Even though women make up almost half of the U.S. workforce, they only represent about 6.5% of all commercial truck drivers. In 2018, there were about 235,000 female drivers in an industry with 3.5 million CDL trucking jobs. What makes these numbers even more surprising is that women are statistically safer drivers for all vehicle types, including big rigs. Fortunately, the future is looking bright for women in trucking, with the number of female CDL truckers increasing by almost 70% in recent years. Why is a CDL trucking career an excellent opportunity for female driving professionals?
Why Women are a Great Fit for CDL Trucking Jobs
There are several reasons why many trucking companies are seeking to add female drivers to their ranks. For one thing, the need for professional truckers keeps growing at a huge pace. Some studies estimate that the shortage of CDL drivers may reach 175,000 by the year 2026. This enormous demand has caused many companies to take a long, hard look at their outdated hiring policies.
Also, women drivers bring many advantages to the table compared to their male counterparts. When it comes to safety, women reign supreme. Whether this is because of less aggressive driving or smarter decisions, the facts speak for themselves: female truck drivers get into fewer accidents than males. Men have around a 70% higher chance of getting a speeding ticket or a traffic signal violation.
Women also tend to work smarter instead of harder. They handle loads safely and avoid risky driving conditions that put order fulfillment in jeopardy. At the same time, female drivers often log more miles than male drivers and show better job loyalty. All of these qualities make women the logical choice for filling high-profile trucking jobs. So, why aren’t there more women in trucking?
Past Challenges and Modern Advancements for Women in Trucking
In the past (and in the present in some companies), women had to face significant obstacles in the CDL workforce. The story is virtually identical to other industries across the country. One of the biggest issues has to do with common stereotypes.
Some male managers don’t want to hire women because they think female drivers can’t handle the physical requirements. Of course, this reasoning is absurd. Women are just as capable as men of developing the strength needed for this job. Also, most drivers these days don’t even worry about offloading, including male truckers.
Fear can cause other women to hold back from applying. Some working moms worry that they can’t adapt to the lifestyle of long hours away from home. They may also have a negative idea about life as a truck driver, thinking that it means feeling sweaty or dirty.
However, the reality is usually very different. Women can have plenty of time to put on lipstick, do hair and nails, and dress how they want. While it’s true that parents have to decide the best way to provide for their kids, there’s no difference between a dad going to work on the road and a mom doing the same.
Of course, pay differences are a factor that has limited women’s involvement in trucking. In some companies, this distorted pay scale still exists. On average, men make about 28% more than women for the same loads. Fortunately, trustworthy trucking companies are working to change this situation by paying drivers based on factors such as load and distance rather than gender.
Excellent CDL Trucking Career Opportunities
Is it worth checking out a CDL trucking career? Many women answer, yes. In addition to the freedom that comes from driving your own truck, there are many financial benefits that come from trucking. According to USA Today, the annual average salary for a CDL trucker is approximately $53,000 a year.
The fact that there’s such a huge need for new truck drivers also gives you some leverage. You may be able to negotiate an excellent sign-on bonus of thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. Driving for a company such as Duncan and Son Lines, Inc. can provide job flexibility, excellent income, and plenty of room for advancement.
Tips for Getting Started in a CDL Trucking Career
There are several things that women interested in trucking can expect and should demand from potential employers. Choosing the right company can make all the difference in the world when it comes to loving your job. Here are eight things that can make your life easier:
- High-tech tracking and logging technology: Modern technology can simplify life on the road a lot. Instead of having to fill out a logbook every night, you can spend time relaxing. These systems also speed up delivery times, help you avoid traffic, and let you stay in touch with your kids on the road.
- Great pay: Lucrative pay makes every delivery feel great. That way, your time on the road is well spent, and you can take great care of your family.
- Genuine respect and equality: At the best companies, women are treated with respect from their male colleagues. In fact, working at these places is like belonging to a close-knit family where drivers look out for each other.
- Training with women in mind: No woman should feel forced to share a cab overnight with a male instructor. High-quality companies have dedicated training programs with separate accommodations for women.
- Opportunities for income growth: Make sure that there are ways that you can advance your career and make more money in the future. Many CDL jobs provide opportunities to take on specialized loads that pay more. This can be a great way for women to put their incredible safety reputation to work, maximizing the amount of money they take home.
- Pregnancy care and family leave programs: You should absolutely expect modern trucking companies to have programs for pregnancy leave. In many places, this is required by law. Even if you’re not planning on getting pregnant soon, things can change in the future.
- Team-based careers: One great way to maximize your profits is to haul loads as part of a team. This allows you to meet federal rest requirements while increasing the number of deliveries you make. Some couples hit the road as a husband/wife duo, while other women prefer to team up with another female driver.
- Ergonomic trucks: Last but not least, make sure the trucks you’re going to be driving are comfortable. Modern semi-trucks offer a lot of perks, such as adjustable seating, ergonomic seating, and great cooling systems. This can do wonders for your muscles.
There are many options for CDL trucking jobs. You can decide how far from home you’re willing to go, and whether to work as a direct employee or an independent operator. What if climbing behind the wheel isn’t your personal cup of tea? Many women in trucking are involved in management positions, coordinating day-to-day operations, and guiding drivers to their destinations with improved efficiency. You can also apply to work as a safety inspector, repair technician, or another position.
A Great Working Environment for Women in Trucking
At Duncan and Son Lines, Inc., we’re happy to work with the best female CDL truckers in the industry. We encourage women to build progressive trucking careers by offering equal pay and lucrative driving assignments. Our company respects women, and we never tolerate inappropriate remarks or uncomfortable working conditions for our female drivers. To find out more, apply for a trucking job today.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / By Milkovasa