As a woman driver, it is exhilarating and scary. It is awesome and it is dirty. It is liberation and it is a constant struggle.

Sound rather contradictory?? It certainly is. There are double standards still in use today that definitely apply to the trucking industry. This is a man's world -- even though a great many women have joined the ranks -- we are still vastly outnumbered. Does that mean we can't or shouldn't do it? NO WAY!!!

It DOES mean, however, that a woman has to be a couple steps ahead most of the time to be on top of the game. We're looked at harder, judged more severely. We have to work pretty hard to earn respect and that is ONLY earned by hard work.

The good news? The good news is this: a great many companies prefer women drivers...why? They often say women are by nature cautious and less prone to showing off, driving too fast & in general, taking chances. Go, Girl!

Many women have doubts about taking on this kind of challenge.  To most women it's a pretty foreign environment and the unknown is enough to make anyone nervous.  Can you do it?  Yes, you probably can.  Will you be happy once you've gotten through school and you make it on the road?  That's much harder to answer.  No matter what, you'll be better able to deal with nearly anything by being prepared for it.

Common Myths Keeping Some Women From Following This Profession

• "It's too hard -- a woman isn't strong enough physically or emotionally"

• "It's too dangerous"

• "It's too rough of a life for a woman"

Are You Cut Out For This?

• Can you work extremely hard when it's called for?

• Can you "hang in there" when the goin' gets tough?

• Can you handle criticism and come-ons as if it's "all in a day's work?"

• Are you self-reliant?

The Not-So-Pretty Side of  Truckin'

• Can you live without makeup?

• Can your hair go more than a day without a wash?

• Can you deal with more than a day without a shower?

• Are you willing to get rid of the purse and put your money in your pocket?

Dealing With The Men

• How do you feel when you're stared at?

• How do you take criticism?

• How well do you take good-natured teasing?

• How well could you deal with someone who didn't like you simply because you're female?

• What about the ones who will try to take advantage?

Dealing With Others

• Many people won't take you seriously ... can you show/prove them that you mean business?

Being Taken Seriously

• Some will believe you're just on a "man hunt"... can you live (and work) to prove them wrong?

Start Working On That Stare & Never Lose A Staredown

• Do you know how to give the "evil eye"?  Is yours evil enough?  You need to develop one!

• How often do you "lose" a staredown?  Ever heard of the rumor that by staring in a dog's eyes, you're challenging it as to who is dominant?  Well, guess what, this trucking thing can be a lot like that.  Can you make yourself hold the stare until you win the staredown?

What Makes Your Job Harder

• Lot lizards are prostitutes that cater to this industry.  They are seen less often in truckstops than before, but they're out there in force on the CB radio.  When they get the guys going, guess who suffers the pain?

Some Just Don't Like You....

• Some people just won't accept you.  Most people think it's "neat" to see a woman driving a truck, but there are others -- call them old fashioned or traditionalists -- that don't think a woman's place is in a truck.  Many of these people aren't quiet about how they feel.

Some Are Just Fascinated By You

• Little children and younger men are often very fascinated in you... they'll stare, wave and smile at you a lot.  This is probably the nicest attention you get out there on the road so enjoy it!

Safety Issues

• The road is not a safe place to be alone as a female.  The best defense is a good offense -- the best prevention is not allowing situations to develop in the first place.