Trainer of the Month: Bunyat H.

January 16, 2025

When Bunyat decided to leave her career in finance and pursue trucking, she had no idea it would lead to a journey as fulfilling as the one she’s experienced with Knight. After more than seven years and a milestone achievement of one million miles, she has not only proven herself to be a dedicated and accomplished driver, but also a mentor shaping the future of the industry.

Bunyat’s decision to switch careers was not taken lightly. After facing layoffs in financial services, she sought a career where she could thrive independently and see growth. Her analytical mindset made her a natural fit for the logistical and planning demands of trucking. She earned her CDL through a program in Charlotte and never looked back. “I felt like family, like they won’t know me by a number. They’ll know me by my name. And they do,” she said, emphasizing Knight’s supportive culture.

“I felt like family, like they won’t know me by a number. They’ll know me by my name. And they do.”
Bunyat

“Charlotte was just very homey and that made me feel comfortable. ‘Cause this is not an easy job, regardless of what people might think,” Bunyat shared, reflecting on why she chose Knight when she entered the trucking industry. From her first interactions with recruiters and terminal managers, she felt a sense of belonging and support that made all the difference in her career choice.

In December, Bunyat achieved what many drivers dream of: hitting one million miles on the road. This milestone was not just a testament to her hard work but also a personal goal she’d set for herself early in her career. “Hitting 1,000,000 miles was huge for me. I set a goal, and I made it on December 29th,” she recalled with pride. “I told myself if I left before I made that goal, I would feel like I didn’t have closure.”

Her time on the road has taken her to every state, offering her the chance to witness breathtaking landscapes and weather all kinds of storms. “I’ve been to every state,” she said. “I’ve seen so many different places, beautiful places.”

While Bunyat’s achievements are impressive, it’s her role as a trainer that truly sets her apart. Her care and focus on safety have made her an invaluable mentor to new drivers. “As I tell my trainees, I don’t care what you do and how you get from point A to point B as long as you do it safely,” she explained.

Bunyat’s approach to training has made a lasting impact on her trainees. Sha’Dasia, who will celebrate her one-year anniversary in March, credits Bunyat with teaching her the critical skill of backing. “She was very pleasant, no attitude, and really absorbed everything about backing,” Bunyat said, highlighting Sha’Dasia’s positive attitude and eagerness to learn.

Danyae, Bunyat’s most recent trainee, began driving solo in November and has already expressed interest in becoming a trainer herself. “She caught on so quickly, and because of her experience with me, she also wants to be a trainer one day,” Bunyat shared. Danyae frequently checks in with Bunyat, reflecting the strong mentor-mentee bond they developed.

Training has also taught Bunyat a great deal about herself. “Training made me have a lot of patience… I’m analytical, so I always have to have everything planned,” she said. She takes pride in helping her trainees build skills while fostering a culture of independence and responsibility.

Bunyat's Trainees: Sha'Daisia and Danyae

Her advice to new drivers is both practical and inspiring. “You can’t make this money if you want to go home every other day. That’s not how it works,” she said, adding, “Take time for yourself so you don’t get burnt out. It’s easy to do quicker than you think.” She also emphasizes the importance of managing expectations: “Your expectations can’t be that you’re going to make $100,000 in your first year. It’s a process.”

For Bunyat, trucking is more than a career; it’s a lifestyle that brings her joy and fulfillment. “This is my happy place. Being on the road, making money, rolling… just keep on rolling,” she said. “I actually sleep better in my bunk than I do at home. That’s my comfort, that’s my home.”

Bunyat’s love for the road and dedication to her trainees have made her an integral part of the Knight family. Her journey exemplifies the impact one person can have, not only on their career, but on the future of an industry.

As she continues to mentor new drivers and achieve personal milestones, Bunyat remains a shining example of what it means to thrive in trucking. “I love my terminal. They get me home when I need to, and they didn’t push me when I needed a break,” she said. And for every mile she drives, Bunyat is paving the way for others to follow in her tire tracks.