Our Steering Wheels Know No Gender

Julie Hall (right) and Director of HR Kami Everitt (left) at the Women In Trucking conference

At Oakley Transport, we are a family for anyone who is willing to put in good work behind the wheel. As long as you have a heart for the road, eager determination and a bit of grit, we want you to be part of our team.
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In our eyes, the steering wheel knows no gender. However, according to the American Trucking Association, the percentage of women truckers in the industry is vastly low compared to men - landing at a total of 6.6%. But the industry is changing, women are being advocated for, and we at Oakley Transport are standing alongside other organizations like Women In Trucking to back the movement.

“Oakley Transport supports gender diversity in the transportation industry within all positions,” Oakley Transport Director Of I.T. Julie Hall says. “I am excited about what 2020 holds as we bring recognition to and promote the accomplishments of the women of Oakley Transport.”

According to a WSJ article, the number of women truckers have increased almost 70% since 2010. Why? Equal opportunity. Fleets are paid by experience, route, miles covered, per load, etc, and are never segregated by gender. Furthermore, the industry is evolving to better accommodate women with various upgraded technologies in seating, pedals, gauges, and ease-of-use when it comes to unloading product.

“The Oakley family has embraced this equality and focused on growing our fleet by hiring qualified driving professionals from all walks of life and with various backgrounds,” Oakley Transport Culture And Engagement Manager Meghan Pilkenton relays. “Oakley’s fleet of drivers is currently 4.6% women. We have a goal of getting that to 10% in 2020.”

With these numerous developments, it’s clear that women are not only wanted in the industry, but they are needed.

“The growth in women in the industry comes as demand for transportation workers is high, boosted by the expansion of e-commerce,” the WSJ article says.

For women who are interested in joining the industry, but are hesitant about their place in a male-dominated field, an article by the Advanced Technology Institute lists numerous advantages for being a woman behind the wheel.

    •    Women are believed to take fewer risks than men. Companies appreciate that.
    •    Women are believed to do a better, more critical job at filling out paperwork.
    •    Women are know to communicate well and form good relationships with customers.
    •    Trucks have become more user-friendly and don’t require lots of strength to unload.

Unlike most professions that take years of schooling, truckers can start a career in less than a 12 months. Plus, women can join the industry at practically any age.

“One of the biggest demographics that we’ve seen start to join our industry are mothers who have raised their children and are looking to see the beauty and splendor of the United States while maximizing their earning potential,” Meghan says. “We offer a premium employment opportunity that caters to a family-friendly, work/ life balance with regular home time availability as well as an incredible potential to earn."

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