Advocating for Women in Trucking
Fifteen years ago, Ellen Voie emphasized to trucking executives the importance of hiring more women in the industry, only to encounter similar dismissive responses. Voie, president and CEO of Women in Trucking, recalls executives stating, “Oh, Ellen, we just hire the best person. We don’t care about their age, their ethnicity, their gender.”
Addressing Gender Bias
In response, Voie often highlighted the many ways in which freight carriers catered primarily to male drivers, asking pointed questions about uniforms, truck designs, and the availability of facilities for women. “It really wasn’t a level playing field,” she noted, though she believes improvements are being made.
The Growth of the Women in Trucking Association
Voie, a CDL holder, founded the Women in Trucking Association in 2007 to advocate for increased female recruitment and to reduce existing barriers. Today, the organization has gained attention from the industry and federal officials alike, with initiatives such as their upcoming Accelerate conference expected to attract 1,500 attendees.
Membership and Impact
The association now boasts around 7,000 members, encompassing driving students, truck drivers, and large corporations like Amazon and Walmart. Women make up approximately 14% of professional drivers, though statistics from the American Trucking Associations suggest the percentage could be as low as 8%.
Safety Concerns for Female Drivers
Voie identifies safety concerns as the primary barrier for women entering the industry, including issues like harassment and inadequate parking conditions. Women in Trucking collaborates with truck stop operators to enhance safety and has influenced manufacturers to equip trucks with panic buttons to improve emergency responses.
The Importance of Safety Culture
A fleet’s safety culture significantly affects women’s willingness to apply for driving positions, according to Voie. She emphasizes the need for carriers to maintain their equipment, watch where they send drivers, and empower them to refuse trips for safety reasons.
Future Goals for Recruitment
Further progress involves encouraging carriers to provide same-gender trainers and safe accommodations for women drivers, aiming to eliminate uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situations. Voie asserts that companies which prioritize women’s safety and well-being are more appealing to female recruits.
