Life as a female truck driver
Life on the road can be challenging for anyone no doubt, especially for women entering a male-dominated industry. It is important to be prepared for a life as a female truck driver and know what to expect when taking on the title of “lady trucker”.
Why Become a Female Trucker?
Income. Truck drivers receive competitive salaries based on experience. In fact, truck drivers can often earn as much as college graduates.
Flexible Schedules. Depending on the company you choose to work for, you may be able to find a schedule that allows you to be home in the evenings or on weekends.
Benefits. Most trucking companies have comprehensive life insurance and medical packages that cover both you and your family.
Be A Leader for Women. Currently, only 5.8% of truck drivers are female and there is a consistent demand for more. Your commitment to the industry as a lady trucker could help be the solution for the never-ending demand.
No College Degree. To pursue a career in the trucking industry, there is no college degree required. You can complete your training in as little as four weeks and in return save time and money.
“After 10 years of being a Team driver with my husband, I think it’s the best time ever for women in trucking. With nearly one million miles under my belt, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree, but if I knew how fun driving was going to be, I would have started doing that sooner.”
– Sharon Nader, Schneider Trucking
Things for Women to Consider About Trucking
Parenting
One of the most difficult challenges for any working woman is balancing motherhood with the job. Depending on the type of trucking job, women may be required to be on the road for days or weeks at a time. Being on the road for extended periods of time can make parenting difficult.
Consider: Local or regional driving and technology. Local drivers transport goods in and around the city and a regional driver delivers goods within the state. Technology can also make it easier. Things like Facebook Messenger, Facetime, and Skype all have free video calling applications for smartphones, tablets, and computers. You check in your children and their caregivers regularly while you’re away.
A Predominantly Male Industry
Though the demand for drivers is high, women in trucking must be aware that they may still face some struggles. Coming into an industry where you are the minority, there is a chance you will still face bias. Some males in the industry may feel like women do not have the physical stamina or the right training for the job.
That’s why it’s essential to be determined, stay focused during your training and be confident you can do the job. But always remember that you have options for reporting co-workers who are abusive or discriminatory against you. If you feel uncomfortable, speak up!
Adjusting to the Lifestyle
Working as a truck driver means driving and working all year round in all weather conditions. There may also be times when you need to get out and check on your truck. Therefore, you will need to dress accordingly. Business professional attire will no longer be needed during this job. You will also need to get excited to learn about minor maintenance and repairs such as a tire change or oil change, even if you have no experience with these in the past.
