The ratio of women to men in the trucking industry is drastically low, partially due to the nature of the lifestyle that driving can require, including long hours on the road, time away from family, and unique safety concerns. Simultaneously, there are many benefits that women in trucking experience, such as equal pay and high demand. Due to this, more women are entering the industry than ever before. According to the Women in Trucking (WIT) Association's survey, the percentage of women in trucking was approximately 10% in 2019, an increase from 7.89% in 2018. Still, there is a long way to go to close the gender gap.

The trucking industry is heavily regulated, and the process itself to enter the industry can feel daunting and deterring. This article intends to serve as a guide for women considering a career in trucking, breaking down the 7 steps needed to launch your career and ease your journey to becoming a successful truck driver.

1. Get Your CDL

Familiarize Yourself with the Requirements

Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) is much different than a non-commercial vehicle and requires a highly specialized set of skills and abilities. The document that permits you to operate it is a Commercial Drivers License (CDL), which requires completing a training program and passing a test proving those skills and abilities. There are several types of CDLs, and the most common type is Class A. Federal Law states that 21 years old is the minimum age to drive interstate; however, some states lower that minimum to 18 if driving intrastate. Learn more about the process to get your CDL here. Additionally, it is essential to understand that the licensing and training requirements vary by state. You can look up those specific to your location here, including identification and medical documentation.

Find A Reputable Training Program

If you opt to pay for your training so you can start making a decent wage right away, there are many schools from which to choose. Training programs are generally offered either through driving schools or at community college, on both a full- and part-time basis. The average length of a full-time driving program is seven weeks. Ensure you do a thorough search of options local to you and that your selected program is reputable and trusted for quality. You may also want to find an option that includes unique training for women around the culture of trucking and includes training on self-defense. For example, consider joining the organization S.H.E. Trucking's private Facebook group to learn more about their licensing program. Later, when it comes time for searching for a job, they also share information on companies who tend to look the other way when it comes to sexual misconduct so that you can be sure to avoid them.

It is also highly recommended that your licensing program includes both classroom learning and hands-on learning in a truck. Avoid crash-course schools that say you can get everything done in a few weeks, as these typically do not offer thorough instruction to build your confidence in driving and stay safe on the road.

Understand Your Financials

The process to get your CDL costs money, but it does not mean you have to go into debt. The two costs you can anticipate upfront include the cost of the training program and the license itself. Typically, the training program costs between $3,000 and $7,000. The cost of the license is also state-dependent, but it generally costs around $120.

The upfront costs of getting your CDL are a serious investment and may be a barrier to moving forward. There are several public and private grants and scholarships available to help pay for trucking school. For example, if you are a Veteran, you can use your education benefits to pay for your CDL training. Take some time to look into any financial aid you are eligible for and which ones make sense to apply.

Be wary of schools that advise you to take out high-interest loans or mortgages to pay tuition. Some trucking companies will offer you the training and a guaranteed job upon getting your license. Often, they require you an employment contract (typically a year) and will charge you back for the cost of the training, so be sure you understand the terms of the contract before signing. This route may be a chance to break into the industry quickly, but you may also make less income your first year as you pay the employer back for the training. Regardless, it is critical to ensure that your income will cover your costs in any scenario. Make sure you understand your financials and do your due diligence on the company in advance.

Once you feel ready, select and commit to the program on your list that is the best fit for you. You are now on your way to obtaining your CDL! 

2. Land a Job

Once you complete all of the necessary steps to getting your CDL, you're ready to find a job and start trucking.

Browse Job Boards and Bulletins

There are job boards all over the internet to help you find your first gig. Here are a few ways to boost your search:

• Use keywords such as "trucking jobs", "CDL", "driver" will result in a myriad of available positions
• On some job finders, you can also filter by location to see only those job openings close to you
• Browse the career sites of larger trucking companies
• Many network organizations, such as Women in Trucking, have career sites and compile opportunities from various carriers 

Remember to search cautiously. Do your research and watch out for scams. Look for jobs that are female-friendly in their policies and practices, such as how they proactively protect you from and respond to safety concerns like sexual harassment and assault. Understanding the safety risks associated with becoming a female freight worker and how to minimize them is a critical step in your journey as a driver, especially as you find the right training program and job for you.

