz but wanted to work with computers more. I knew I needed more education in order to have that career so I started studying in my off work time. It was so hard and so slow, after a full day's work to have to spend 3 hours studying before bed BUT I got a foundation of knowledge that lead to my first real computer focused job when then proved to me I was on the right path SO I kept studying/working. By the time I was 36, the company sold so I was unemployed and wondering what was next. I decided to try University again (really thought I was TOO OLD for it but that's a HUGE lie). I ended up graduating when I was 40 with a Comp Sci degree and VERY high grades. I worked my ass off and learned a TON! I then got a cushy job working for a big company and made a bunch of money. Never let anyone tell you that you're too old to do something or that you have to do it when you're young. BS - age is just a number. Do what you can when you can and let the Universe sort out the rest. As you were talking about feeling the pull of the road, I couldn't help but think of the movie Chocolate with Julliette Binoche and Johnny Depp - it's awesome and I think you would love it! She always feels the winds of change and that means moving yet again to a new town. It's so charming and wonderful of a movie I think you might like it or could relate to the main character. I think feeling these feelings and doing the analysis you're doing is very natural and normal at your age. It can be unsettling and disturbing and be loaded with fear. "What if I change to some career I hate?" or "What if I really miss what I'm doing now?" or "What if.....what if......" and on and on it goes. I've worked through a lot of this stuff and come out the other side with a lot of insights. If you want more info, I'm happy to share. Just let me know and hang in there.

i have one arm and been driving a truck now for a long time i get them strange look's all the time just go with it one good thing your shinner will go away people just wonders how it happened that's all be save and GODS speed😇😇🙏🙏

Your positive attitude, smile and energy are addictive. I was in withdrawal with you not posting for weeks.

Hun. Just. Keep. Trucking. Ok. UN. Till. Your. Little. Bit. Older. Ok 🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

I do not care about anything other than you are ok. I am so so glad to see you posted. Drive safely!

Hello. I really wanted to get my license and truck when I was younger but I'm too disabled these days. I wouldn't think too much into what you want out of life because it never turns out how you want it to anyway. I've been wanting to find the right person to have a family with but that hasn't happened and life has turned out nothing like I imagined. I'm 48 now and think it's too late for my dreams to come true so my advice is just take life how it comes and live every day to the fullest not worrying what's going to happen tomorrow. I really like your rig and set up with your pup. This is the first video I've seen of you and I've subscribed because I like watching even if I can't do what you do. Keep on trucking! 👍❤️💛💚

SO great to see your smiling again!! I’ve watched you since day 1!

Hello Shelby, hope you’re doing well! I was just out there in sparks, NV near that on-ramp that you got onto.. I delivered at the Walmart distribution out there.. small world.. drive safe! Atleast that on ramp looks familiar.. I could be wrong tho.. lol.

It's hard living around other people sometimes, if you are a woman with a black eye people assume you are being beaten, if you are a man people assume you got drunk and got into a fight with someone else 😅 I think we all do it sometimes, it's just the way it is, I've heard as you grow older you start caring less about what others think, or what you think others think of you, I hope that's true 'cause that would be a load off 😂 I'm around your age so I feel pretty much the same, I'd be constantly worrying about it.

Hellllooooo Shelby, from another Blonde Trucker in Nebraska! 👋🏼🤠🚛

Awe you are beautiful!! Thank you for always making my day with your amazing content! Wishing you a speedy recovery!! Safe travels🙏🏼Lots of love from Texas,for you and Dakota!🐾❤ God bless both of y’all always!🫶❤️🌻

I've been looking into getting into OTR trucking, with lots of reservations, but your perspectives and videos help a lot. Thanks!

What happened to your eyes?

I always love the music in your vids got my eye blacked pretty good when I was early 40’s barefoot water skiing I caught a toe and did a faceplant must have put my hands up and when I hit the water I basically punched myself in the face

Glad you are O.K! I myself after 22 years of trucking, scrapes, buses, cuts, slips, and close calls are certainly part of driving for a living. Complacency (routine) on the job is our biggest issue for a seasoned vet or new driver. Thank you for your honest approach to letting us know how you feel. Be careful out there, always a risk in this profession!

👍😎👍 Trucking is most definitely drug. I plan on get out in 4 years when i hit my 20th anniversary driving. I started after i turn 22. But my intention is to keep my truck, so i can itch that scratch every once and a while. Best of luck with your decision, hope to see you out on the road. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

You are still shining Shelby. Don’t let an injury to get your motivation down. I haven’t seen a single human specie on earth with %100 perfection in life. We all get knocked down by the difficulties or accidents we face with from time to time but you know what getting back up is what truly matters. I have faith in you that you’ll keep pushing forward no matter how hard the life will force you back. Stay hard stay strong, may the God help and guide you while doing that. 💐🥂

Maybe I have mentioned before on your videos!! I particularly loved your video on how to hook up double triples. From then on I have been watching all your video posts. You are very resilient. Question for you? Do you have any family waiting for you when your done trucking or home on vacation?

