Perks of the job: the many benefits of being a truck driver

Can women be truck drivers? Of course! In fact, around the world, increasing numbers of women are doing just that – and building thriving careers for themselves as a result.

Four women from four different countries share their personal stories about how and why they started driving trucks, while one haulage company owner explains how a more diverse workforce contributes to her business’ success and growth.

Aliaksandra: “The road has always been my therapy”

Since swapping the office for the truck cab, Aliaksandra has discovered a new lease on life. Not only is she now doing a job she loves but also making new connections through her blog about life on the road.

How did you become a truck driver?

“I used to work in an office, answering calls from 8 to 5, sorting through paperwork, seeing the same four walls, the same view from the window, and driving the same 3 km route: home–work–home. It felt like I was stuck in a time loop, repeating the same routine for years.

“When I was feeling down, I would get behind the wheel and drive, no matter where, and I would always arrive in a better mood. At some point, I realized that I wanted a job that would allow me to combine work with my passion – traveling. The road has always been my therapy, both for my soul and body.

Has it made a difference?

“Now, my life has changed completely! I used to be afraid of driving a small car, and now I can handle a huge, expensive truck-trailer combination!

“Every day brings new cities and countries, new people, and new routes. The view outside my window changes not just daily, but every minute. I never know where I’ll be tomorrow – no monotony, no repetition. This is exactly what I needed – new experiences every day.”

What do you like most about your job?

“My absolute favorite trips are to Spain and Portugal – I love those countries, and my mood instantly lifts whenever I see them in my assignments. The most unforgettable trip was to Portugal – I arrived there on December 24 and, due to the holidays, unexpectedly spent 12 amazing days in Lisbon. A local follower of my blog showed me around the entire city.

“We sometimes have to load or unload, but I don’t mind – it’s like a little workout! I love my job so much and feel completely in my element.”

Manuela Jaramillo Vazquez: “I feel like a queen!”

Since quitting her job as a waitress and becoming a truck driver instead, Manuela Jaramillo Vazquez is less stressed, earns more and enjoys a much healthier work-life balance.

Why did you become a truck driver?

“When I was waitress, I was very stressed and worked long hours. I worked weekends, holidays... I never had free time to myself. I longed to be at home, to be with my son. I was on the verge of illness and my body was screaming for a change, so I decided to stop.

“After a short break, I got my license and enrolled in truck driving school. When I completed that, I spoke to various companies and quickly accepted an offer – there is plenty of demand for drivers to say the least. At first, I started with national routes, meaning I had to sleep away from home every night, which I didn’t like. But once I gained some experience, I was easily to switch to another company that could offer me shorter, fixed routes.”

How has the career change affected your life?

“Now, I have much more free time and my salary is almost double what I used to make as a waitress. I work Monday to Friday, and I’m home every evening and weekend. Before, I longed for simple things like sharing a meal with my family or being home for holidays. So, in terms of quality of life, balancing work and family – it has been a massive change.”

What do you like about your job?

“At work, I’m very independent. When I arrive to pick up my truck, I chat briefly with my colleagues, and then I leave. I don't have anyone telling me what to do, and as long as I keep doing my job perfectly, I have complete freedom. You organize your own breaks, your meals, and nobody bothers you.

“I’ve always gotten a lot of support from my colleagues and been very well-accepted by our customers. Everyone in town knows me as ‘the blonde in the red Volvo’. For many people, it's still impressive to see a woman driving a truck.”

Why are there not more women in the industry?

“I think it is because it has always been seen as a masculine job. Now that there is a driver shortage, companies are trying harder to recruit women and providing more information about how to get into the industry. But if this had been done earlier, the gender split would be 50-50 by now. In fact, if opportunities had been given to women earlier, I tell you, we would be the queens of the road.”

Robin Grapa: “I trained for my first 100-mile ultra marathon while truck driving”

Robin Grapa worked as a graphic designer for ten years, before her former partner – a truck driver – talked her into a career change. After driving trucks long distance for Midwest Carriers for seven years, she is now their brand manager where she helps recruit other women into the profession.

How did you handle the transition from office work to truck driving?

