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The trucking industry is an important part of the North American economy, generating roughly $700 billion annually. Much of that revenue comes from the logistics sector, which includes the transportation of goods by road, rail, air, and sea. A shortage of qualified drivers is hampering the growth of the industry, as are strict federal regulations. As a result, the trucking industry is growing rapidly and offering plenty of opportunities for qualified drivers. The industry is split into three main sectors: truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), and intermodal. Truckload carriers haul items from one place to another, usually from a shipper’s facility to a receiver’s facility. LTL carriers transport goods from one place to another, but those goods are consolidated with other shipments. Intermodal carriers move containers that have been loaded onto rail cars or ships.
Women in trucking statistics
Unfortunately, the trucking industry has long been associated with men. This is partly due to the industry’s long-held image as a “man’s job,” but it’s also due to the low rate of women in trucking. The American Trucking Association estimates that less than 10% of the industry is composed of women, with just 8 million women truckers in North America. The ATA also reports that since 2000, the percentage of women in trucking has stayed fairly stagnant.
Barriers to entry for women
There’s no doubt that the trucking industry has a lot to offer, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy field to break into. Like many other male-dominated industries, the trucking field has been slow to open its doors to women. Women have faced a number of barriers to entry, including the following: - Lack of female role models: Women have few role models in the trucking industry. In fact, less than 5% of fleet managers are women. This creates a lack of visibility for female truckers and makes it difficult for young women to envision themselves in the industry. - Lack of flexible work schedules: Many trucking companies offer flexible work schedules, but few of them are available to female truckers. This can make it challenging for women to find good, long-term jobs. - Low income: Women in the trucking industry earn significantly less than their male counterparts. This is likely due to lower levels of seniority, lack of experience, and the fact that many women are employed in less-than-truckload positions.
Organizations supporting female truckers
There are several organizations that support women in trucking, including Women in Trucking, Women in the Trucking Profession, and the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada. These organizations provide networking and mentoring opportunities, as well as information about the school and licensing requirements for getting a job in the industry. They also host events designed to encourage young women to pursue trucking as a career, including scholarships and career fairs.
Benefits of women in trucking
There are many benefits associated with an increase in women in trucking. Increased diversity can help to improve the working conditions in the industry, as well as boost productivity. Studies have shown that companies with a higher number of female employees report less turnover and a lower number of workplace accidents.
Challenges female truckers face
While there are plenty of challenges associated with an increase in women in trucking, there are also plenty of opportunities for success. Potential obstacles include the following: - Low visibility: While female truckers are a growing presence in the industry, they are still not nearly as visible as they could be. To overcome this potential obstacle, women in trucking must continue to work to increase visibility and promote their industry. - Lack of role models: As mentioned above, there are few female role models in the trucking industry. This can be discouraging for young women who are considering a career in trucking, but it can also lead to fewer women in the industry.
Role of technology in the future of trucking
Technology is transforming every industry, including trucking. Self-driving vehicles, automated logistics, and artificial intelligence are just a few of the technologies that are expected to have a major impact on the trucking industry in the coming years. New technology is helping to modernize the industry and make it safer, but it’s also making it a more appealing option for women. Automated vehicles are expected to eliminate many of the dangers associated with truck driving, making the profession much safer for female truckers. Technology is also expected to reduce the need for drivers, creating more opportunities for women in the industry.
Strategies for increasing female representation
There are a number of ways that organizations can attract and retain more women in the trucking industry. Invest in safety and training programs: While safety has traditionally been a male-dominated field, safety programs have the power to attract both men and women.
Stories of success from female truckers
There are plenty of inspiring stories from female truckers. Take the story of Colby Wright, for example. Wright, a former software engineer, traded desk chairs for truck brakes after she decided to pursue a career in trucking. Wright’s story is one of many that show how trucking is becoming a more inclusive field.
Outlook for the future of women in trucking
The future of women in trucking is bright. More and more women are pursuing careers in the industry, and they are being welcomed into the fold. Organizations like Women in Trucking are helping to change the culture of the industry, making it more inclusive and welcoming to women. With more women in trucking, the industry will become safer and more productive. That’s good news for women, their families, and the industry as a whole.