Statistics suggest and vary slightly, that around 6% of commercial trucks using highways, are driven by women. With 3rd party shipping companies consistently discussing the need for new drivers, should they move away from the stereotypical considerations and seek more women as truckers?
It would be unfair to suggest that 3rd party shipping companies are ignoring the need and attraction to bring more women into the industry, so it may be easier to plan long-term to change the perception that this is a man’s job. The role includes driving long hours for around 300 days of the year, but that can be achieved as well by women as it is by men, because it is more mentally tiring than physically strenuous.
Are the Controls Suitable for Women?
Although this appears to be a ridiculous question, there is no doubt that on average, women are around 6 inches shorter than men. Women are also much lighter, on average. Does the shorter height and stature make it more difficult to reach the controls or can they easily be managed by the regular sized woman?
Where trucks are designed for larger individuals, should manufacturers be considering changes to gauges, pedals and seating arrangements?
For 3rd party shipping companies, data suggests that women take a reduced amount of risks compared to men while driving and they are involved in fewer accidents, particularly when driving at night.
We suggest that women are ideally suited for driving long distances, visiting wonderful countryside across the US, working in solitude and maintaining a life and health balance.
There is the concern that women may be at risk, driving alone, and carrying the worry of finding somewhere to park at the end of a 10 or 11 hour driving day. Nevertheless, there are many ways that these risks can be mitigated as they are for women of all ages, in whatever jobs they undertake, which involves them being out during unsociable hours.
