The American Trucking Association recently announced a “Women in Motion” program designed to encourage female participation in the freight hauling trades.
“As a woman in this industry, I know firsthand that while trucking can be a tough job — it is a rewarding and important one,” Cari Baylor, president of Baylor Trucking, reportedly said. “I’m glad to see ATA launching this new initiative to celebrate the contributions of the many women in our industry and advocate for issues such as safe truck parking that our industry deserves.”
The program is expected to highlight the accomplishments and contributions of women in the trucking sector and spotlight gender-specific issues that have seemingly impeded inclusiveness. The trucking industry remains largely dominated by males. However, a growing number of women are earning their CDL and embarking on good-paying careers driving Class 8 commercial motor vehicles, working in support occupations such as mechanics, or rising to corporate leadership positions.
“The trucking industry relies on women — whether in the boardroom, as a technician, or behind the wheel — and we believe that by highlighting the many contributions the women already in trucking make, we can demonstrate what a rewarding and lucrative career path it can be for millions of others,” ATA President and CEO Chris Spear reportedly said. “The name Women in Motion is an apt description of our industry, and I’m pleased that ATA is recognizing these individuals who are critical to our industry and looking for solutions to make their jobs even more gratifying and more secure.”
Of the more than 3 million truckers in the U.S., women make up between 10 and 12 percent, according to reports. That figure has risen from 7.8 percent in 2020 and women made up only 4.8 percent of the workforce in 2010. The sharp rise in female participation has been attributed to wide-reaching factors that include driver shortages, reductions in perceived gender barriers, and technology advancements in the big rigs. Since 2010, the number of women truckers has reportedly increased by 68 percent.
“There are many different types of driver pay in the industry, including by the mile, per load, hourly, and even salary in some cases,” ATA economist Bob Costello reportedly said. “In all cases, there is no distinction between male or female. If you go to a fleet and ask how much drivers are paid, it is by experience level, routes, etc., not gender-specific.”
The Women in Motion program is expected to confront issues everyday women can expect when hauling freight great distances. The ATA reportedly brought together industry leaders to form the Women in Motion Steering Committee and Speakers Bureau. By showing women who are considering a career in trucking what to expect, proven benefits, and that industry leaders are working toward a more secure environment, the ATA hopes to attract badly needed drivers to offset the 80,000 worker shortage.
“I’m proud to be a professional truck driver, but also proud to be a woman behind the wheel,” Rhonda Hartman, a professional truck driver at Old Dominion Freight Line, reportedly said. “This has been a great job — with great pay and benefits — and one that I truly believe more women should consider.”
For more information, visit Women in Motion.
Sources:
https://www.statista.com/chart/19848/female-truckers-increasing/
https://www.wsj.com/articles/drawn-by-the-salary-women-flock-to-trucking-11571045406
ive seen many women drivers, and most ive seen seem well versed and safety oriented to get the job done ,as i have some women that ive used to drive ,seem very good ,detail oriented and get the job done ,way better than some man ,but women ask questions look and then figure it out ,not go and f it up
alexcy practically unintelligible as usual. Why would a woman be any different than a man when it comes to driving a truck?
According to one carrier CEO, any monkey can drive a truck. Crap flows downhill, your driver is as good as the people above them male/ female.
That CEO is probably right. Take a look around at a truck stop, some drivers make monkeys look sophisticated.
Is the writer a biologist?