News
Record Numbers of Women Are Becoming Truck Drivers in the U.S.
While barriers still remain, more women are entering truck driving careers than ever before.
In October, the number of women employed in the truck transportation industry reached 1.6 million, bringing their share of the trucking industry workforce to an all-time high of nearly 18%, most of which are in truck driving roles. This is the highest number of women in the industry since the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) started tracking the numbers in 1990.
The trucking industry is currently short around 80,000 drivers, which is an all-time high, according to an October report from the American Trucking Association. Women are helping to fill these gaps in a still male-dominated industry.
Why Now? What’s Shifted?
There are many reasons why more women are shifting gears to a career in professional truck driving. The industry is beginning to see high numbers of women fleeing burnout conditions created in certain sectors such as healthcare.
“So, a few years ago, I would have said it was women coming in from service jobs,” said Ellen Voie, president of the Women in Trucking Association. “But just in the past year, more and more women have come in from the healthcare industry, whether it’s nursing homes or hospitals. It’s just unbelievable.”
The solitary nature of the job is also attracting new workers to the role. “A lot of people formerly were doing some sort of customer service and [decided] they just can’t deal with the public anymore,” said Desiree Wood, president of Real Women in Trucking, an advocacy group for women truckers. She goes on to say that many women today see truck driving as a good alternative to other jobs that don’t require a college degree.
While it’s not for everyone, the ability to travel on the job is a perk to many. Some drivers have been known to park their trucks at a rest stop and grab an Uber to go explore the area.
In addition, the more women that start driving trucks, the more women this attracts to the industry, as they get introduced to the job through friends and family connected to the industry or through social media influencers who enjoy driving trucks and share their stories.
Will the Trend of Women Starting Driving Careers Last?
Connie August, a truck driver who started her career in 2008 thinks so. She notes that changes, while slow, are being made in the industry. Showers and bathrooms are cleaner, and she notes that highway patrol officers will often check in with her when she’s parked.
“From when I started to now, I have to say the whole trucking industry atmosphere has gotten much more agreeable—a lot better for women truckers,” said August. “Etiquette on the road has gotten better. People in the workplace have treated lady truckers with more respect.”
Wood, who became a truck driver after her kids grew up agrees. She notes that she’s seeing more women in their 20s entering the field. “These young girls are a lot more outspoken than these older women that were kind of like, ‘Oh, don’t rock the boat’,” said Wood, who is 58 and no longer a truck driver.
She goes on to say that she also suspects there’s a certain cool factor to being a woman in the field. “I mean, if you’re a woman truck driver,” she said, “you’re badass.”
Supply Chain Turmoil Hits Drivers as Costs and Shortages Persist
“Due to the exorbitant cost of shipping, we have had to raise prices to our customers as well as order eight months’ worth of inventory, eight months in advance.” — Hanna from The Crown Choice
The anticipated recovery year turned into ongoing supply chain disruptions, with raw material shortages and factories in China operating on limited schedules. The cost of shipping containers has skyrocketed, impacting small businesses and their ability to order inventory effectively.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles
Shipping costs are at an all-time high, which could mean higher operating costs for you as a driver. If you’re hauling goods for small businesses, expect them to pass these costs along in the form of higher order rates or delayed payments.
Fuel costs are also likely to be affected as ripple effects from supply chain disruptions impact pricing. Keep an eye on fuel surcharges and budget accordingly to avoid surprises in your expense sheet.
If you’re relying on contracts with big retailers, be prepared for potential delays. Mass retailers are struggling with empty shelves, which might lead to fewer loads as they adjust to the new normal.
Load availability may shift as businesses look to diversify their supplier base. Stay flexible and ready to adjust your routes based on changing demand and supply scenarios.
How are shipping costs affecting my job?
High shipping costs are driving businesses to increase prices, which may lead to fewer shipments or altered contracts. Be prepared to adjust to these changes.
Will this affect fuel prices?
Yes, supply chain disruptions can influence fuel prices, so keep an eye on trends and potential surcharges that may affect your operating costs.
