Brisbane-based yardie Feia Vahua jumps in the cab every chance she gets to help mentor the next generation.
Image: FedEx Australia
Feia Vahua didn’t grow up dreaming of driving trucks, but one pivotal moment at the age of 28 set her life-changing career in motion.
“Seeing a woman expertly handling a truck and trailer ignited a feeling of ‘wow, I’d love to do that!’” said Feia, who is now 52 and a Brisbane-based ‘yardie’ at Courier FedEx Australia.
“Growing up in my father’s diesel mechanic workshop meant that passion for all mechanical things was always simmering beneath the surface.”
That spark has since ignited a career spanning over two decades, filled with milestones and personal wins, and today she’s not only a highly-skilled driver but also a mentor to the next generation coming through the ranks at FedEx.
Although her main role today is as a tug driver, or yardie, as some might call it, Feia will also jump at the chance to head out on the road with a semi-trailer or B-double to provide practical experience and knowledge training to newly licensed drivers.
“This opportunity to mentor others is something FedEx actively encourages,” said Feia, who has been with FedEx since 2010.
“The opportunities for growth and development at FedEx are significant. There are numerous internal programs that support career advancement, whether you’re looking to upskill in your current role or explore different areas of the business.”
It’s all part of what FedEx calls its People-Service-Profit (PSP) philosophy.
“FedEx believes that by taking care of our people, they in turn provide outstanding service and experience for our customers, which equates to generating profits for the company, which is then reinvested back in our people.”
And Feia has certainly made the most of the opportunities available. She even competed in the national forklift competition and proudly placed third.
“I’m genuinely passionate about and interested in what I do,” she said.
“I also have a fantastic team who trusts my judgement, which makes my job so much easier.”
Feia’s mum Grace is her biggest inspiration. Image: Feia VahuaFor Feia, the most rewarding part of the job now comes from giving back.
“I find immense satisfaction in helping others learn, develop, and progress.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see young people entering this dynamic industry,
especially women,” she said.
“FedEx has really robust mentorship programs and a strong emphasis on creating a supportive and inclusive workplace.”
She’d like to see more done across the wider industry in that space too.
“I’d love to see more mentoring and development opportunities specifically for diverse and minority groups, including First Nations people and women,” Feia said.
“Mentoring and development are fundamental to building essential skills like responsibility, focus, drive, and independence.”
While the journey hasn’t always been easy for Feia, who got her start driving a 3-tonne meat truck delivering small meat packs in New Zealand, she credits much of her success to self-belief and the community of support she’s found along the way.
“One of the first things I realised is that truck driving isn’t as solitary as you might imagine. There’s a fantastic sense of community within the trucking industry and certainly within the FedEx team,” she said.
Another big early lesson? “Back yourself! Don’t let intimidation hold you back from pursuing what you’re passionate about.
“This is particularly relevant for women in this field – we’re often more capable than we give ourselves credit for.
“I’m genuinely passionate about and interested in what I do.
“I also have a fantastic team who trusts my judgement, which makes my job so much easier.”
Her biggest inspiration? It all comes back to family – especially her mum, Grace Spain.
“My mother is my biggest inspiration, and I absolutely credit her with instilling in me both a strong work ethic and a love for learning,” Feia said.
“Her influence has been fundamental in shaping who I am today and how I approach my career.”
To those considering a future behind the wheel, Feia offers some simple but powerful advice:
“Just give it a go! You truly can achieve anything you set your mind to.”
And to the question of whether truck driving can be a rewarding career?
“Absolutely! I truly love what I do, and I feel so fortunate to have had the support from FedEx throughout my career,” Feia said.
“I truly believe this career has moulded me into the passionate, driven, and determined person I am today.”
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