Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
Why the Trucking Industry Needs More Women
Being a female dispatcher in a male-dominated industry can be tough sometimes. When people think of truck drivers or the industry, they automatically associate it with men. And while there are more male truck drivers than female, that doesn’t mean that women don’t play an important role in the industry. Here is a quote from our female lead dispatcher who has been with VTS for over four years;
Alina Gudova:
“As a dispatcher, I often have to deal with people underestimating me or my abilities simply because I am a woman. I’ve had people question my decisions or tell me that I don’t understand what it’s like to be a truck driver because I’m not one. It can be frustrating at times, but I just try to ignore.”
Though the trucking industry has been historically male-dominated, females have always been a part of it. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of women pursuing careers in the trucking industry. However, females are still underrepresented and often underestimated by their male counterparts. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, including gender stereotypes and preconceptions about women’s abilities. Nevertheless, female truckers are just as capable as men and often possess unique skills and qualities that can be beneficial to the industry.
Today’s Challenges for Women Dispatchers
Working in the transportation industry can be very demanding. There are often tight deadlines to meet and complications that can arise both on and off the road. This can lead to a lot of stress for both drivers and dispatchers. As a female dispatcher, it is important to be able to assert discipline and earn the respect of drivers so that they will listen to you. This requires a strong personality and good stress management skills. You cannot let your emotions get the best of you. With a calm and confident demeanor, you will be able to effectively manage the stress of the job and keep the transportation operation running smoothly.
When it comes to interacting with dispatch, male drivers can sometimes be disrespectful, especially if the dispatcher is a female. This can be for a variety of reasons, including a lack of awareness of social boundaries or simply because they think they can get away with it. As a result, it’s important to remind drivers that they need to be respectful and professional at all times. One way to do this is to set clear expectations from the start. For example, you might want to remind them that they should not use profanity or make rude comments. Additionally, it’s important to emphasize that you’re always available to answer any questions or concerns they might have. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your drivers are respectful and professional when interacting with dispatch.
Women’s Success in Truck Driving
A dispatcher is a vital role in any transportation company. They are responsible for communicating with drivers, arranging pick-ups and drop-offs, and keeping track of deliveries. In the past, this role has been filled predominantly by men. However, there are many benefits to having a woman in this position. For one, women tend to be better communicators than men. This is essential in a job where clear and concise communication is key. In addition, women are often more detail-oriented than men, meaning that they are more likely to catch errors and prevent accidents. And finally, having a woman in this position can help to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture. As the transportation industry continues to grow, it is important to make sure that all voices are heard. Having a woman in the role of dispatcher is beneficial to the company and to drivers.
The VTS Transportation Approach
The trucking industry is notoriously male-dominated. But here at VTS Transportation, we see the lack of female diversity as an opportunity to make a change. We provide opportunities for women to thrive and grow in the trucking industry, with the ultimate goal of increasing diversity within the industry as a whole. Our female-friendly trucking program provides support and guidance to help women succeed in a career in trucking. Whether you’re just starting out in the trucking industry or you’re a seasoned veteran, we welcome you to join us in our effort to increase female diversity in trucking. Together, we can make a difference.
Here at VTS Transportation Inc, we are always looking for talented and ambitious individuals to join our team. If you are interested in pursuing a career at VTS, we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to give us a call or send us an email, and one of our representatives will be happy to discuss current openings and opportunities. You can also stay up-to-date on all of our latest news and projects by following us on our social media platforms. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