What about load availability?
Load availability could fluctuate as businesses adjust their supply chains. Flexibility in routes and contracts will be crucial to maintaining steady work.
How can I prepare for potential delays?
Keep in close contact with your logistics partners and clients. Understanding their challenges can help you anticipate delays and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Is there anything I can do to mitigate these costs?
Consider renegotiating rates and contracts to account for increased costs, and explore new markets and clients who may offer more stable opportunities.
Key Strategies for Effective Remote Worker Time Management
Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to technological advancements and changing attitudes towards work-life balance.
The article discusses various strategies and tools to enhance time management for remote workers. It covers setting expectations, choosing appropriate time tracking tools, and maintaining accountability to improve productivity in a remote work environment.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles
For drivers who also manage remote workers or work remotely themselves, the right time tracking tools can streamline operations and improve productivity. This could potentially reduce overhead costs and increase efficiency.
Setting clear expectations regarding availability and communication can help avoid misunderstandings and reduce downtime, ensuring you stay on top of your tasks and deadlines.
Establishing a routine can help you make the most of your work hours, allowing more time for driving or managing logistics without affecting performance.
Regularly reviewing and adjusting your time management practices can help identify inefficiencies, allowing you to make changes that enhance productivity and ensure a steady flow of income.
How can I improve time management for my remote workers?
Set clear expectations for work hours and communication, use effective time tracking tools, and establish routines to optimize productivity.
What are some recommended time tracking tools?
Popular options include Toggl, BuddyPunch, RescueTime, and Harvest, each offering different features suited to various needs.
How often should I review my time tracking practices?
Regular reviews, ideally monthly, can help identify areas for improvement and ensure your practices remain effective and aligned with goals.
Why is accountability important in remote work?
Accountability helps maintain productivity and motivation, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
What should I do if my current routine isn’t working?
Be flexible and willing to adjust your routine or try new tools and strategies to find a setup that maximizes productivity and fits your work style.
An Illinois-based trucker, Moath Musamih, from Orland Park, has been formally indicted in Ohio on grand theft charges for allegedly avoiding nearly $22,000 in turnpike tolls. The indictment, filed on April 21 by a Williams County grand jury, accuses Musamih of a fourth-degree felony relating to unpaid tolls, with potential penalties including up to 18 months imprisonment, a $5,000 fine, and restitution.
Prosecutors assert that Musamih’s truck was monitored with open-road tolling technology for close to two years. Despite receiving multiple payment notifications, the tolls remained unpaid. The indictment also includes a clause to confiscate the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia allegedly used in these offenses.
County Chief Investigator Andrew Skiles noted that the Ohio State Highway Patrol had been keeping tabs on Musamih for some time due to the unpaid tolls. According to Skiles, Musamih is an owner-operator whose vehicle, reportedly registered under his wife’s name, was regularly tracked traveling extensive distances on the Ohio Turnpike using an E-ZPass transponder.
An Ohio State Highway Patrol officer encountered Musamih at a service plaza on eastbound Interstate 80, where an incident report was filed for “Theft by Deception.” The report included accusations of theft without consent and engaging in corrupt activities.
Williams County Prosecutor Katherine Zartman opted for criminal proceedings against Musamih due to the significant total of approximately $21,991 in unpaid tolls over an extensive period from April 2024 to April 2026. The decision to pursue a fourth-degree felony charge was influenced by Musamih’s alleged repeated offenses and the proposed forfeiture of his semi-truck as it was deemed contraband linked to the criminal activity.
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, through its advanced open-road tolling system launched in April 2024, identified Musamih. Executive Director Ferzan Ahmed emphasized the aim to maintain optimal conditions on the turnpike while highlighting the challenges posed by companies that fail to settle their toll liabilities, despite numerous reminders and collection attempts.
In a broader context, the commission recently disclosed a list of 315 trucking companies accused of evading $5.2 million in tolls over the past two years, indicating a widespread issue with rogue operators.
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