Who do you imagine when it comes to truckers? We suspect that the image of a middle-aged man driving a large car pops up in my head. But these are just stereotypes because more and more women enter this profession every year. And they cope no worse than men. Truck driver dispatchers confirm this on this site, which works with many female truckers.
After all, this is an exciting job with good pay and an interesting way of life. Consider this career if you like long trips behind the wheel. We will tell you more in this article.
Some statistics and stories about women truckers
The USA is actively developing in terms of production and consumption. More and more companies are creating more products, and people are ready to spend more. And there is a significant shortage of truckers in this chain. For example, a few years ago, there were 63,000 more jobs for truckers than employees. And this is an excellent opportunity for women to become part of the logistics business. The first female truckers started working in the last century. And fortunately, their number is increasing every year!
But not only because of the need for more employees. Women are not just a «missing link» in work but also irreplaceable and valuable employees. Their appearance in the male-dominated sphere is due to the economic situation and the movement of feminism, which convinces that women can work in the same place as men.
The world has changed a lot. Now not only men work, but women look after the family. Now you expect active participation in the family’s financial life from a woman. Moreover, now women give birth to fewer children or postpone starting a family. And this is good news for businesses and those women who want to pursue a career.
According to static data, 6% of truckers are women.
What are the advantages of working in trucking?
First of all, it’s a salary. Women who drive trucks earn the same as men. You can expect a salary of $50,000 a year. This excellent indicator will help you feed yourself, provide a decent life and pay the bills. Of course, the salary depends on many factors: working conditions, the number of orders, and the company you work with. Many women decide to become owners-operators who work for themselves immediately. This a good option if you are ready to face the complexities of business but want to be independent of everyone.
What else can your work depend on? From additional work: for example, if you work outside working hours or holidays, are engaged in loading cargo or its safe installation. You will also be paid extra for stopping while waiting for loading. Also, many fleets provide bonuses for registration, safety, efficiency, fuel, benefits packages, and flexibility of planning/route.
Women working in cargo transportation say that they like driving a truck more than sorting papers in the office. An endless road awaits you, time alone with yourself, beautiful views, and new places in our beautiful country.
Also, this work implies flexibility in the work schedule, especially if you are the owner-operator. You can always cancel the order or take a vacation. And this is very valuable for women who have children.
But, of course, we must mention the disadvantages. They are in every job. For example, this is a sedentary lifestyle, which in the long term, hurts health. Also, if you want to earn well, you will have to work hard and disappear from home for weeks. For many women, this is too much of a sacrifice that they cannot make.
Unfortunately, we live in a world of sexism, harassment, and danger. Women truckers should not forget about this and apply additional security measures.
How to get started in cargo transportation?
First, you must get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). It lasts about three weeks, and costs from 3000 to 7000 dollars. The training includes theoretical lessons in the classroom and practical lessons on the truck. Remember that some transport companies pay their employees for training. Browse through all the options and choose the most suitable one for you.
When you have your CDL in your hands, you can start looking for a job. If you have yet to choose the option of paying for rights with a job you have already arranged for. So, what should I do for an interview with a transport company? Discuss all the details, of course. Among them:
- payment for work;
- work schedule;
- delays due to bad weather and traffic jams and their payment;
- family problems requiring time off.
To find out everything about the company, read reviews on non-independent websites. It would not be superfluous to find out the company’s policy regarding sexual harassment.
Summing up, we can confidently say that women can work as truckers. This work is no worse and no better than the typical female professions that society imposes on us. Your task is to be a responsible employee that everyone can count on. And everything will work out!
