Thirty years ago there were a handful of lady drivers in this male-centric industry. Those tough and determined ladies paved the way through their own blood, sweat and tears for the thousands of lady drivers out on the roads today. Still, it is fair to say that the truck driving industry is very much a man’s world. Even with more women drivers going over-the-road year after year, men still make up the largest demographic of drivers.
Our lady drivers should be celebrated every day for the fantastic work they do in this often challenging and many times lonesome career.
But today I want to recognize and celebrate another group of ladies: the ladies who support their trucker.
The ones who stay at home raising the kids, working a 9-to-5 job, paying bills and all the while eagerly awaiting the return of the trucker they love so much. The ladies who give up their home life to live in a 72-inch box for months at a time to be with their trucker.
The ones who cook and clean both at home and in the truck, wash clothes at home and at truck stops, and the ones with that shower bag on hand, ready to run into a truck stop shower whenever the constantly ticking clock allows. No more soaking in a hot bath. No more stretching out on a large bed. This is life on the road.
The ladies who support their trucker are more valuable than diamonds, and tougher than diamonds, too. It can be a lonely, heart-tiring time sitting at home waiting for the sound of that diesel engine to pull up or longing to hear from the one you love when they are hundreds or even thousands of miles away.
Many moons ago I was a military wife. While the men were out to sea or abroad, the women held the proverbial camp back home. The trucker wife is the same.
They say that behind every good, hard-working man is a strong woman.
While the driver is busy planning routes and dealing with brokers, dispatchers, shippers and receivers, the ladies help by keeping an eye on the weather. They keep up with the news in case there is trouble in an upcoming city.
In addition, they remind their trucker to sleep, eat, shower, drink enough water, take his medicine and get out and walk. They take care of the bills at home, the kids and the house. While he is busy working (and make no mistake, it is no small task to drive a truck) the ladies are busy getting things done that need doing every day.
These ladies are mom, grandmother, wife, chef, maid, secretary, navigator, organizer, planner, nurse, commander, lover, companion, comedian, employee, boss, chauffeur, teacher, inspector, seamstress, therapist and much more. On any given day they wear multiple hats, sometimes at the same time. These are the ladies who sacrifice themselves so that their driver is healthy, clean, full and safe. Only then, when everything else is taken care of, do these women seek to indulge themselves, if they have the energy.
We don’t deny the men who take care of their truck driving ladies deserve credit, too.
But today, it is about recognizing the love and dedication of the women who support their truck driver. These are the ladies behind the scene, whose everyday tasks often are taken for granted. I want you all to know, we see you, and we appreciate all you do.
Sierra Sugar is a blogger who rides along with her fiance, truck driver Allen Wilcher. Follow her blog, Sweet Life of Sierra Sugar, or catch her on Twitter here.
March is Women’s History Month. Drive My Way is proud to highlight women in the trucking industry who inspire and lead by their example. Join our community here to get these and all of Drive My Way’s stories in your newsfeed.
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