Why Truck. Why Not?

Bianca de Souza – Legal Counsel and Compliance Officer

Bianca De Souza, Legal Counsel & Compliance Officer at Daimler Truck UK, highlights the importance of being a woman in the automotive and trucking industry and encourages women from to step outside their comfort zones and bring their unique voices to the industry. Although she hadn’t initially envisioned a career in the trucking industry, Bianca was captivated by its unique blend of innovation, sustainability, and practicality- elements that “drive” meaningful societal change. Bianca’s role allows her to contribute to real-world solutions, providing her with a sense of purpose and collaboration. Find out more about Bianca below:

“I have always been drawn to industries which challenge the status quo by focusing on technological advancement.  My background in tech, more specifically Software-as-a-Service, introduced me to the fast-paced dynamics of innovative industries. Transitioning from the intangible nature of tech to the tangible world of automotive was both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. While I did not envision a career in this field, I was drawn to it for its unique blend of innovation, sustainability, and practicality—elements that “drive” meaningful societal change. My legal and analytical skills, honed in the tech sector, seamlessly adapted to this industry, where innovation meets tangible solutions.”

“The most exciting part is knowing that my work contributes to solutions for real-world challenges. Whether I am diving into complex legal challenges or brainstorming solutions with colleagues from different departments, I love the sense of purpose and collaboration. It is rewarding to see how every day brings the chance to solve challenges that matter.”

“The trucking industry is evolving, and with that evolution comes an incredible opportunity to redefine what the industry looks like. This is an industry that values problem-solving, innovation, and leadership – qualities that do not belong to any one background but to all who are willing to step forward and contribute. By embracing diversity, the trucking industry is not just opening doors; it is rewriting the narrative about who gets to lead and shape the future”

“Do not let your idea of traditional stereotypes or the fear of being the ‘only one’ in the room stop you from pursuing a career in the trucking industry or anywhere else. I moved to the UK at 18 to follow my dream and, against the odds, became a lawyer. In law, I was often one of the few Black women in the room, a reality that pushed me to prove my worth in spaces where I was underrepresented. What I learned is that your unique perspective is your strength, not a limitation. This industry, like law, is evolving and needs diverse voices to drive meaningful change. So, step outside your comfort zone – bring your skills and passion, and know that by stepping into this space, you are not just paving a path for yourself, but inspiring others to follow. Take the leap—you may be the trailblazer someone else needs to see.”

“One major misconception is that the trucking industry is outdated or one-dimensional. The reality is it is at the forefront of innovation now—embracing green technology, automation, and global logistics. I challenge this misconception by highlighting the progressive work being done here at Daimler Truck and demonstrating through my role in legal and compliance how versatile and forward-thinking the industry can be. “

“Ofcourse! I believe nothing in life comes easy and my journey has been one of overcoming challenges and building confidence through resilience and growth. As someone from an underrepresented background in my field, being one of 3% of Caribbean or black lawyers in the country, I often found myself in spaces where I did not see others who looked like me or shared my experiences. While this could have fuelled self-doubt, I chose instead to view it as an opportunity to prove to myself that those things were not going to hold me back. I focused on learning, developing my skills, and showing up with unwavering determination. I may not always be the smartest person in the room, but I am committed to being one of the hardest working. That mindset has been key to breaking barriers and finding my place in my career.”

“The trucking industry is a dynamic space where innovation, adaptability, and problem-solving are at the core of its success. It is an industry that impacts global economies and drives progress toward environmental sustainability, offering countless opportunities to make a tangible difference. What makes this field truly exciting is that it values diverse perspectives—your unique background is not just welcomed but celebrated. Fresh ideas and new approaches are what fuel progress and our vehicles.”

“Think of the bigger picture. The trucking industry is not just about vehicles—it is about connecting people, communities, and industries. If you are ready to grow, innovate, and make a real impact, this is where you need to be.”

“Without going into specifics my proudest moments are every time we introduce new technology both in our everyday business use and into our service offering. It makes me proud to work in an environment that values innovation.”

“The rapid advancements in green technology and automation keep me excited about the industry’s potential to reshape the world.”

