Celebrating Women's History Month: Averitt's Commitment to Empowering Female Truck Drivers

Post Date - Mar 11, 2024

As we celebrate Women's History Month, it's essential to recognize women's pivotal role in shaping the transportation industry for over 170 years. From the early trailblazers to today’s driving professionals, women have left an indelible mark on truck driving. We want to celebrate and uplift the accomplishments of female truck drivers – we wouldn’t be where we are today without your skill, passion, and perseverance.

The History of Women in Transportation

The beginning of the 20th century witnessed women taking leadership roles, with figures like Luella Bates, who was recognized as one of the first female truck drivers during World War I, and Lillie Elizabeth McGee Drennan, who became the first licensed female truck driver in the United States in 1929.

As transportation evolved, so did the opportunities for women. In 2007, Ellen Voie founded the Women in Trucking Association (WIT) to promote gender diversity and create a space for women to thrive in the driver’s seat. WIT established a national online community called Engage, specifically designed for female truck drivers to find support, community, and education and to show women just what a career in trucking can do for them.

Today, women make up less than 8% of truck drivers, but the numbers are rising as carriers realize the invaluable growth women bring to the industry. Female drivers are widely recognized for their safety record, care for equipment, and superior customer service skills.

Why Women Thrive in the Driver’s Seat

Despite being underrepresented in the trucking industry, women are an excellent fit for the career demands. According to Voie, women are 20% less likely to be involved in accidents, making them ideal to have behind the wheel.

Averitt recognizes female truck drivers' invaluable contributions, which is why we are invested in having them on our team. We offer an exceptional work environment for women drivers, fostering both their professional growth and personal well-being.

Safety is important to us, with over 100 secure service centers across 21 states featuring automated ID access, security cameras, and on-site guards for a secure and comfortable experience on the road. Our facilities are designed with the well-being of our associates in mind, offering amenities like female-only showers, exercise rooms, and on-site laundry facilities. These features reflect our commitment to appreciating and ensuring the safety and comfort of our female associates.

We also make sure that our associates operate the latest and most reliable equipment on the road, boasting an average tractor age of only 2.4 years. Our dedicated maintenance team promptly addresses any mechanical issues, minimizing downtime and keeping you on the road.

Along with keeping you on the road, we pride ourselves on getting our associates industry-leading pay so they can feel confident in their ability to support themselves and their families.

This mindset extends to our benefits package, which goes beyond the basics, including affordable insurance plans, profit-sharing opportunities, referral rewards, and a uniform allotment tailored for female associates. We also recognize the importance of work-life balance, providing female truck drivers with flexible schedules and the option for spouses to ride along, creating a supportive community where you can truly thrive.

Our team-oriented culture and ample opportunities for career growth create a unified front across our network for female drivers. We are more than just a workplace; we are a supportive community where women drivers can excel, grow in their careers, and find lifelong success.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, let's acknowledge the remarkable journey of women in transportation and trucking. We are committed to contributing to a future where women continue to shape the trucking industry, just as they have throughout history.