According to the latest data released by the American Trucking Association, women represent about 5.8% of the trucking industry’s workforce. While this is a slight improvement from an initial 4.6% in the past five years, it doesn’t mean that there shouldn’t be more room for improvement.
Companies in Williamsport, MD, have a bigger role in providing women in trucking resources to attract and retain them. There is a need to make many operational changes to create a more inclusive workplace for professional female drivers.
Why the Growing Number of Women in Trucking Resources?
For a long time, truck driving has been known to be a man’s world. Recently, many women are hitting the road and changing this. To become some of the most sought-after professionals, many are going beyond the tough conditions that accompany trucking, including sleeping in a cot.
So, what is the reason behind the growing number of female drivers? According to National Public Radio, what’s pushing more women to become truckers is the escalating demand for new drivers and higher pay, including numerous incentives.
Others are joining the industry because trucking is a quick career to get into. Unlike a college degree that takes two to four years to complete, you only need to spend about seven weeks in a full-time driving program to earn a commercial driver’s license.
Many female drivers also quote the freedom that trucking offers as the primary reason to join the industry. They prefer the flexibility that the job provides and the thrilling experience they get as they cruise the country.
Reasons to Hire Female Truckers
You stand to benefit immensely by hiring a Williamsport professional female trucker due to the following reasons:
Female Truckers are Easier to Train
Typically, it is easier to train women than men. Women learn faster, don’t distract easily, and concentrate longer.
Women are Safer Drivers
While there has been a stereotype that women are bad drivers, new research shows female drivers are actually safer on the road than men. One reason for this is that women tend to pay closer attention to their surroundings.
It is Easier to Retain Female Drivers
Female drivers are more likely to stick around than their male counterparts. Because more time on the road equates to more money in your pocket, hiring one could save you thousands of dollars per year in turnover and training costs alone.
Tips to Attract and Retain Women as Professional Drivers
As many trucking companies in Williamsport continue to suffer a shortage of truckers, you can stay ahead by adding female drivers to your workforce. Here are tips to attract and retain them.
Offer Workplace Flexibility
Women in trucking are valuable when it comes to appreciating and taking advantage of flexible scheduling options. They give direction on what a company should offer in terms of flexibility. The human resources department may also consider adding policies to accommodate female employees.
Prioritize Safety
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than half of all non-fatal workplace assaults involve women as victims. So, it’s critical to keep your workplace safe by maintaining proper lighting, well-marked parking lots, and adequate security cameras, among other safety measures. You should also conduct routine background checks on employees and subcontractors.
Provide Mentoring Programs
Mentoring is always a significant area in any industry, including women in trucking. Put in place someone with experience to guide both new and experienced female drivers through their careers. This way, you’ll help bring out your employees’ strengths and encourage them to grow professionally.
Put in Place Training and Development Opportunities
When it comes to attracting new talent, there’s no reason why you can’t go out of your way to offer growth opportunities. Every year, introduce a training program aimed at helping your female workers achieve their career goals. There are many women in trucking resources online that can help you recruit and retain more of them.
Take Advantage of Incentives
Incentives are a great way to inspire your female employees. Studies show that women are more motivated by rewards outside of money than men. So, consider offering bonuses for completing certain projects earlier or volunteering for additional hours.
Connect with the Best Trucking Company in D.M. Bowman
Are you a female driver looking for a career in trucking? With many companies making special efforts to recruit professional female drivers, we can connect you with the company to help you grow your career. Contact D.M. Bowman today to get an employer who aligns with your values.