Wanda Brooks, CDS
Wanda Brooks, CDS, is a seasoned Compliance Manager at R.E. Garrison Trucking in Cullman, Alabama, with over three decades of experience in the transportation industry. Known for her leadership, compassion, and dedication, Wanda has built an impressive career rooted in safety management, driver recruiting, and compliance training. Before joining R.E. Garrison in 2022, she held key positions at Leach Brothers Transportation, Phenix Transportation, and ADF where she oversaw safety programs, FMCSA audits, and orientation processes. A proud graduate of Moore Career College, where she earned a degree in Office Management. Wanda also holds a Licentiate in Therapeutic Massage from the Mississippi School of Therapeutic Massage. She is an ordain minister with Theophostic counselling licentiate. She is a Certified Director of Safety through the North American Transportation Management Institute, and a Reporting Platform Expert certified by Samsara.
In addition to her professional achievements, Wanda is a passionate author with seven self-published books to her name. Her most recent release, I Want to Be a Trucker, is a children’s book designed to inspire young readers to dream boldly while learning about the vital role truck drivers play in everyday life. Her writing has earned recognition in Redefining the Road and Women in Trucking, reflecting her commitment to uplifting others and shining a light on the heart behind the trucking profession. Becoming a published author remains one of her proudest career milestones.
Beyond her professional and literary accomplishments, Wanda is an active member of several industry associations, including Women in Trucking, the Alabama Trucking Association, the Georgia Trucking Association, the Florida Trucking Association, and the Truckload Carriers Association. Known for her warmth and authenticity, she strives to be a light for others—both at work and in her community. Outside of her career, Wanda enjoys attending church, spending quality time with her family, and cherishing moments with her five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is passionate about working with women's recover ministry and street ministry. Her desire is to one day have a women's recovery ranch.
• Certified Director of Safety (CDS)
• Moore Career College - AAS
• The Iron Shell Award
• Women in Trucking
• I volunteer at church and state camp, recover centers, jail and prision ministry.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to God, whose guidance and vision have provided me with wisdom and direction throughout my journey, as working unto the Lord. My mom was a huge inspiration to me; she was one of the hardest workers I knew of. You would never out work her; she reminded me of the Proverb 31 women.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never give up, no matter how challenging the journey may become. I watched that as a child growing up through my mother's career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the trucking industry is to embrace change—this field evolves every single day, and it’s never boring. Stay humble and never act as though you’re above anyone else. Building strong, genuine relationships is key to long-term success in this business.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The economics of today's world in transportation. Freight prices have stayed the same while cost of living has increased. Insurance is sky-high if you can afford it because today's world is all about who you can sue. We see billboards and advertising all the time to sue the trucking industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity and integrity. I take pride in being true to who I am—I strive to be the same person at work, at church, and at home.