At just 26, Ru Kellen Williams is navigating some of South Africa's largest trucks while inspiring more women to enter the logistics industry.
Image: Supplied.
At just 26-years-old, Atlantis resident Ru Kellen Williams is helping keep supermarket shelves stocked across the Western Cape while challenging long standing stereotypes in one of South Africa's most demanding industries.
As a full time truck driver for the Shoprite Group, Williams spends her days manoeuvring massive articulated vehicles through busy roads, distribution centres and tight loading bays.
Yet her journey into logistics began with a single moment that sparked a lifelong passion.
"I don't know what it was, but it felt like love at first sight," Williams recalled of the first time she climbed into a truck at the age of 18.
"From that moment on, I knew I was going to drive a truck one day."
Today, she is part of a new generation of drivers entering the transport and logistics sector, bringing fresh talent and helping address the industry's evolving workforce needs.
After finishing school, Williams initially considered pursuing studies in mechanical or chemical engineering. However, her interest in logistics ultimately led her down a different path.
Her breakthrough came in April 2024 when she joined the Shoprite Group's learner driver programme, an opportunity she said transformed both her career and her confidence.
"The Shoprite Group trusted me to drive their vehicles and it just gave me such a boost," she said.
The programme provided intensive hands on training, equipping Williams with the technical skills required to safely operate some of the largest vehicles on South Africa's roads.
This included learning how to reverse articulated trucks into narrow receiving bays, couple trailers and manage the pressurised air systems used by heavy vehicles.
While many people assume truck driving is simply about steering a vehicle from one location to another, Williams says the profession demands far greater expertise.
At just 26, Ru Kellen Williams is navigating some of South Africa's largest trucks while inspiring more women to enter the logistics industry.
Image: Supplied.
"Anybody can drive forward, but reversing is where the skill comes in," she explains. "And that is where your experience is tested."
Her success is particularly significant in a sector traditionally dominated by men.
Although the industry is gradually becoming more diverse, female truck drivers remain relatively rare, often facing doubts about their capabilities before they have even started the engine.
Williams said she still encounters situations where people underestimate her because of her gender.
"When people see a woman stepping out of the truck, they'll say, 'Oh, she's going to struggle. I just smile and think, 'Say what you want. I'll show you what I can do.' Then I prove them wrong and drive it straight into the bay," she said.
She credits the Shoprite Group's inclusive workplace culture for creating an environment where she has been able to thrive and develop her skills.
The job has also driven significant personal growth.
Williams describes herself as a shy and introverted young woman before entering the profession.
"I used to be very introverted. I didn't speak much when I was younger and I was in my own bubble," she said. "I feel this job brought me out of my shell."
Beyond the technical demands, truck driving comes with immense responsibility. Every day, Williams shares the road with thousands of motorists, many of whom may not fully understand the limitations and safety requirements of heavy vehicles.
She believes greater awareness among road users could help improve safety for everyone.
"A truck takes three times longer to stop," she explained. "People cut in front of us and don't understand that trucks need space."
At just 26, Ru Kellen Williams is navigating some of South Africa's largest trucks while inspiring more women to enter the logistics industry.
Image: Supplied.
Williams is one of more than 1,700 drivers employed by the retailer. Together, they complete approximately 380,000 deliveries each year using a fleet of more than 1,100 trucks and 1,600 trailers that transport goods across South Africa.
To support safety, the company's vehicles are fitted with advanced technology that monitors driver fatigue and distraction in real time. The systems can detect behaviours such as cellphone use and signs of drowsiness, helping reduce risks on the road.
Despite the pressures of the job, Williams remains passionate about her work and is already looking towards the next chapter of her career.
Her ambition is to become a driver trainer, helping equip and mentor future generations entering the logistics industry.
"When you've been out on the road, you really understand what it takes," she added.
As South Africa continues to encourage greater participation of women in traditionally male dominated professions, Williams' journey serves as a powerful reminder that determination, skill and passion can open doors in any industry.
For the young woman from Atlantis who fell in love with trucks at 18, the road ahead is still wide open.
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