We are well aware that trucking industry is experiencing a major shortage of truck drivers - it is estimated that more than 51,000 truck drivers are needed at the end of 2017. That number continues to rise as drivers are retiring, and the influx of new drivers has slowed. This extreme demand means there has never been a better time to consider starting a career as a driver.
Historically, men have dominated the trucking workforce, accounting for more than 90 percent of all drivers. This was primarily due to the lifestyle that over the road (OTR) drivers were accustomed to - long days of driving while away from home for sometimes weeks at a time. This made it difficult to raise a family and take care of children, which served the primary factor influencing women away from this career path. But women have proven they are just as dependable as men in the trucking industry, and may even be safer and happier while on the road.
Steady Growth & Demand For Female Truckers
The first female trucker, Lillie MeGee Drennan, took the wheel in 1929. Women truckers have since grown to make up 5.8 percent of all industry wide truckers, according to study done by the American Trucking Association (ATA) in 2015, which was an increased from 4.6 percent in 2010.
Although this number is on the rise, there are still countless opportunities for women to find a fulfilling career as a trucker with plenty of room for growth.
Positive Shifts In Trucking Culture & Modern Society
The trucking industry is changing rapidly to keep up with advancements in technology and the marketplace. One of the most significant shifts is in the industry’s culture, and that of today’s society.
Trucking companies are offering more diverse options for truck drivers to choose types of driving fits their lifestyle best, which allows for truckers to be at home with their family weekly and even nightly in some cases with regional dry van routes, and port and rail driving jobs. These types of shorter-run jobs create the opportunity for a driver to be home more often, allowing women to have it all - a successful career and the ability to take care of a family and maintain a household. (MSN).
Additionally, there has also been a perspective shift in our modern day society in which women are no longer expected to stay at home and raise a family. Single women, women with older children, and entrepreneurs considering an owner-operator role are in the perfect position to begin a career as a truck driver.
Husband and wife duos have a unique advantage with the ability to take turnins driving 12-hour shifts that are government mandated. With both spouses able to switch off between shifts, the truck can keep moving for 24-hours a day.
Women May Be Better Suited As Drivers Than Men
According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety numbers, women were found to be “statistically safer” drivers than their fellow male drivers. The study states women are less reckless drivers than men and received fewer citations for speeding, seatbelt violations, and signal violations. In general, men get in more auto accidents and their rates for insurance are higher than women.
Another study done by Fleet management solutions company Omnitracs found that “female truck drivers get into fewer preventable accidents than men and generally drive more cautiously” (Business Insider). These facts are all great reasons why more women should be the future for truck drivers!
There’s no doubt that now is the prime time for women to begin their trucking careers. Meiborg Bros Inc. offers competitive salaries and options for a variety of driver’s schedules. Are you interested in learning more about about our company and offerings? Let’s talk!