Women Truckers Bolster the Industry’s Driver Pool

Since 2010, the number of women truckers has increased by 68 percent. As of last year, the total number of women drivers in the trucking industry rested at 234,234. So what is drawing such an influx of women truckers to an industry that most people on the outside view as a predominantly male business?

Equal Salaries for Women Truckers

The trucking industry is perhaps one of the fairest sectors in the United States. Drivers are hired based on their ability to deliver goods while adhering to safety and compliance. During the driver shortage last year, Sikh drivers filled in crucial gaps at a time of high capacity demand. The industry is now exploring talent among drivers under 21.

So to see an influx of women truckers should not be a surprise. The disparity between salaries of men and women drivers is practically nonexistent compared to other industries, and the trucking industry is solely focused on whether or not a person can perform the job, not who is behind the wheel.

Trucks Are Not Just “Toys for Boys”

The truth is, there are a lot of women who enjoy trucks as well as driving. The same thing that inspires their male counterpart also draws them into trucking careers. Women truckers like knowing they are part of the backbone on which our economy moves, and that kind of responsibility can make someone feel a lot of pride at the end of the day.

Also, office politics are removed from the picture when it’s just one person in a cab. There are no daily meetings. No worries about staying late at the office. No one is getting in your way of doing your job right.

Changing Perspectives

Women truckers are not new, and the industry treats women the same as men. With this new surge in women drivers, maybe the stereotypes other people have—those who aren’t in the trucking industry—will change.

One thing is for certain: the trucking industry is making strides in equality and setting an example that other sectors could learn a lot from.