Menu
The trucking industry is the backbone of the economy, and women play a crucial yet often underappreciated role in keeping it moving. As the demand for skilled drivers continues to grow, so does the need for greater gender diversity and inclusion within the field. Women bring resilience, adaptability, and a fresh perspective to a traditionally male-dominated profession.
At Kenworth of Pennsylvania, we are proud of the many women that are crucial to helping, not only our company, but our entire industry succeed. In this article we are going to highlight a few of these women and their contributions to driving the trucking industry forward.
Can you share how you got started in the industry? Initially, I was working in the automotive industry and one day decided it was time for me to take the next step in my career. I was looking for a new challenge with an organization that also provided opportunities for growth. When I came across the position with Kenworth of Pennsylvania, I applied, and after meeting with the team, I knew it was the opportunity and challenge I was looking for.
What are some unique challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the trucking industry? As a woman in the industry, I always felt that I had work a little harder to ensure my knowledge was up to par so that my clients and coworkers alike could trust me. By ensuring I stay on top of the industry and providing clear and transparent communication, I have earned that trust and respect in all aspects of service and warranty.
How has the trucking industry changed for women since you began? Over the past 7 years, I have noticed that it is no longer a predominantly male industry. Every day I am seeing more and more strong, focused, and driven women entering the industry and being accepted for a career opportunity in trucking.
What has working in the trucking industry taught you about yourself? I have learned that interacting with a multitude of people and cultures has taught me patience, resilience, and compassion with the willingness to accommodate our customers.
What advice would you give to young women thinking about joining the trucking industry? I would tell these young women to have the willingness to understand the working industry and the hard work and commitment it takes to work in it. Don’t take things personally. Stay focused, stay driven, and stay strong. Also, always show integrity and respect and your knowledge and experience will be recognized. |
Can you share how you got started in the industry? I started working on trucks with my dad when I was just 10 years old. For as long as I can remember, my dad always did his own repair work on his trucks, and growing up, it became a hobby of mine to work alongside him and learn everything I could. Very quickly I knew that this might be the industry that I wanted to start my career in. Even before I decided to go to school to learn to be a technician, I worked at a small mom and pop shop in my hometown. And after high school, I enrolled in Penn College of Technology in Williamsport to become a service technician. During my time there, I was hired by Kenworth of Pennsylvania in Dunmore location as a tech. And while I was in school, I worked in both our Dunmore and the Muncy locations. After graduation, I was brought on full-time as a technician in Dunmore, and was just recently promoted to a Service Advisor position.
What are some unique challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the trucking industry? I think that there are still some people that observe the traditional stereotypes that women can’t answer their questions or be knowledgeable about trucks simply based on the fact that they are a woman. Some people will give you a hard time because they think you just don’t know as much as a man would. In these situations, I love to rely on my training and experience to demonstrate my knowledge and skill about trucks to prove that women not only belong, but can thrive in the industry.
How has the trucking industry changed for women since you began? Being a relative newcomer to the industry, I have not yet had the opportunity to witness a lot of change. However, when I joined Kenworth of Pennsylvania, I was thrilled with the welcome I received and the opportunities available to explore my career within the industry and organization.
What has working in the trucking industry taught you about yourself? It has taught me that no matter where you are in your career, there is always something bigger to chase. It has taught me that no matter how much I know, there is always something I can learn and become better at. This notion of getting better, improving, learning, and growing has driven me early on as I am getting started in my career, and I am excited to see where the years will take me.
What advice would you give to young women thinking about joining the trucking industry? I would tell them to not second guess starting something new. There will always be challenges that you have to face and turning away from them won’t allow you to grow. Face these challenges head on and you’ll be able to accomplish great things.
|
Can you share how you got started in the industry? My start in the trucking industry was 5 years ago when I joined the Kenworth of Pennsylvania team as a Warranty Administrator. I came into that position blindly with no commercial trucking knowledge, and only a couple years of warranty experience under my belt.
What are some unique challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the trucking industry? I think one of the most common challenges women face in the industry is trying to adapt to a predominantly “male culture.” Although more women are entering the industry, we are still vastly outnumbered, and I often feel I need to work a little harder to my male counterparts to prove I belong.
How has the trucking industry changed for women since you began? This question is tough to answer having only been in the industry for a short time, but I do think that women, overall, have more opportunity in the industry in this time period than in years past. However, even with opportunity, I think the industry still carries the stereotype that trucking is a “male culture” causing many women to overlook it as a career. And in regard to seeing women as truck drivers, I have seen that skyrocket over the years, which is exciting to see!
