Female Truck Driver Ione Martin Shares What Life on the Road Is Really Like — and How Her Rescue Dog Keeps Her Company Across America
For most people, the open road is just a means to get from one place to another. For Ione Martin, it’s home. At 31, she’s spent nearly a decade behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler, crisscrossing the country one mile at a time — with her loyal rescue dog, Luna, riding shotgun. What started as a career choice has turned into a way of life, one filled with adventure, solitude, and the kind of freedom few people ever experience.
Ione is an “over-the-road” truck driver — someone who hauls freight across state lines and often spends weeks away from home. It’s a demanding job, and one that’s still largely dominated by men. But Ione says she wouldn’t trade it for anything. “There’s something about being out there, just you, your truck, and the road ahead,” she shared in an interview. “It’s peaceful. You see the sunrise in one state and the sunset in another. It’s a reminder of how big the world really is.”
Her days usually start before dawn, when the rest of the world is still asleep. She brews coffee in her truck cab, checks her route, and sets off before the highways get busy. The job requires long hours of focus, but Ione has found her rhythm — and her favorite travel companion helps make it easier. Luna, a mixed-breed rescue dog she adopted three years ago, rides with her everywhere. “She’s my co-pilot,” Ione said with a smile. “It can get lonely out here, but she keeps me grounded. She’s also the best guard dog anyone could ask for.”
Ione began documenting her life on the road through social media a few years ago, sharing videos of her cross-country drives, her truck stop meals, and the quiet moments that come between deliveries. What started as a small hobby has since grown into a supportive online community of fans who admire her grit and authenticity. “A lot of people are surprised when they see a woman doing this,” she said. “But I love breaking those stereotypes. Women can handle this job — we just have to be willing to take the leap.”
Of course, the job isn’t without challenges. Ione admits that safety is always a concern, especially when parking overnight in unfamiliar areas. “You learn to trust your instincts,” she said. “If something doesn’t feel right, you move on. That’s why having Luna with me helps — she’s always alert.” Beyond safety, there’s also the emotional challenge of being away from family and friends for long stretches of time. “You miss birthdays, holidays, little things,” she said. “But when I’m driving, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
Despite the hardships, Ione finds joy in the small things — a good meal after a long haul, a friendly wave from another driver, or the satisfaction of knowing she’s mastering a profession that demands both mental and physical strength. She takes pride in being part of the backbone of the country’s supply chain, ensuring goods get where they need to go. “Truck drivers keep America moving,” she said simply. “And I’m proud to be one of them.”
Her story has inspired many, especially other women who’ve reached out to say they’re considering trucking as a career. Ione’s advice to them is straightforward: “Don’t let fear stop you. The road will test you, but it will also teach you how strong you are.”
For now, she and Luna are happy continuing their journey — one state line, one sunrise, one mile at a time. “Every day feels like an adventure,” Ione said. “And as long as I have my dog and my truck, I’m home.”
