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Here's a detailed overview of what women should expect in the trucking industry:
1. Safety concerns
- Harassment and discrimination: Many female drivers report facing verbal harassment, unwanted advances, or even threats from male colleagues, customers, or strangers at truck stops. Studies have shown that over 60% of female truckers have experienced harassment.
- Truck stops and rest areas: These locations are often cited as areas where women feel most unsafe, due to concerns about lighting, security, and the availability of female-friendly facilities.
- Isolation: The solitary nature of the job can make it difficult for women to seek help or report misconduct if it occurs.
- Company policies: Trucking companies are encouraged to implement stronger anti-harassment policies, provide safety training, and offer anonymous reporting systems for harassment and safety incidents.
- Technological advancements: GPS tracking, emergency response systems, and apps like Trucker Path can help women find safer parking and facilities.
- Same-gender training: The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) advocates for same-gender training policies to address concerns about sharing cabs with opposite-gender trainers.
- Lack of female-friendly facilities: Truck stops and rest areas are often designed with men in mind, lacking separate and clean showers or restrooms for women.
- Truck ergonomics: Standard trucks may not be ergonomically suitable for women of smaller stature, leading to discomfort and potential health problems.
- Limited parking options: Safe and well-lit overnight parking spots are scarce, forcing women to park in potentially dangerous locations.
- Physical demands: The job can be physically demanding, with long hours of driving and potential for heavy lifting or maintenance tasks.
- Unhealthy lifestyle options: Limited access to healthy food options at truck stops can lead to poor diet and increased health risks.
- Fatigue and sleep deprivation: Irregular schedules and long shifts can disrupt sleep patterns, causing fatigue and impairing driving performance.
- Mental health concerns: Isolation, stress, and potential discrimination can contribute to loneliness and depression among female long-haul drivers.
- Solutions:
- Prioritize self-care: Packing healthy meals, stretching during breaks, establishing healthy routines, and prioritizing adequate sleep can mitigate physical and mental health issues.
- Seek support: Connecting with other women truckers, using technology to stay in touch with loved ones, seeking mental health counseling, and seeking help from a mental health professional can help manage stress and combat feelings of isolation.
- Choose a supportive carrier: Some companies offer mentorship programs, flexible scheduling, and other initiatives to support women in their careers.
- High demand and competitive pay: The trucking industry faces a driver shortage, creating ample job opportunities and offering competitive salaries, regardless of gender.
- Equal pay: Truckers are often paid by the mile, ensuring pay parity for women and men, unlike in many other industries.
- Flexibility and independence: Trucking can offer a degree of independence and flexibility, particularly for owner-operators who can control their schedules.
- Travel opportunities: The job can provide opportunities to see the country or even travel internationally.
- Training and support: Many companies offer comprehensive training programs, including CDL and over-the-road (OTR) training, as well as mentorship programs and support networks specifically for women, according to TransWood.
- Women in Trucking Association (WIT): This non-profit organization is dedicated to encouraging women's employment, promoting their accomplishments, and minimizing obstacles faced by female truckers. WIT offers resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for women in the industry.
- REAL Women in Trucking: This organization advocates for safe truck driver training for women, provides a support network, and endorses companies and services that encourage women drivers.
- S.H.E. Trucking: Founded by Sharae Moore, this organization provides a community and support network for women in trucking through a private Facebook group and offers a clothing brand for female truckers.
- Other resources: The U.S. DOT's Women and Girls in Transportation Initiative (WITI), Pathways to Equity – Women and Good Jobs, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) also provide resources and support for women in transportation.