Women are taking the trucking profession by storm, smashing gender preconceptions, and proving to the world that driving a truck is not solely a man’s job. Women in trucking are paving the way for a new generation of drivers and demonstrating that everything is achievable with perseverance and a little bit of grit. They are smashing glass ceilings and tearing down barriers.

Although trucking has traditionally been dominated by men, more and more women are becoming involved in this industry. Over the past few decades, women have been breaking down barriers and eliminating gender stereotypes to pursue careers in transportation. The industry is being greatly advanced by the increasing number of women who are entering the field as executives, mechanics, dispatchers, and drivers. We’ll talk about how women have broken down barriers and made way for a more diverse and inclusive workforce in the trucking industry in this blog.

Difficulties Women Faced In The Trucking Industry

Along the way, female truck drivers have encountered many difficulties and barriers in their quest to establish their legitimacy as large rig drivers.

Among them are:

• Gender Bias: Female truck drivers have always had to deal with the widespread misconception that they are not cut out for the job. Additionally, many thought that women lacked the physical toughness necessary to withstand the rigors of the road and that driving a truck was excessively physically taxing. However, women didn’t allow this stigma to stop them because they felt they could perform the job. They fought for fair treatment, spoke out against prejudice, and put forth endless hours honing their craft. More women than ever before are now entering the trucking industry.
• Work-Life Balance: Because men are typically the family’s principal breadwinner and are expected to take care of the home and children, women find the demands of the workplace difficult. Women found it extremely difficult to break into the sector, much less succeed in it—especially in a job like truck driving, where working long hours would be necessary.
• Safety Concerns: When driving alone, women were vulnerable to hazards including harassment and violence. In addition, they had trouble getting to suitable locations, such as truck stops or rest areas, and some employers were reluctant to hire women because of safety worries. Despite these challenges, women in the trucking business pushed for improvements to resources and facilities to make them safer and more accessible, as well as for increased support and knowledge of safety issues. They still deal with these safety issues, even though a lot has changed in the past.  

Countless barriers prevent women from pursuing professions in truck driving. Despite these obstacles, women who operate large trucks have advocated for improved awareness and acceptance of safety concerns as well as changes to resources and facilities to make them more accessible and safe.

The Effects Of Women Working In The Trucking Industry On Society And The Economy

The trucking business has been significantly impacted by women. They have challenged gender norms and preconceived notions about who can succeed in the industry by bringing a variety of viewpoints and experiences to the table. They are opening doors for more women to enter and thrive in the sector and contributing to its increased diversity, safety, and efficiency. In addition to offering a fresh viewpoint to the sector, female truck drivers are also influencing its future.

The growing number of female drivers opting to pursue a career in trucking is another way that the ongoing problem of the scarcity of truck drivers is being addressed. Consequently, by employing and retaining more female drivers, trucking companies may broaden their skill pool and guarantee they can satisfy customer demand.

Because women tend to have fewer accidents, have better communication skills, are more conscientious about truck maintenance, and are more diverse, which can result in more creative ideas and solutions, their presence in the trucking sector can promote safety and efficiency. Women’s contributions to efficiency and safety in the trucking sector will probably increase as more of them join the field, which will benefit both the economy and the industry.

Women’s Future In The Industry:

Women continue to shatter stereotypes and confront discrimination, and the trucking industry is no different. They have an excellent future in front of them.  As more female truck drivers enter the industry and rise to top positions in the United States, the trucking industry becomes increasingly dynamic and varied. However, due to their natural advantages in communication, attention to detail, and safety awareness, hiring female truck drivers has several benefits. As the trucking industry evolves in response to advancements in technology and shifting consumer demands, women’s contributions will rise and gain significance. Women in trucking have a bright and transformative future ahead of them, and they can spur growth and innovation in this vital industry.

Women are now making strides in the trucking profession, where men used to be the sole workers.  The 13-year-old woman-owned truck driver recruitment company Rig on Wheels is a shining example of how women can operate effectively and profitably in this largely male-dominated field. The company’s founder and CEO, Kameel E. Gaines, has broken down barriers and made the trucking industry a more inviting and supportive place for women through his leadership and dedication to inclusion and diversity. Her work is a source of inspiration and a timely reminder of the significant influence that women can have on the trucking sector and the workforce at large.

Women’s Resources In Trucking

In response to the growing number of female drivers entering the industry, numerous organizations have developed resources to assist women in overcoming any obstacles they may encounter while working as truck drivers.  For women who work in trucking, these organizations and projects provide a wealth of services, including networking opportunities, education, and support. Among them are:

• The SHE Transporting Association

One of the most powerful associations for truck drivers in the US is the S.H.E. TRUCKING Association. They are a global network of more than 30,000 individuals that strive to guarantee that minorities and women have equal access to fulfilling jobs in the transportation sector. Truck driver and president Sharae Moore is steadfast in her commitment to empowering and guiding women in the trucking industry.

• The AAWTA, or African American Women Truckers Association,

Through mentorship programs, educational resources, and networking opportunities, the African American Women’s Trucking Association (AAWTA) empowers and supports women who work in the trucking industry. Specifically, it provides useful information and services to African American women who drive trucks. The organization also promotes diversity and inclusivity in the industry and offers chances for professional growth and community development. If you’re a female truck driver looking for information and assistance, the AAWTA is a great organization to take into consideration.

• Female Drivers:  

Women In Trucking has been putting in a lot of effort to support the progress of women in the trucking industry for more than 10 years. The organization is driven by its mission to promote employment, solve barriers, and celebrate achievement. As a result, it has developed a strong sense of community among its members, who are mostly professional class A CDL drivers and business professionals who share the organization’s vision.

The Women in Trucking Association promotes diversity and safety in the profession while assisting women who drive trucks. It promotes inclusivity and diversity while defending the safety of truck drivers. It also collaborates with partners, government agencies, and other transportation industry players to provide practical solutions to these issues. For this reason, Women in Trucking is an excellent group to become a member of, regardless of whether you’re a female truck driver seeking assistance or wish to advance the trucking sector.

• Administration for Federal Motor Carrier Safety:

The Women of Transportation Advisory Board (WOTAB), a branch of the U.S. Trucking Association, is another resource to help women grow in the transportation industry. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the Department of Transportation (FMCSA). WOTAB was established in February 2022 to enhance the prospects for recruitment, retention, and progression for female truck drivers as well as provide education, training, mentorship, and outreach activities for women in the trucking industry. A fair viewpoint on the issues of women in the business is ensured by the board’s varied membership, which includes individuals with varying backgrounds and experiences. WOTAB is dedicated to supporting women in the trucking industry by increasing scholarship possibilities, improving training and mentorship programs, and offering outreach and education activities.

It is now much simpler for women to pursue truck driving as a career in the US because of the useful resources available to female drivers. Regardless of experience level or professional stage, these organizations and initiatives may provide the support, education, and mentoring that women require to thrive in this fast-paced industry. These resources can support women in the trucking business as they grow professionally, expand their networks, and enhance their careers.

In conclusion, women in the transportation business are shattering stereotypes and achieving notable advancements. Even though there are still challenges to be solved, the latest advancements show promise. We can make the sector more diverse, inclusive, and prosperous for everyone if we keep cooperating and striving for development. Thus, let’s continue shattering stereotypes and opening doors for female truck drivers in the future.

During Women’s History Month, let us honor the accomplishments and labor of women past, present, and future.  Don’t forget that women will rule the future!