The Perspective of a Female Owner-Operator
July 17, 2024BruceDayne
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We are all aware that the trucking industry has been male-dominated for years. But things have started to change, and a large number of women have found their career path in this sector. To be honest, there are plenty of opportunities available for those willing to put in the hard work regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or nationality.
Women accounted for only 7.8% of all the truck drivers in the USA in 2024. Even though women face many obstacles, this doesn’t have to mean they don’t show interest in owner-operator trucking jobs. This article shares the perspective of a female owner-operator from Washington state, referring to her as “Wendy”.
How Did She Get into Trucking?
Only 4% of the owner-operators in the US are women. Wendy shared her success story with us. She has five children and entered this sector later in life to secure an income. However, trucking wasn’t easy for her; she learned how to operate a truck. She comes from a mill town where everyone is familiar with log trucks. She added that her first husband was a log truck driver.
During her 16-year career in this industry, Wendy has operated various vehicles, ranging from dry vans to tankers and hazardous materials. She has completed journeys through Alaska and nine Canadian provinces.
After working in this sector for years, Wendy decided it was time to start her own business. She transports dry van trailers through the Pacific Northwest, carrying goods such as small tractors, paper bales, beer, garbanzo beans, and charcoal briquettes.
Trucking Industry Career as a Woman
Wendy clearly stated that her journey had many ups and downs. The trucking job involves a lot of time away from home, so she found it difficult to balance her professional life with raising five children.
She also experienced prejudice from coworkers and other drivers. There is a stigma in the industry around drivers not knowing how to assess mechanical issues. For women, this is much worse. Wendy had already experienced this when mechanics didn’t pay much attention to her claims.
In addition, she overheard colleagues discussing her performance and the fact that she is a woman. When someone spots a woman in the cabin, they immediately think she is the driver’s wife.
For example, during a delivery, Wendy handed all the paperwork, but the male shipper refused to talk to her and wanted to reach the driver. When she told them she was the driver, he still wasn’t sure the freight would get the desired area. Wendy assured him that her company would send someone competent for the job. Later, the employee apologized to her about his behavior.
Despite the challenges women face in this industry, there is still hope. Wendy had positive experiences that made her think the industry was changing and becoming a more accepting place.
According to Wendy, the title of truck driver isn’t enough to define a person. Drivers have different personalities, interests, and hobbies, so their common interest is their paycheck.
When it comes to her working preferences, long-hauling works best for her lifestyle. Working for 11 hours per day and coming home might not be for everyone, but she handles it well.
Wendy advises trucking companies to pay attention to the personal lives of drivers. They should listen to the driver’s needs and respond to them. When it comes to benefits, she has 401(k) contributions, childcare benefits, and healthcare in addition to the excellent pay.
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