What has working in the trucking industry taught you about yourself? I have come to know myself as being more open to challenges. I have gained confidence and knowledge on things I never thought possible when I first started on this career path. I have also learned that I can adapt and change, and it’s not always a bad thing.
What advice would you give to young women thinking about joining the trucking industry? I would tell these young women to not be intimidated, especially if you have never worked in the industry before. Come in with an open mind and willingness to learn, and show up with confidence! Do this and you can be successful in trucking or in any industry.
|
Outside Parts Sales Account Manager - New Stanton, PA
10 Years With Kenworth of PennsylvaniaCan you share how you got started in the industry? I worked at and managed an auto parts store for 25 years. And, unfortunately, the company I worked at was sold, forcing me to leave the job I had loved since I was 18 years old. However, I believe that when one door closes another door opens. And that’s when I found Kenworth of Pennsylvania. When I joined Kenworth, I went from being inside the store to becoming an outside parts sales rep, which was initially a little outside my comfort zone. But this transition was a leap of faith that I am glad I took.
What are some unique challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the trucking industry? Over the years, I have faced skepticism about my capability to perform my job simply because I am a woman. However, I feel my work ethic and skills as an outside salesperson speak for itself, and I am quickly able to earn the trust of my customers. Therefore, as the trust grows, the skepticism has dissipated.
How has the trucking industry changed for women since you began? I have been in the trucking industry for ten years now, and over that time span I have witnessed a gradual increase in women getting employed. I am excited to see more women joining the industry and being welcomed and embraced for the knowledge and skills they bring.
What has working in the trucking industry taught you about yourself? Working in commercial trucking has taught me how rewarding and fulfilling helping customers in this industry can be, despite the challenging nature of the job. This industry is very technical, and I need to be able to adapt to my customers’ unique needs each day. I take pride in the knowledge I have acquired so far, and I continue to learn every day.
What advice would you give to young women thinking about joining the trucking industry? One of the first things I’d tell them is, you should never give up on something you are passionate about. And joining the trucking industry is no different. The future in this industry is very bright for women. If you set your mind to it, you can be extremely successful in the industry.
|
General Manager - Shartlesville, PA
15 Years With Kenworth of PennsylvaniaCan you share how you got started in the industry? My family owns a 24/7 heavy-duty recovery business along with several other transportation businesses. And, from a young age, I started getting involved in these operations by managing their towing and used car dealership, including dispatching, reconciliation, billing, scheduling, and employee matters. In 2010, I came across an opportunity to work for Kenworth of Pennsylvania and decided it was time to take the next step in my career.
What are some unique challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the trucking industry? Given that the industry is primarily male dominated, I struggled with the fact that there were few women available to mentor myself and other women looking for a career in trucking. Having other women to help guide and mentor as I was getting started, could have helped me more, especially with establishing a work-life balance of raising a family in addition to growing my career. Despite this challenge, I have learned that I thrive on independence, so I truly feel that this industry has been good to me in this way.
How has the trucking industry changed for women since you began? There are many ways that I feel the trucking industry has shifted for women since I started out years ago. For one, there has been a significant increase of female representation, not only throughout our dealership, but as female truck drivers. Also, truck manufacturers are embracing this growing segment and have begun designing more ergonomic features, such as adjustable pedals, seats, and steps to better accommodate diverse driver’s heights and body types. The industry itself is also evolving and beginning to recognize the value and effort of women more and more. Organizations like, Women In Trucking (WIT), have even established an awards program specifically designed to recognize women in the industry.
What has working in the trucking industry taught you about yourself? Working in the trucking industry has taught me many things, both personally and professionally. I take pride in demonstrating that I am just as hard-working and capable as anyone else in the industry, regardless of gender. I’ve learned to multitask effectively, stay composed under pressure, and prioritize accuracy, organization, safety standards, morale in the workplace, and relationships. I focus on building positive relationships with both customers and employees while maintaining a positive, respectful workplace. Above all, I have learned that I rely on perseverance and resilience to overcome challenges.
What advice would you give to young women thinking about joining the trucking industry? Entering a thriving male-dominated field can require a higher-level of perseverance, self-motivation, and resilience against bias or stereotypes. Women in the industry will face unique challenges, but having determination and maintaining professionalism will help them succeed and thrive in the trucking industry.
|
Buzznerd Trucks