Truck driving is currently a male-dominated industry, with over 90% of jobs held by men. It can feel intimidating for women to try to break into commercial driving. However, the industry is changing. The number of women entering the trucking industry is growing steadily each year, and there is a prime opportunity for women to enter this essential and exciting career.
If you are a woman considering starting your own career in trucking, we will tell you why trucking is such an appealing job and give you some tips on breaking into the industry.
Why Women Should Consider a Trucking Job
Commercial driving is an essential pillar of the US economy, and the job market is growing. Thanks to the rapid rise of e-commerce, truckers are in more demand than ever. The American Trucking Association (ATA) estimates that by 2030, the driver shortage could surpass 160,000.
While this isn’t great for the US economy and the businesses that depend on shipping, it is excellent news for women wanting to become drivers. Jobs are plentiful, and wages should continue to rise as the demand for drivers increases.
Here are some of the many benefits of a job in commercial driving:
Lucrative Pay
The median pay for heavy-duty drivers in 2023 was $54,320 a year, $6,000 above the national average for all jobs, and it is expected to continue to rise. Average wages for commercial drivers have already increased by nearly $10,000 in the past six years. Salaries will keep going up as companies try to meet the demand for drivers.
No Need for a College Degree
Most truck drivers do not hold a college degree. To start driving, you will need to complete a short skills-based training program. This means you can jump into a stable career without taking on years of education and a mountain of debt.
Flexibility
Many trucking companies offer flexible schedules, which benefit women who want to balance a career with their community or family responsibilities.
Adventure
Long-haul drivers have the opportunity to travel and see more of the country than many people will in their lifetime. You are joining a larger community that is the backbone of commerce in America. The open road beckons.
How to Become a Truck Driver
Pass a DOT Medical Exam
The first thing you need to do in your path to becoming a truck driver is to pass a medical exam and obtain your DOT medical card. The DOT medical exam ensures you can operate a commercial vehicle without endangering yourself or others.
A certified medical examiner will test your hearing and vision, screen you for mental or physical challenges that might affect your driving, and administer a drug and alcohol test. If the medical examiner determines that you are fit to drive, you will be issued a DOT medical certificate that you must renew every two years.
Complete a CDL Training Program
Truck driver training will give you the knowledge and skills to operate large commercial vehicles safely and effectively. You will learn regulations and do a lot of hands-on skills training and practice. Truck driving schools may also cover vehicle repairs and maintenance so you are prepared to take care of yourself and your vehicle on the road.
Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Once you have passed your CDL medical exam and completed a training program, you can apply for your commercial driver’s license. This is a special kind of license required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for you to be able to drive a commercial vehicle such as a tractor-trailer, bus, delivery van, or tanker truck.
To get a commercial driver’s license, you must pass a knowledge test, a driving skills test, and have your DOT medical certificate.
Apply with a Reputable Trucking Company
If you are a woman concerned about your safety while trucking, choosing to work with a reputable trucking company is especially important. Reputable trucking companies are serious about safety and have protocols and training in place for their drivers.
In addition to providing regular safety training, reputable companies maintain their vehicles and often equip their drivers with safety kits and tools. They also have enforceable policies in place to prevent harassment at work and secure safe parking locations for their driver’s overnight stops.
Before accepting a job with any trucking company, ask them what protocols and benefits they have to protect your safety.
Tips for Women in Trucking
Once you have completed your training, obtained your CDL, and accepted your first job as a commercial driver, here are some tips on starting your trucking career as a woman in a male-dominated industry.
Know How to Stay Safe
While this advice on staying safe from assault, harassment, and theft while driving applies to all drivers, it can be especially important for women.
- Learn basic self-defense maneuvers and consider carrying defensive devices (such as an alarm or pepper spray). These tools can help you feel comfortable and confident while traveling alone.
- Always double-check your window and door locks. If you plan on sleeping in your cab, consider shades for your windows and reinforced door locks.
- Many female drivers get dogs to keep them company and alert them to potential dangers.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Park in areas that are not too isolated, and always check that nobody is following you back to your truck. Don’t make it obvious that you are traveling alone.
- Make sure that somebody always knows where you are–this can be your dispatcher, family, or friends.
- Trust your instincts–if somewhere just doesn’t feel right, don’t take the risk. Find somewhere else to stop.
Connect with Other Female Drivers
The female trucking community, such as Women in Trucking, can offer support, advice, and camaraderie. Especially as a new driver, you may benefit from the experience of other female drivers. Being a part of a wider community of women truckers can give you networking and mentoring opportunities and increase your odds of getting into training programs and jobs that will benefit your career.
We Need You
The trucking industry needs more drivers, and many companies want to diversify their workforce to include more women drivers. A career in trucking offers good pay, independence, and a fulfilling role meeting a critical need in our economy.
