When you think about the trucking industry, there is a stereotype that trucker jobs are only for macho men. Honestly, if you close your eyes and picture a truck driver, a man will most likely come into your mind. Even today, the default way of thinking is that women are not meant for controlling the wheel.
But now, the time has come for trucking companies to consider hiring more female drivers for their fleets. With the high unemployment rates, equal opportunity movements, and a higher demand for freight and logistics, isn’t it the perfect time to encourage more women in the trucking industry?
Historically, the trucking industry has lacked women, and it is good to know that the trends changed in recent years. Now is the time to change that gender bias, and these are the reasons why.
According to a report by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) in 2019, the industry lacks roughly 60,000 drivers compared to the current demand. It is also projected that the driver shortage will reach 160,000 by 2028 if no one does anything about it.
There are several issues to note about the future of driving. First, the retirement of experienced truckers due to age will rise up in the following years. Alongside this, the number of qualified drivers to replace them are greatly lacking.
With the continuous need for logistics all over the country, the trucking industry needs to find people who are willing to take the time to study and train for a long-term driving career. There’s going to driving school, driver orientation, and training on-the-road, which requires a lot of time and effort on their part.
Trucking companies can address this shortage by calling in women who see themselves behind the wheel. After all, women can do everything men do, and that includes driving huge vehicles, too.
Trucking is one of the most dangerous industries to have ever existed. In fact, in 2018 alone, 4,862 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes. These are scary numbers, and it might pose a slight drawback in convincing women to go into trucking.
However, you can look at it this way. Women, generally, are more risk-averse than men. They prioritize their safety a lot, and that includes their safety in the workplace.
If trucking companies are looking into getting women interested in becoming truck drivers, they also have to exhibit that they value the safety of their drivers. Consequently, having safer drivers would also mean better rates in the commercial truck insurance of the company with lesser claims and better drivers.
The United States workforce is fairly split in two, with women handling 50.04% of available jobs in the country. This number is where we want to be, but trucking industry unfortunately tells a different story.
According to research by Freightwaves, women take up 10% of the population for truck drivers. It is now higher than it was years ago, but that is still a ratio with a huge imbalance.
For companies to achieve a better ratio between male and female drivers, they must pursue and offer free CDL options, training opportunities, flexible driving posts, and equality in the workplace.
When it comes to driving, you can expect a lot of condescending jokes about women being lousy drivers. But in reality, the numbers say something different. Take a look at these different findings:
With more women truck drivers being sent on the road, we increase the number of careful drivers behind the wheel. This will bring a positive impact on the ongoing battle of decreasing road accidents by preventing physical damages to your trucks while ensuring the cargo remains safe and sound.
Admittedly, truck driving can be a dangerous career, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman. However, here are some things that might convince women to consider this as a future job:
-Trucking is one of the highest-paying jobs that do not require a college degree.
-According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for truckers is $43,680.
-Many trucking companies provide bonuses for signing up, safety, and schedule flexibility.
-Trucking is one of the industries that provide equal pay for equal work.
Interested in pursuing a career in truck driving? Here’s how you can start:
1.Be at least 21 years old and have a clean driving record.
2.Get commercial driving training, a physical test, as well as a drug and alcohol test.
3.Find a company that you like and consider the following factors:
1.How much you will be paid and how they arrive at the amount
2.How tight or flexible your schedule will be
3.What your route would look like
4.What would be the extent of your job description
5.What the history of the company is, their safety policy, and how they deal with workplace issues like harassment
The Women In Trucking Association is a non-profit organization with the mission to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the industry.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics measures labor market activity, working conditions, price changes, and productivity in the US economy to support public and private decision-making.
As women become more empowered to explore various job opportunities, the future is looking bright for the trucking industry.
Make sure you are updated with better trucking management, including your commercial truck Insurance coverage. For the best tips on keeping your trucking company safe, contact Assured Standard today!
