Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/592176
Women in the trucking profession W hen I think of what it means to be American these words come to mind: loyal, dependable, strong, faithful, dedicated, and unbreakable. ese are the same words I use when I describe my friend Lorrain Browning. She is the epitome of America. Allow me to share her impressive background. Lorrain was a corporal in the US Marine Corps. She has a BA in psychology, and a MS in education, and is currently pursuing her doctorate in organizational management. When it comes to trucking, she's driven it all: atbed, dry van, reefer, oversize, hopper bottom, and has moved freight across the entire continental 48 states. Lorrain is equal parts soldier, cowgirl, mentor, truck driver, and good neighbor. She's smart, humble, and has the most genuine heart you'll ever encounter. Women make up a small percentage of the truck driving population, less than 6 percent. Lorrain has been a part of that small group, and today is focused on developing the next generation of truck drivers as a driver training specialist at Swi Transportation. Her expertise, insight, and knowledge is an extremely valuable asset. I chatted with Lorrain to get some insight on women in trucking. Nate Rowlan: What is the biggest obstacle women have to overcome to be a successful truck driver? Lorrain Browning: e obvious is gender bias. is can be overcome with a positive can-do attitude, without being defensive, and without acting helpless. NR: What is the one thing carriers could start doing dierently tomorrow that would have a signicant impact for women in trucking? LB: It is a biological fact that women in general are not physically equal to men, and except for some outliers they need to be accommodated in order to make it easier to be successful. I hate to say it, but automatics are going to open a lot of doors for women. Also added safety and security will help. A good example of this are trucks that don't activate the dome light when a driver is entering and exiting the truck at night so the driver is not highlighted in a dark truck stop as being a solo female. NR: Why should carriers be interested in recruiting more women? LB: Our academy instructor said that women in trucking "want it more." NR: What is the one thing women already driving trucks could do dierently tomorrow that would change the way women are viewed in the industry? LB: It gives the driving professionals a very bad name if some of the women are perceived as less than a professional driver. Stop husband or boyfriend shopping out there. Be in the industry for the right reasons. NR: What is your favorite thing about being a truck driver? LB: e oce view changes daily! I got to see and know the country that I signed on to defend, meet Americans on their own turf, and have pride in my country. e life is a lot simpler than the oce. It is you, your rig, and the load. I liked being resilient, and independent. NR: Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers? LB: e hardest line to walk out there is being tough and feminine. I always want to represent myself as a professional driver rst and foremost. at is not a gender thing; that is having pride in who you are. Lorrain is one of many women out there working tirelessly to ensure this country keeps rolling. If we can learn anything from her example is that a positive attitude, self-pride, and determination can help anyone overcome the obstacles that life brings. anks, Lorrain, and all the women out there driving. You're appreciated. BROWNING TALKS ABOUT WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE A FEMALE IN A MALE-DOMINATED PROFESSION BY NATE ROWLAN, TRAINING MANAGER 42 IT MAGAZINE Vo l . 9 , N o . 6