Stuart Jeggo – Sales and Marketing Director

Stuart Jeggo, Sales & Marketing Director at Daimler Truck UK, shares his inspiring journey from car rentals to leading a national team in the trucking industry – a sector he describes as driven by people, purpose, and possibility. From his rural upbringing to championing innovation and inclusivity, Stuart highlights the collaborative spirit and transformative potential of trucking. His story is a testament to how diverse backgrounds and bold career moves can shape the future of an industry that’s constantly evolving. Read more about Stuart’s journey and his vision for a more inclusive, innovative trucking industry:

I never thought I’d end up in automotive. Growing up on a farm, I was convinced I’d never work in an office or wear a suit. I wanted to be outdoors. Initially, I worked part-time in a kitchen whilst at college, but life had other plans. A close friend helped me get my first job in car rentals at Stansted Airport, and that was my unexpected entry point into the automotive world. From there, I transitioned through car rentals, van leasing, and then into truck leasing. When I was approached for a role at Mercedes-Benz, I took the leap.
Looking back, the truck side of the business stands out head and shoulders above other automotive. It’s a different world – one I never envisioned but am incredibly glad I found.

For me, it’s not about the vehicles; it’s about the people. The trucking world is filled with passionate individuals – from mechanics and drivers to sales teams and leadership. Everyone here shares a mindset of doing the job well, enjoying it, and trying to have fun along the way. This industry thrives on collaboration and openness to change, whether it’s adapting to legislative, environmental, technological, or political shifts. It’s inspiring to see people grow and stick with this industry because of its unique opportunities and culture. 

The truck industry is incredibly dynamic, offering roles in everything from sales and marketing to engineering and finance. At Daimler Truck, we’re committed to fostering diversity – not just in gender but also in ethnicity, background, and experience. The ability to move within the company, across roles or even countries, is a testament to how much the industry values diverse perspectives. It’s a global industry with global opportunities, and we need to champion this more loudly. 

Many think the trucking industry is just about mechanics or engineers who love vehicles. They imagine it’s a dirty, outdated field. In reality, it’s at the forefront of innovation – embracing electric vehicles, safety advancements, and global logistics. We must show the world that trucking is a forward-thinking, diverse industry where anyone can thrive. 

I’ve been fortunate not to face significant barriers, but my focus has always been on removing obstacles for others. Building a team that values diverse experiences and perspectives is essential to driving progress and ensuring we attract the best talent. 

Being a parent and having a leadership role in the trucking industry is certainly a give-and-take process. For example, when I have my children, I’ll adapt my schedule to ensure I’m present for them – whether that means staying local or prioritising family time. Conversely, on weeks when I don’t have them, I’ll dedicate more hours to travel and work commitments. 

This flexibility is a two-way street. If you’re willing to show adaptability and commitment, the business often reciprocates with the same level of understanding. At Daimler Truck, I’ve never felt pressure to compromise on family responsibilities. Instead, there’s a shared understanding that supporting employees in balancing their personal and professional lives benefits everyone. It’s one of the many reasons I’m proud to be part of this industry. 

This industry is packed with opportunity. Whether you’re interested in innovation, sustainability, finance, or customer service, there’s something here for everyone. The transferable skills you gain in trucking can take you anywhere in the world. If you’re curious, hardworking, and open to growth, this industry will reward you tenfold. 

Give it a go. There’s so much to explore and learn. The trucking industry is not just a job – it’s a career that can offer a lifetime of growth and satisfaction. Personally, I’d love my own children to join this industry one day because it’s given me so much. 

The most validating part of my journey is knowing that I started with zero knowledge of this sector. Growing up, my only exposure to trucks was the ones collecting grain on the farm. Now, I’m the Sales & Marketing Director at Daimler Truck UK. I’ll always be proud of that progression from knowing nothing to being part of the senior leadership leading the UK team in the field. 

The people, the innovation, and the constant opportunities to learn and evolve. Whether it’s advancing green technology, fostering inclusivity, or seeing the impact of our work on communities, there’s always a reason to stay passionate about what we do.