Many mistakenly believe that female truckers only began emerging in the 1970s and 1980s. However, the reality is that women have been an essential part of the trucking industry for much longer. During World War I and World War II, a severe driver shortage arose as men left for battle. In response, courageous and determined women stepped up to fill these roles, keeping goods and mail moving across the United States and Europe.
These pioneering women endured harsh working conditions in jobs that had long been considered "men-only." When the wars ended, returning soldiers demanded what they saw as "their" jobs back, and many working women were pushed out of trucking and other industries. Society often viewed employed women as taking opportunities away from men, making it difficult for them to maintain their place in the workforce.
Despite these challenges, many women truckers paved the way for future generations. One such trailblazer was Rusty Dow, who, in the 1940s, became the first female driver to conquer the Alaskan Highway. Rusty recounted an incident where she was making truck repairs underneath her vehicle and overheard two men conversing nearby. One remarked, "If it becomes so tame that women can drive, then it's time to roll our sleeping bags and move on to the next job." Though often perceived as an outsider in the trucking world, Rusty said she was primarily treated with kindness and respect.
A few famous female truckers have also left their mark, including Della Reese and Bea Arthur—both of whom spent time behind the wheel before gaining fame in entertainment. Over the past century, trucking has evolved significantly, and so has the perception of women’s contributions to traditionally male-dominated industries.
Today, we are proud to train talented female drivers who continue to break barriers and redefine trucking. We celebrate these incredible women who have blazed a trail for those now moving America’s freight and shaping the future of the industry.
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