“I fell in love with truck driving right away. I have an adventurous spirit, so being able to get out of the office, into a truck and being able to see the country really suits me. I used to drive over the road (long haul) and was often away for up to 11 days at a time – but I didn’t mind that. When you’re out on the road, there is a real sense of freedom. Obviously, you have your schedule but once you figure that out, the rest of the time is yours.”

How did you balance truck driving with your active lifestyle?

“That was a challenge, but I was determined not to take on that unhealthy lifestyle that is so stereotypical of truck drivers. From day one, I ate healthy and exercised regularly. I came up with simple workouts to do in my truck cab, and I would find places to run during my time off. In fact, I trained for my first 100-mile (160 km) ultra marathon while truck driving.”

What do you do now instead of truck driving?

“Now, I’m back in the office, where I help recruit new drivers. I often meet women – and some men – who say ‘I don’t know if I could ever do that’, and I’m like ‘absolutely you can, just give it a try’. Like any job, it’s a step-by-step learning process. Being able to go into a traditionally male industry and do the job just as well as any man can, is incredibly empowering.”

What can be done to get more women into truck driving?

“One thing would be to have more female trainers. I was really fortunate when I started in that I had a fantastic trainer, but you are in the truck with them for weeks, and I completely understand why some women might be uncomfortable with that. So, if we had more female trainers, that would be way less intimidating.”

Audrey Vigheti: “I love the sense of freedom”

Audrey Vigheti has wanted to drive trucks ever since she was a child – but a lack of other women in the industry held her back. In 2023, she finally took the plunge and now she is working in her dream job.

How did you become a truck driver?

“By chance, I came across an advertisement for Iron Women – It was a five-month training program exclusively for women! After more than ten years working in security, I wanted to stop. I was looking for a job that would allow me to maintain a certain level of independence and autonomy, and being behind the wheel felt like that kind of freedom. In fact, I’ve dreamed of driving trucks since I was 15.

What do you like most about your job?

“I love the sense of freedom. Being on the road and driving is my escape. I really enjoy the trust that is placed in me… handling a 44-tonne truck independently is empowering. And I feel huge pride in having made it to where I am today!”

What advice would you give to other women considering trucking as a career?

“My advice is to just go for it! I was afraid I wouldn’t make it, especially at my age - I’m 45 - but I’ve realized that this is a very open industry. Many women assume that being a truck driver means spending the entire week away from home. But there are plenty of regional transport jobs that allow you to return home every evening. Several of my colleagues do exactly that.”

Marina Ivanov: “My female drivers are the safest and most loyal drivers I have”

Marina Ivanov and her husband bought their first truck and founded Apex Transit in 2013. Now, they own a fleet of 80 trucks operating across the US. She is also on the board of directors of the North Carolina Trucking Association and Chairwoman of the Women in Trucking Council.

In your experience, why should women consider a career in truck driving?

“A lot of the women we have recruited have been out of work for a while raising children, or they are single parents, who are struggling to reenter the work force because they lack experience. And trucking offers them a chance to secure a good salary – without an expensive college degree. Even if you have no prior experience, there are a lot of companies out there willing to train you and give you all the support you need to be successful.”

How does your company benefit from having more women in your workforce?

“Right now, of our 76 drivers 11 are women, and they are the safest and most loyal drivers I have. I truly believe that hiring more female drivers actually improves your productivity and makes you a safer company.

“Unfortunately, there are still a lot of myths out there, people think women can’t drive, that they’re not safe. But this is a complete myth – studies have shown that in general women are safer drivers than men. At least in my experience, they are more cautious, and they work extra hard because they want to prove themselves. In fact, our female drivers have so much pride in their work, because they’re showing that they have what it takes to defy expectations and succeed in this industry.”

How do you attract and retain more female drivers?

“We offer them a lot of flexibility and schedules that work best with their families. We’re also understanding of their needs, such as having assigned trucks and getting access to facilities. I find that if you give people that flexibility and understanding, then they’ll give you their best as well. When we take care of them, they take care of us.”

What advice would you give to other transport companies?

“Any transport company that does not employee women is only hurting themselves since they’re missing out on 50% of the talent pool. Having a diverse workforce also helps build our culture, and for our customers it shows that we’re an inclusive company that is helping people in our community.

“Only around 7% of trucks drivers in the US are women. If we could increase that to just 10%, we’d no longer have a driver shortage.”