A Women’s Guide to the Highway

Women currently make up a big part of America’s workforce. While some are climbing the corporate ladder, a few hardened ladies tackle the highways as a trucker. Like many women on the road, female truckers make up less than 6% in the industry. While many women may see the idea of hitting the road for a long-haul an exercise in frustration, some see it as new-found freedom that brings a unique insight and business savviness not readily apparent in their male counterparts.

There are also the benefits that many trucking companies are seeing with women truck drivers. These same companies are offering specific packages to attract women in the industry. They will see that 20% of their female drivers have fewer crashes, 45% will have fewer violations in their logbook, and 60% will have a less likely chance of service violations. The value of women in trucking is highly regarded in today’s industry, but what kind of advice is there for women interested in entering this booming industry?

• Find someone who is already in the industry to talk to. These individuals will give you a better idea on what goes on behind the wheel and what happens on the road. You can see what opportunities are available, work-life balance, and benefits.
• After that, check out the opportunities that interest you. Check to see which routes are being offered. Look for different positions and compare other companies to see how strong their reputation is and opportunities for moving up the company ladder. See if the company offers benefits or any perks to the job. Do they offer a sign-on bonus?
• Training is essential before hitting the highway. Everyone has to start somewhere, and this with the CDL. Many truck driving schools near you may offer premium training with highly experienced trainers in the field. If so, take advantage of this opportunity to start your new career off in the right gear.

If you’re interested in a trucking career, there are many resources available to help you make the right decision. The Women in Trucking Association is a fantastic place to get advice, support, and other valuable resources. They exist to help women acclimate to the industry, as well as move forward in it.

As this is still a male-dominated industry, some negatives exist like a lack of respect and other misogyny due to gender. While many companies are fantastic about equality, it helps to do your homework ahead of time. Making the appropriate choices like where you get trained, who you’ll end up driving for, who you may let into your truck, and most importantly, where you end up stopping for fuel, rest, and food is vital. While this is a fantastic industry for you, safety is still a priority, and many companies do look out for their drivers, but ultimately, it does start with you. Starting off on the right foot will make sure you have a thriving and successful career in the industry.