The trucking industry’s attitude toward women truck drivers has altered dramatically in recent years. Women truck drivers are increasingly succeeding in a typically male-dominated business. Women truckers are now considered as equals to their male colleagues and have even broken down previously thought-to-be unattainable boundaries. This article is about women in trucking, what can women do, and how to get your driving dream come true!

 

cdl women in trucking
How the life of a women in trucking is?

 

1. Why do women join the trucking industry?

 

1.1. Urgent needs for truck drivers

Though truck driving has always been a male-dominated sector, with numerous restrictions and regulations in place, firms are finding it more difficult to hire drivers. Many people can’t remember a period when the trucking business didn’t have a driver shortage. To stay up with the shortfall, trucking businesses must adopt innovative recruitment strategies while simultaneously concentrating on driver retention to keep their drivers satisfied.

 

1.2. Self-interest

After getting their CDL, anyone interested in a career in trucking can join the sector. Driving a truck will remain an important job path with well-paying perks until technology provides us with a new and more efficient means of moving the things that our economy relies on every day. The trucking business has witnessed a rush of fresh faces due to the necessity to address this gap, especially the women who step behind the wheel.

 

1.3. Working environment

Some female drivers believe they may earn more money than others. Others seek a workplace where attributes other than looks do not lead to job discrimination. Some women like a challenge and reaching goals that were previously thought to be unachievable for women.

 

cdl women drive truck
How to drive a truck safely?

 

2. What are the challenges that women face when becoming truck drivers?

Though women in trucking are making strides, they have specific challenges that the industry’s culture must address as we move forward.

 

2.1. Gender diversity

Gender diversity in the trucking business is more than just an issue of women’s acceptance and inclusion. To move forward, however, substantial reforms will be required. Trucks were originally designed and built to accommodate a huge guy. This would cause problems for shorter persons and women, notably not being able to reach the pedals. These days, the firms who produce our lovely vehicles take into account the gender diversity that the trucking sector is experiencing. This is just one example of the kinds of improvements we can expect to see if we properly embrace women and their role in the trucking industry’s future.

 

2.2. Lack of team driving 

The trucking industry is open to resolving the difficulties that women confront in the profession today. Team driving is deserving of consideration as one of trucking’s fastest-growing segments. Team driving may be an important initial step for new drivers since it helps to overcome many of the issues that female drivers face. Many women start out as team drivers, driving with their spouse or significant other. Traveling with another person is more sociable, and less isolated, may make some women feel safer, and helps novices learn faster.

 

3. What are the job outlook and salary for women in trucking?

 

3.1. Job Outlook

Commercial transportation provides significant career and advancement prospects. Many truck drivers, including many women, have gone on to establish their own transportation firms. We previously noted that women truck drivers climbed by 68% between 2020 and 2030, however, they still account for only 5.8% of total truck drivers. It is a growing population that may rise in the future, but difficulties with safety concerns are what hold this entire number at bay.

 

3.2. Salary 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for truck drivers is $43,680. However, this does not account for drivers who may not work full-time, nor does it evaluate the discrepancies between independent and business drivers. As a result, according to the BLS, yearly income can range from as low as $28,160 to as high as $65,260.

 

>> Read more: CDL Driver Salary

 

women in trucking
The average wage for truck drivers is $43,680

 

4. Tips for trucking women to drive healthy and safe

 

4.1. Make a travel plan ahead of time

 There’s no getting around it: you’ll have to stay in some less-than-ideal truck stops from time to time. However, knowing where you’re going will allow you to choose which locations to visit.

 

4.2. Examine the feedback

You’ll want to hear what other people say about the facilities, showers, and food selections.

 

4.3. Always keep your doors locked

 Lock them even if you’re just going outdoors for a minute.

 

4.4. As much as possible, stay in or near well-lit locations

We believe this is the obvious sense, but it needs reiterating. Maintain your visibility!

 

4.5. Prepare your own food

You’re not limited to the lumberjack slam at Denny’s (which is wonderful) or whatever biscuit sandwich you can put together from the local fast food restaurant. Many of the newest sleeper cabs offer space and connectors for a mini-fridge. Some firms provide microwaves in their vans. If everything else fails, carry a cooler. The key is that you are not confined to the meals available on the road!

 

4.6. Participate in a women’s organization

Visit the Women in Trucking Association for more information. They can provide advice, assistance, and useful resources.

 

5. How to be a successful woman in trucking?

 

5.1. Find an organization 

All female drivers should seek expert assistance. We suggest you join Women in Trucking – a non-profit organization which is aim to support female truckers and remove workplace barriers that many women confront. The firm is a wonderful resource for women just starting out in the sector, delivering a ready-made network and guidance to those in need. As you gain trucking experience, you may be able to coach other female drivers.

 

5.2. Obtain CDL 

Once you decided to be a trucker, obtaining a CDL is a must. Normally, it will take you from 6 to 9 months to complete both training and testing time. You can read the CDL Study guide to know which type of CDL license you want to obtain. 

 

5.3. Create networking

Truck drivers are part of a strong community, and there are many people prepared to assist, guide, and encourage you. Finding a professional network of helpful coworkers and individuals you can trust is critical. Building a network is similar to creating a professional family or community, and you can never have too many friends in the trucking industry.

 

5.4. Join a company

Choose the one you feel safe. We suggest you choose the big companies which are trustable. 

 

5.5. Plan your route

Route planning is an integral component of the duties of a truck driver. Understanding where you’re going and how to get there relieves stress, keeps you safer, and keeps you in compliance with hours of service rules.

 

Women are increasingly hopping into huge trucks and hitting the roadway. Despite some of the warnings above, now is an excellent moment for women to enter the trucking industry. The sector has become more accessible than ever before, and many businesses are actively working to make the job more appealing to women. A talented and dependable driver may attract a good salary, a flexible schedule, and work stability – all of which are desirable regardless of gender. If you want to go somewhere, don’t sit here and wait for us to talk to you some more. Get out there and get hauling! Take some online CDL practice tests to achieve a good score!