Kansas City Driver Lori Simba Retires After 35 Years in Trucking Industry

Kansas City Driver Celebrates Impressive Retirement Milestone

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Get ready to cheer, because one of Kansas City’s own has just hit a huge milestone! Lori Simba, a beloved member of the local community and a die-hard Chiefs fan, is officially hanging up her keys after an incredible 35 years in the trucking industry. That’s right—35 years navigating the open roads!

A Journey Like No Other

Having started her trucking career back in 1988, Simba has witnessed quite the evolution in what has historically been a male-dominated industry. “When I began, there were very few women in the field. We were really scarce back then,” Simba shared with a sparkle in her eye. After beginning with Swift Transportation—where she spent a total of 25 years—and a company that Swift acquired, she has clocked an astonishing 4.5 million accident-free miles. For reference, that’s about two round trips to the moon!

Can you imagine driving that much? Simba chuckled as she reflected on her journey. “The very first day of trucking school, I had never even been inside a truck! That night, I walked over to a nearby truck stop and saw all the trucks lined up, humming away. I thought to myself, ‘What am I getting into? Will I be able to drive one of these things?’” Spoiler alert: she definitely could!

The Road Less Traveled

And drive she did! Over the years, Simba has traversed all 48 continental states and has collected countless adventures. From challenges to joy-filled moments, her countless stories could fill pages. “I’ve experienced it all and met so many wonderful people along the way,” she bubbled.

Simba credits her success to the fostered sisterhood within the trucking community, particularly from women in the industry who have stood by her side. “It’s this support that makes you feel inspired,” said Sondra Moore Jones, a leader at Swift’s Denver terminal. “When you see Lori, you can’t help but feel inspired. She has been an amazing role model not just for us women, but for everyone in this industry.”

Celebrating with Friends and Football

But wait, there’s more! What better way to celebrate a new chapter than with a football game? Lori plans to revel in her retirement while catching the big matchup against the Broncos this Sunday! “I can’t wait!” she exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. “I’m bringing my friends and it’s going to be a blast.”

In classic Kansas City fashion, half of the group will be donning Chiefs jerseys, while the other half shows love for the Broncos. Simba happily declared her loyalty to the Chiefs. “Everything about the game excites me—especially watching my favorite players like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and even Creed Humphrey in action!”

The festivities around her retirement don’t stop there. She received a hearty send-off from her colleagues at Swift Transportation, which made her feel truly appreciated for her decades of dedication to the company and the industry.

A Pioneer and a Leader

Despite the attention she’s getting as a retiree, Simba remains grounded. “I’m proud of my accomplishments but remember, it’s not just about me. All of these ladies who are here to celebrate? They’re pioneers in their own right,” she expressed with pride, joyfully gesturing to her friends.

So here’s to Lori Simba, an inspiration not just to her friends and colleagues but to all women in the trucking industry—and a fierce Kansas City Chiefs fan. With her retirement ahead and more adventures waiting, the road may be changing, but the stories and memories will just keep on rolling!