Focus Your List Based on Your Situation

After researching and compiling a list of reputable jobs, it's time to narrow them down to the ones that are best for you. Every company and carrier operates differently in terms of how much autonomy a driver may have in controlling their schedules, pay, and loads. Trucking brings many uncontrollable factors, such as weather and traffic, so use this as a time to ask any questions or surface any concerns. You may have certain needs and wants that are deal-breakers. For example, if being home for the holidays or your kids’ birthdays is critical, then find a place that will respect and allow for that. In addition to asking questions directly to that company or carrier, you can scour reviews and talk to other drivers who are currently working or have previously worked with them. It is a time-consuming process, but advocating for yourself and gaining that clarity as you select the right job is absolutely worthwhile.

Apply and Proceed through the Interviewing and Onboarding Process

When you feel ready, select two to three employers and apply. As you go through the interview process, take the opportunity to learn more about the ins and outs of the responsibilities and requirements of the job description. You can also take the opportunity to better understand the payment terms and processes, as well as ask any other questions or concerns you may have.

3. Start Driving 

Now it's finally time to start driving, which will likely come with a huge learning curve. Many drivers report that the first year is the most challenging, and it gets better and easier after that. Understanding what to expect and preparing to navigate those challenges can help you stay focused and move forward. And remember, you are not in this alone.

4. Connect with other Women in the Industry

There are many other female drivers in a similar situation and organizations and networks to support you, and we must lean on each other through it all. 

Reach out to other female truck drivers to connect and share experiences. It may seem awkward at first, but the chances are that other women also want to connect and will appreciate hearing from you. The power that one simple human connection can have on you and others is immeasurable.

The organizations and networks listed below provide a great starting point for resources:

• Women in Trucking is an organization with a mission to "encourage employment, address obstacles and celebrate success."
• Real Women in Trucking is an organization with a mission to "deliver highway safety through leadership, mentorship, education and advocacy."
• SHE Trucking is an organization "committed to helping women & minorities establish and maintain successful careers in the transportation industry."

5. Maintain Work-Life Balance

Gender stereotypes perpetuate traditional gender roles. A female truck driver may be primarily responsible for taking care of her children, yet the job may require her to be on the road for weeks at a time. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial to a successful truck driving career.

Cope with Homesickness

Beyond caretaking duties, women, in general, may miss their life at home -- whether that be missing their pets, family members, or even sleeping in their bed at night. Here is a list of practical ways to cope with homesickness on the road:

• Use tech to your advantage: video calls, pet cams, or even long-distance touch lamps can keep you connected to loved ones
• Acknowledge your emotions: work through homesickness or loneliness with a tele-health therapist
• Seek support from other truck drivers: chat with other drivers in the lounge or cafe
• Find little ways to incorporate your home life on the road: make your bunk as homey as possible with decorative pillows, pictures of loved ones, etc.
• Stay active: whenever possible, take a brisk walk at rest stops or during detention time
• Eat healthily: pack sensible options in a refrigerator or cooler and opt for better options when dining out
• Distract yourself: find a hobby you can take on the road, talk with friends, listen to podcasts or audiobooks, or bring a ride-along pet

Stay on Top of your Mental Health

As a female truck driver, your mental health is a top priority, though it can be easier said than done. Being away from your family and friends for long periods can be incredibly challenging, so any effort you can make on the road to keep you sane and feeling like yourself is helpful.

6. Encourage More Women to Get into Trucking

It is an excellent time for women to get into trucking. While the gender gap is still prevalent, the industry has opened up more than ever, and many companies are actively recruiting more women. After all, a skilled and dependable driver can command high pay, a flexible schedule, and job security – things all people desire regardless of gender.

Take the time to talk about trucking with other women. If you are comfortable, shine a light on your experience - the good and the bad. The more conversations on women in trucking we can have, the better we all are. You may inspire someone who may have never considered a career in trucking before but for which it would be a great fit.

Other relevant articles:

Women in Trucking: An Overview

Women in Trucking: 6 Important Safety Tips

Women in Trucking: Tips and Best Practices for Work-Life Balance