Shelby, always remember, opinions are like assholes. Everybody has one. Just some are bigger than others cause they got their head stuck up theirs. Don't worry about what people think! You're a strong, independent woman who does some badass things that other girls could never do, and you always look good doin it! Once you stop thinking about what others think, you'll feel a hell of a lot better about everything!

Looks like you crashed your dirt bike to me. 🏍️ You did a great job with the makeup.

i know what you mean. at 33 i'm coming to term with the fact that i might need to sell my truck and move on from this industry to find stability in my personal life and maybe a meaningful long term relationship, but like you said, the constant change and challenges we face everyday can be quite addictive. big fan of this channel by the way.

Man, girl, must of been a heck of a hit to still be bruised, but looking good still, keep out on the road, your pretty good at it,

Dakota just know you have been missed also! Enjoy your rides!

Hi shelby your videos are very nice and funny. I'm glad your face is much better. When are you going to visit Colombia?🇨🇴

It’s been over a year since I tuned in to your channel , don’t know what happened to you but it’s great to know that you’re up still at it staying positive! The whole time I was getting my class A and here I am now ! Driving 😁

U r still beautiful. Hope the eye gets better soon x ☓

Signs of life ❤ SHE'S BACK!! 🥰👋👍

Are you still ok? Have you given up social media for good? Are you still driving?

Baby Girl you got to be more careful out there on the road!!! I’m glad that you are doing better!!! I’m A Northern Nevada Truck Driver and i go over I-80/ the HILL every day!! You are doing a great job!!!!

Hey Shelby are you still Trucking or did you decide on a lifestyle change? Just curious haven't seen you in FOREVER

Be proud of that black eye!!! You’re an intelligent hard working woman 👊🏼

Hey, you look fine. You are making too much out of your eye. The make up you put on looked fine. You look beautiful even without make up. We watch you because we like you. Just go with the flow. In time, this too will pass.

Sorry to hear about your accident hope you’re feeling better now

Nearly a year since you posted this. I would just say be careful. You own the business? Don’t advertise uncertainty. It’s not good for business, staff morale, loyalty; makes you vulnerable to competition. It makes you vulnerable on every front. Once you’ve made your move, yes, share, to some degree. Of you want to. But even then. Good luck.

You looked like a kid in a candy store looking at those RV’s! I feel you on the whole feeling trapped thing. I think we all get those worries no matter what age we are. The truth is that you are never really trapped. If something better comes along, you make a move. At the end of the day, if you can find something that you’re good at, can find enjoyment in, and get paid well for it, you’re way ahead of many, if not most. Don’t stress about it. If it’s time to make a move, you’ll know. Until then, seize the day!

Did you get ina fight ,,,wait what accident, fill us in please ,thanks BigAl California praise Jesus Christ grace I’m glad you are good praise God you came thruogh it , what is going on get into Hod thruogh Jesus Christ grace grace grace amen R = RecreationalV= vehicle, so yea they are RV a moto home is a motorhome RV, okthanks , your awesome I love ya, BigAl California.praise Jesus Christ grace amen amen lord

What ever happened to that girl?

Keep on Trucking. Shelby we met at the pilot in salt lake city. Its been a while. I saw dalota he warned me stay back. 🐕🚛🚚⛽️😇😻💪👀🙏😎👍 my struggle backing was a John 🦌 Deere lot. Drive between 2 rows of lawn movers tgru the Gate and then drive into the street block traffic and back to loading dock. What a headache. Slow and steady is all we can do. Good Success in 2024. The Black Panther trucking is new from your FedEx days 🚛🚚💯🙏

Shelby, your perseverance and "do what ya gotta do" attitude is inspiring!! ❤

i hope you're allright cause no videos last 10 monthes every job what you did a long time made you think, that it's no way to left this routine. and it's cool, if this job makes you happy anyway but actually you can come across someday something what can make you happy too, and then it's a time begun to make decision - are you scary to try something new or not? and only your will can answer you anyway, hurry to make new videos, fast! 😁

I'm excited for you as you go through this journey of figuring out what you want to do in the next chapter of your life, Shelby! I'll be praying for you this year that you will find your answer.

That goose egg came out in a weird spot the nose to keep your mind on something different how's your hearing 🤔 head's up keep on trucking nice tire change 🇨🇦

Shelby ,we are waiting and missing you still.

