Breaking barriers as a female driver: Anita Orme, Driver

Anita has been driving for Liniar since 2016 and is a highly valued member of the Transport team. To date, Anita has covered an estimated 450,000 miles, delivering Liniar products with her trademark smile. She receives excellent customer feedback for delivering the highest standard of service and has driven a range of vehicles from 7-tonne Rigids to the ‘Wagon & Drag’ she drives today.

Driving through all sorts of weather conditions and operating in temperatures ranging from -12°C to +40°C, Anita stands out as a female driver in a very male-oriented industry. In fact, she loves it when people glance up to her cab and do a double-take when they see her driving such a big vehicle!

“To be honest, in other places I’ve worked, I have experienced some negativity from male drivers in the past,” admits Anita. “But since I’ve been at Liniar, I’ve felt so supported – everyone’s just accepted and encouraged, and all the customers have been great!”

Anita’s daughter, 3-year-old Mia, is also a budding Liniar driver, and Anita hopes she is setting a positive example for the next generation in breaking through traditional barriers.

Mia became so obsessed with lorries that her dad Simon bought her a replica Mercedes Actros truck and Anita added Liniar branding for authenticity! Mia also has her own Liniar uniform and her very own Hi-Vis vest, promoting safety as her number one operational priority (next to cuddling Mummy of course!)

Mia was recently invited to drive her own truck next to the real lorries at Liniar and to see Mummy’s vehicle, with Daddy and Grandma Rita also coming along.

With photos taken to capture the moment, Mia and Anita had a great time comparing Liniar lorries – and when asked what she’d like to do when she grows up, Mia had one answer: “I want to work at Mummy’s work!”