Dee: Long-haul [Over-the-road] Trucker

[united states]

TRUCKING

Twenty eight years ago, Dee started trucking to support her family—today, she supports thousands of women in the industry through her talks, online community, and mentorship for the next generation.

Question + Answer

1) What can men in your industry do to help more women enter this industry and to feel supported once they do so?
“Men can help by accepting the fact that women drivers are here to stay. Treat us like colleagues.”

2) What are the stereotypes of women in your industry? How can we start to change them?
“The stereotypes of women are that we can’t do the same job that men can. How we can help is by being professionals in our craft to prove them wrong. And employers can help by providing just as many opportunities for their women drivers to succeed as they do the male drivers.”

3) What resources do you feel you need to succeed in your industry? What resources do you wish you had?
“The resources that women need as they navigate their careers are support from their companies. My current company has over 1,100 women drivers. What helps women to feel comfortable is having a go-to person, such as the Women’s Liaison Coordinator. This is imperative to the mental health and wellness of women in this male dominant industry.”

4) What are some of the typical reactions you get when you tell people about the industry you work in? How do you wish they would react?
”Typical reaction is “You do what? Drive a truck? No way!” I think most women like impressing others that they’re in the trucking industry. But a high five girl is better than the shock that she’s in it.”

5) What’s been your proudest moment in your career thus far?
”The proudest moment in my career so far has been becoming the 2017 Highway Diamond Of The Year, one of the 2017 Queen Of The Road recipients through the Real Women In Trucking organization; and currently being 1 of 4 women to make history joining America’s Road Team Captains, through the American Trucking Associations.”

6) What’s something no one talks about in your industry that you wish they would address? Women-related or otherwise.
“I won’t say that no one talks about this but I wish there was more of an emphasis on women’s safety. Companies should make it a priority to educate women drivers on scenarios that will keep them safe. The average woman changing careers and progressing into trucking has no clue as to what safety precautions they need to have out here. Not only does your truck need to be safely inspected and secure; but your dialogues on the CB and with other drivers as to what your hauling is a safety factor. Keeping the fact that you’re out here alone is a definite no no. But many women casually include that in their conversations, without realizing they’re placing themselves in a vulnerable position.”

7) You do a lot to give back to the trucking community, and specifically to women in the industry. How and why did you start your Trucking Divas Rock blog?
”I initially started Trucking Divas Rock to show my husband what I was doing every day. As I developed my YouTube channel and Facebook page, I found that it was a great way to tell “their stories.” And connect these women to one another. There’s power in networking. It also gives new women to trucking tips and tricks of the trade.”

Resources

Networking

If you’re already a driver, start networking within your company—according to Dee, “if there’s anyone that can help drivers succeed, it’s those in the same company.” Should you be with Dee’s company, Prime, reach out to the Women’s Liaison Coordinator, Brooke Mosley.

If you can’t find support there, or are new to driving, Dee recommends starting with the following Facebook groups—find ‘your people’ and network with them:

1) REAL Women in Trucking
2) SHE Trucking
3) Women Truckers United
4) She Drives Trucks: Women Truckers Group
5) Black Women Truck Drivers

You can follow Dee’s journey at Trucking Divas Rock.