Women in trucking has been a popular topic over the last few
years. The department of labor reports that only about 6 percent of the truck
driver population is women (Women in Trucking). Rebecca stopped by SBL Driving
Academy today to catch up with her former instructor, Director James Bailey,
and discuss her experience in the trucking industry.
Rebecca said there is a ton of pros to the trucking
industry, “the first is definitely freedom”. She enjoys being able to decide how
much she works and can figure out how to get home when she wants/needs to.
Rebecca elaborated on the beautiful scenery she gets to experience while on the
road. She shared numerous photos of gorgeous sunrises, sceneries throughout the
Midwest and Westcoast, along with other interesting things she discovers at stops.
“Another great thing is that I get to see my friends and family who live out of
state”. Rebecca will make a point to stop and see her family on the way to drop
a load if it is close, “it’s a great thing if you run out of time (Hours of Service)
and you could use a hot meal, shower, and bed. Its nice to stay with
family/friends while out”.
Rebecca explained that trucking “is still very much a man’s
industry”. “They look at you in one or two ways: So cool you’re out here or You
don’t belong here.” Rebecca gave a few examples of how the prejudice still is
alive in the trucking industry as related to female truck drivers. “They can
make me feel like I can’t but guess what? I can!”
Rebecca has had a successful career and keeps safety up at
the top tier. “If you have to put something on the tires in order to drive, I
don’t drive”. “I always try my best to be safe and if the weather is bad, I
will wait.” Rebecca also spoke some on nutrition and what she eats while she is
on the road. “It can be tricky to stay away from all the fast food, but I can
since I have a fridge and freezer”. Rebecca explained how she keeps a lot of sandwich
type items in her truck so she can grab a bite to eat when she stops; she also keeps
protein powder close by in case she needs something quick.
She is not only successful as a female truck driver, but she
is actually a single mother! Her daughter is 10 years old and Rebecca has made
the truck driving life work with some help from her mother. Her daughter,
Madie, goes out with Rebecca when she drives over the summer or during her
school breaks. Rebecca explained how her cab is set up and that it is a double
bunker. “We have plenty of room. It feels like an apartment”. Rebecca gave me a
tour of her truck and it did not disappoint! The seats were extremely comfortable,
her cab is set up nicely, and she makes it homey…. plus its decked out in pink!
She even acts as a mentor for younger truckers who are just getting started. She
is a class act in the trucking industry and gives women in trucking a good name.
Rebecca is a great success story for fellow women in the industry or those aspiring
to be a female truck driver one day.