Your blackeye is an occupational hazard of your industry it happens, still you look great and dont let anyone say otherwise. As for RV life you would look great still driving your truck but with an HDT fifth wheel RV it will be a home for both you and dakota and you would do well with that life cause you would still get to travel the life of an OTR trucker but in an RV community. As far as the cold in your truck goes contact Justin and T dub from RMT to put you onto Green APU which from what i see from there OTR life looks the go at keeping your truck warm and cosy. Cheers all the best and take care from a subscriber that cares about you. 😀😀

You and I are just about the same age. I turned 31 this past year. I first found your channel during the Pandemic when I was searching for a new career. I'm still in the career that I had before. I'm a healthcare worker. I make IV medications at a large hospital. It's the sort of job where you are always working and you're encouraged literally to live at the hospital. I watch your channel and others like you, and I wish I could have the freedom that looks like your job. I know your job has those nuances and stressors just like mine but please know that the normal work life routine isn't very fun. Sure I make a lot of money and have great benefits but I'd do anything to see open skys and mountains on a regular basis. Just saying this in response to you looking at your future in all. I definitely got hit with that going into year 30. Unfortunately for me I couldn't pass my DOT physical. Apparently I have early stage liver disease and that disqualifies me from having a CDL. So it ended that career change pretty quickly. Maybe take some time off for yourself if you can, vacation and such. Just don't go to the routine of a 9-5 regular desk job.

The magic of makeup is amazing, your eye will get better with time. those RVs are really nice I have always wanted to try spend a few days in one just to see what they are like. Lol Dakota really wanted coffee to. Yeah that tyre was flat and I always get nervous when people pump truck tyres without a cage! Fabulous backup skills you have as that was tight. Wow that diesel is cheaper. Even though you 30 just keep doing what you love and future will be what ever it meant to be and it will work out for you! I would keep trucking if I was you. I would join you on the road anytime.

My wife's brother has been a truck driver for over 40 years and 5 years ago he was appointed inspection supervisor over all trucks and trailers where he lives, he was a driving instructor before that and they still fly him to where ever to retrieve abandon rigs! He's tried to retire several times but the company he works for just keep paying him more and more incentives to work!! He's been driving big rigs way over half his life and he still loves it!! His wife goes with him when ever she wants!! What better job to have than one you love doing!!

Don't feel bad I hope it gets better soon. I fell down my stairs to my apartment. Had to get 12 stitches on my scalp. Still hurts.

Ma’am shit happen, don’t be ashamed. We know it wasn’t any type of abuse or violence against you so don’t worry about what others think. Your subs still love you and support you.

I'll be 50 in April..been a 911 dispatcher for 25 years...and still don't know what i want to do with my life. So don't worry too much 😂

Shelby, I drove for 23 years, 3 million miles with no tickets or accidents. I really enjoyed trucking and would not change one moment of that adventure period in my life. However, that life is way more stressful than most people realize. Lifestyle on the road is hard and did not fully understand that until I planted roots and bought a house and transitioned into a different career where I am home most of the time. There is freedom in this as well. I pray you find inner peace and clarity that enables you to make the best decision for you and Dakota. Safe travels!

You are a free spirit, I think you will not like a job from 09:00 till 17:00 . Ore on a fixt place. You look at ( I call them so , living in the Netherlands) campers . Maybe you can take a years of and travel around . But then you have the time to really enjoy a place . Stay there longer , make a nice hike . Take som time fore you’re self . After that year you can see what you wha t to do . You can takes us with on RU-vid, so you can make som money. But it is going about you , feel the answers in yourself. Lissen to that voice , DONT PUT IT BESAID . There is a voice and I think you can hear it . Take care of yourself Greetings Freddy

RV's move under their own power, campers are what's pulled. You look beautiful! Don't let worry of what people think effect you negatively

I'm new on your channel, and I see a lot of good things in your future about driving truck you're doing something that I can't do, and that is I can't pass the the test I'm going to go on your channel

Hi Shelby,having some notions in English but i love watching your videos.I pray for you 🙏🙏🙏

Just imagine if you had a husband/boyfriend riding with you. When you would walk in to places they would be thinking he's abuseing you.

We miss you!!!

Wow! I’m sorry, What happened? You didn’t mentioned it in the other video 😢

Nice! Keep up the good work! Enjoying your videos!

I've met 2 women with a large birthmark across their eye and face looked like some one gave them a beating AND I'm so empathetic to battered women that I have cards to just hand to someone that looks abused or trafficked they assured me they were birthmark and I saw the same women another time at the laundry again so it was a birthmark but can you imagine what these women go thru daily with such birthmarks and neither wore makeup I admire them for courage to go without makeup and embrace who they are and how they look they are strong and patient to go thru life people thinking and saying who knows what to them I admire them and their strength and patience

Shelby I think you need to get into something different, like flatbed, or like dropdeacks, and haul heavy equip (wide oversized loads! Look up "Super Trucker Dan" for flatbeds, or Paul with "Truckers2Chains" for dropdeacks (oversized loads)! Or get you a regional run like Kurt with "Trucking With Schmidt!" They're all pretty nice guys, and they're older, and married, so you won't get all that come-on b/s like you get from the younger truckers! Hey it's worth a look!...