(MENAFN) Vanita Johnson is one of the many women who have found success in the trucking industry. After 13 years in teaching and education administration, she decided to pursue her passion for driving big rigs. She took a three-week course in trucking, obtained her commercial driver's license, and became an independent owner-operator. Today, she has been hauling shipments for over two years and is a part of efforts to bring more women into the fold.

Associations like Women In Trucking work to increase the rate of women drivers, technicians, and executives, especially younger women or those switching careers. These efforts have become more pressing during the Covid pandemic, which caused upheaval in the service and education industries. Many teachers and service workers made the switch to trucking, along with nurses and other women from the medical field who faced burnout.

Despite the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry, women like Johnson have found that they can overcome each challenge because of the pioneers who paved the way before them. Women in trucking enjoy a supportive community that helps them navigate the industry and offers freedom and travel. Johnson has found that her male counterparts go above and beyond to help her, and the wages are a plus compared to her previous teaching salary.

The trucking industry is ripe for women to make a significant impact. Despite the industry's traditional focus on men, women have proven they can succeed in all aspects of the business. Women are equally capable of driving long distances, maintaining equipment, managing logistics, and running trucking companies. With more women joining the industry, the overall quality of the workforce is likely to improve.

As more women break down barriers to enter the trucking industry, efforts like those by Women In Trucking will become even more important. The industry needs to continue to create opportunities and support structures that will enable women to thrive. Women like Vanita Johnson are trailblazers, inspiring other women to follow their dreams and pursue their passions in the trucking industry.

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