Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/566726
Industry insider CHANGING LANES 14 SEPTEMBER 2015 // WWW.CHANGINGLANESDIGITAL.COM for increased security measures for drivers, a move that benefits all long haul drivers, who are at risk for violence or theft as they sleep in their trucks, often in isolated rest stops. The duo hope that more and more manufacturers will follow in the footsteps of Volvo, who is among manufacturers that offer trucks complete with an alarm system to keep drivers safe from intruders while the cab is stationary. Ryder and WIT also hope to change some of the intangible factors that they feel could be driving women away from the industry. As mentioned earlier, trucking's image as a profession for men hasn't changed nearly as quickly as other professions. The time spent away from home also makes it a more difficult profession to market to women. A Fortune article notes Gay Cooper, a driver for Ryder who drove long haul for years, but was quick to change when Ryder offered shorter routes that would offer her the chance to be home with her family each night. That is not to say that trucking doesn't come with its own set of advantages. "If you want a low stress environment, not deal with any kind of drama, this is the place to be…" says Sylvia Chavez, another driver for Ryder. "To a certain degree you're your own boss." Ellen Voie, president of Women in Trucking, also pointed out to Forbes that working as a trucker offers decent pay while not requiring a college degree. Ryder also hopes that promoting more and more women to join their team will help to ease the driver shortage that they, as well as companies nationwide, are experiencing. Ryder isn't the only company putting in extra effort to draw more women into the industry. J.B. Hunt recently unveiled a new employee resource group called Growing and Retaining Outstanding Women (GROW) in efforts to bring more female workers to their company. GROW is largely the brainchild of Shelley Simpson, J.B. Hunt's chief marketing officer, executive vice president, and president of integrated capacity solutions and the trucking division. Simpson is currently the highest ranking woman at J.B. Hunt, and it is her hope that more and more women will find success within her company. GROW's mission is to attract, engage and help talented women reach their