Are you a new female truck driver or considering a career in the trucking industry? Whatever the case may be, the fact is you’re choosing the right career, a career that has tremendously great opportunities. According to a 2018 report, the American Trucking Associations discovered that the trucking industry was short over 60,000 drivers and warned that it could be short over 100,000 in five years.
Imagine being independent and getting the chance to see new places and having the flexibility to groove your life. Thus, now is the perfect time to drive in the trucking industry. Now carriers are improving the pay and trying to improve the working culture.
Women in the Trucking Industry: A Quick Overview
Although women have been part of the trucking industry since the early 1900s, female truckers have always made up a small percentage of the industry. However, the number of women truckers joining the community is increasing. Would you believe that between 2010 and 2018, the number of female drivers has increased by 68%?
As the shortage of truckers gets worse, it is important to get more women into the industry to help meet the growing demand for workers.
For more information on how the role that women play in the trucking business has changed and how to support women in trucking, read our blog post on women in trucking.
Tips for female truck drivers:
Although ladies are experienced and well aware of the kinds of precautions they should take, here are some tips that might help you learn more about the tricks that can be used in a particular situation.
Always try to know your route in advance
Trips planned in advance are always better when it comes to safety and security. Also, it saves a driver a lot of time and can help you avoid various problems along the way you might face.
As a result, take some time to study your route and plan accordingly, whether it's taking breaks for the bathroom, meals, or rest.
Ensure that your phone is always charged and accessible
We all know how useful a mobile phone is, and you never know when an emergency situation will arise and your phone will come in handy. When a woman truck driver is on the road, the chances of unexpected events occurring are slightly higher than for a male truck driver.
Fortunately, mobile phones keep you in touch with your loved ones, and you’re easy to track as well, even when you are miles apart. Also, it is a great tool to pass time with by using it for entertainment purposes like listening to podcasts and audio books.
Make your own sleeping space
There is no doubt that trucking is a demanding career; it requires long hauling hours, which is why taking good quality rest is important. Nothing beats a good, deep sleep.
A good rest will keep you alert and focused while driving, and you will be less prone to accidental situations.
Now comes the question of how to create that personal sleeping space.
Many long-distance female truck drivers sleep in the truck’s sleeper cab. Set up your sleeping cabin as if it were your own sweet little home. Make it comfortable as per your comfortable space by adding a mattress and pillows and adding other things like curtains, lights, or whatever makes you feel relaxed and at home. Have a proper, restful sleep in your own little space before hitting that long route.
Take time for your health and hygiene
Long routes, covering lots of territory, and delivering goods and services on time often leave us all drained and leave no space for maintaining our hygiene. Thus, despite having a busy job, it becomes all the more important to prioritize your self-care.
Keep extra water to brush your teeth on the road, and keep the good-quality disinfectant wipes. Keep talcum powder, soap, and other personal essentials like enough sanitary napkins, extra clothes, a portable urinal, etc.
Trucker Social is fully aware of the challenges a female truck driver faces, which is why we firmly believe in guiding our female drivers and supporting them through their ups and downs.
Follow Trucker social to know more about tips and tricks to enjoy the thrill of the trucking industry.
