By Sandy Long

March brought the International Women’s Day to the forefront of the news, celebrating the achievements of women. Here in the United States, a movement was formed where women were urged to stay at home for the day to show how much they contribute to the workplace and the economy. On the Women In Trucking Facebook Group, a question was asked about how many women truckers were taking the day off. Over one hundred and twenty responses came in.

I Heart Trucking's 2016 Judges Choice Photo Winner - "Strong and Beautiful" by Jennifer Wozniak

Some of the women responding were women I had watched or mentored over the years, therefore, I knew some of their stories prior to entering the trucking industry. Some were rebuilding their lives after abusive childhoods or marriages. Some overcame serious family objections to becoming truckers. A few, who had young children, had to deal with guilt over leaving them with others so they could make a decent living and drive local after training. Of course, some were old hand lady drivers who fought for equality in trucking in the early days. Over 120 responses were the same; not one of them were taking the day off to prove anything, they did not have to do so in the trucking industry to prove their value.

While trucking has never had a glass ceiling as far as pay for women drivers, it has not always been easy for women to find jobs. While outright discrimination in employment is not often seen anymore, more subtle discrimination occurs. For instance, a solo woman with plenty of years of experience and a clean record calls a company to inquire about a driving position. Her home time requirements are minimal, she has done her homework, and knows she is in the company’s driving and hiring area. Yet, she is told that the company cannot get her home so cannot hire her. In reality, they just do not want to hire solo women drivers. Initially, things like this can shake someone’s pride in themselves.

Peer pressure from a few male drivers will chip away at a woman driver’s pride if they allow it to do so. Hearing comments such as ‘you need to be home making babies and cooking supper’ is very common still after forty years, or being looked at as a sexual object can, for weaker minded, less experienced women, rattle their self-belief.

These women who responded to the group question, showed pride in their careers as truckers and in the industry. Even though, as I noted, many did not start out with any pride at all.  Where did they get this pride? They achieved it through hard work, overcoming obstacles, and from giving themselves a pat on the back for a job well done. They had to prove themselves over and over again to their peers as they do their jobs, they persevered. They all know who they are without marching or protesting. More importantly, they know what they are. They are part of the backbone of America. They are proud American truckers.