Female Truck Drivers are Making an Impact

January 31, 2022  |  Uncategorized

There is a new trucking trend in the commercial truck driving industry and it is being led by female truck drivers. Made for everyone, the open road has been predominantly navigated by male truck drivers for quite some time — but this is changing. More and more women are entering the field, and they are making an impact. There are many reasons why female truck drivers are choosing this path. Some want to provide for their families while others enjoy the independence and challenge of the job. Whatever the reason, these female long haul truck drivers are breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.

Driver Demand

Trucking is the primary way that goods are transported across the country. As experienced truckers retire and American purchasing increases, transportation experts say roughly one million new drivers will be needed in the next 10 years. A significant percentage of these new drivers will be women. In fact, as of 2019, more than 10% of long haul truck drivers were women, and this number is only expected to rise. 

Culture Changes

Changes in American culture, as well as trucking culture, are making trucking jobs not only more desirable for women, but these changes are also making it easier to apply. Because it’s no longer the norm for women to stay home and care for family, more and more women are open to trucking as a lucrative career path, whether as an individual driver for a company, an owner/operator or as part of a truck driving team with a friend or spouse. The job offers welcoming challenges as well as excellent pay and benefits, helping ambitious women take the wheel and support themselves as a long haul trucker.

Growing Opportunities

With many appealing benefits, including increased home time, the ability to drive independently or with companions, lucrative pay and benefits packages, women commercial truck drivers will only continue to grow. However, driving for a company and being an owner/operator are not the only trucking jobs out there. More and more women are taking advantage of related opportunities, too. New trucking trends include executive positions in trucking as well as accounting roles, service technicians, parts sales, roadside assistance and more. There are even nonprofit organizations to help bring about diversity in trucking, such as Women In Trucking, that promote women’s accomplishments and help to minimize any obstacles. Resources like this one, as well as befriending fellow female truck drivers, help provide support and mentorship. 

Benefits of Driving

Both male and female long haul truck drivers have immense opportunities and benefits within truck driving, including health and retirement options, top pay, and sign-on bonuses. Whether driving locally, regionally or nationally, drivers experience the open road and see the beauty of the country up close. For those who drive for trucking companies, team drives may be possible as well as the option to bring a small pet companion along for the ride. 

Become a Truck Driver 

Opportunities for commercial truck drivers are out there, and more and more women are choosing to make it their career path. To become a truck driver, you need to be at least 21 years old and have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a clean driving record, and a high school diploma or GED. Consider getting started in this career path with Nextran Truck Centers today. 

This post was written by fmgadmin.