It was only a matter of time before trucking companies started actively recruiting women. Women in trucking are like the new trend but with good reason. I have heard a trainer say more than once they rather train a woman than a man. Some even brag about the skills by the time they are done with training. In theory woman drive less aggressive and more cautious so that should also mean they are less likely to be involved in accidents.
Perhaps this occurs because men resist the trainers instruction being more focused on 'getting it himself' while the woman is fully attentive and absorbs each step as its given. Who knows, that's my theory anyway.
What I do know is there are a lot more women in trucking now than it was 10 years ago when I started. I see women driving almost every day out here now.
Do Woman In Trucking Have It Harder Than Men?
I wouldn't say women have it harder. (Of course I am speculating)From what I see a woman in trucking has both advantages and disadvantages.
The advantage is of course there are plenty of drivers out here that are anxious to cater to a woman's needs on the road whether its directions on the CB, radio checks, time, etc.
Sometimes a woman can get on the radio just to ask a question and get offered a free meal at the truck stop!
I have never seen a woman at a shipper or receiver being treated too much differently than a man.
If you are a woman in trucking reading this, I would be interested in and greatly appreciate your input on how it is to be a lady trucker in more detail at the bottom.
The disadvantage of being a lady trucker however is basically the same as the advantage. Special attention! Some ladies don't want it.
Though the drivers means well most of the time, there's been plenty of times that the woman don't really sound like she has time to waste or whatever and is only trying to get directions to somewhere and the drivers are talking over each other trying to sweet talk her instead of letting her get directions.
Even after getting brushed off sometimes they go on and on and even I get irritated so I am pretty sure the ladies get irritated.
The
Do women in trucking get harrassed?
Every now and then a lady truckers gets on the radio and the more ignorant driver is in the are also. He may respond as if the lady trucker is a lot lizard. Sometimes they even know the woman hadn't said anything indicating she is a lot lizard and they call them selves being funny. Sometimes the truck drivers are serious and even talk nasty to the woman when she puts him in check.
Most of the time when a male driver tries to talk junk to a legitimate lady trucker some else jumps on his case and puts him in check before the lady can even respond a second time.
Should women let the ignorant few discourage them from becomin a trucker?
NO, for the most part you will be treated in a way based on how you present yourself (in person and on the radio).
If you are harassed by a driver depending your personality type either put him in place and then don't satisfy him by continuing the interchange or ignore him all together. And let us put him in place.
What ever you do, don't take it personal. It is ignorant people out here just like anywhere it else except as a trucker they have an anonymous way to let it show with the CB Radio and they take advantage of doing that. (With racial speech also)
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Ms. Asia
Don't have a story but a few comments. First.. good site!! Speaking as a female driver for over 10 years I can honestly say the men treat us badly, yet,...