Healthy Trucking Kiosks Offer Innovative Advertising Opportunities
Quote of the Day
Today we give you not one but several quotes, all from the legendary British prime minister, Sir Winston Churchill. Churchill was known as a great political leader and statesmen, but his wonderful command of the English language allowed him to craft some glorious insults, such as these gems from an era when wit (rather than 4-letter words) ruled:
* “He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.”
* “A modest little person, with much to be modest about.”
* George Bernard Shaw to Churchill: “I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend … if you have one.” Churchill in response: “Cannot possibly attend first night, will attend second … if there is one.”
* An exchange between Churchill & Lady Nancy Astor after a tense dinner party: She said, “Winston, if you were my husband, I’d poison your tea.” Churchill’s response: “Nancy, if you were my wife, I’d drink it.”
WIT Encourages Women to Join Trucking Industry
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Ellen Voie |
The nation’s number of women truck drivers has risen steadily over the last 25 years, from 84,000 in 1983 to 182,000 in 2006, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As another article in this issue of Inside Trucking Online points out, the increase in female drivers is partly a result of the driver shortage, but even more than that, it is recognition on the part of carriers that women make good drivers.
Women in Trucking is an association that is geared toward bringing women and men in the trucking industry together, to encourage and support more women to consider trucking as a career opportunity, and to create a network of knowledge and opportunity. For many years, men who have started behind the wheel and risen through the ranks to positions of leadership in the industry have dominated the linking of drivers and industry leadership. Their focus has often been on their peers, who are also predominantly men. While WIT respects and honors their accomplishments, it would like those links to include more women.
As part of its mission, WIT strives to bring people together who can learn from one another and provide both mentoring and leadership guidance. Along those lines, WIT holds receptions at industry events, thus providing a way for its members and sponsors to socialize. This can also be done virtually through the bulletin board on the WIT Web site where members ask questions, introduce themselves and give their input to one another. Finally, the organization’s newsletter offers readers the chance to learn about member benefits and read about other women who have interesting stories to tell.
Many women simply aren’t aware of the earning potential that is available after a short amount of training in the trucking industry. Schools that offer driver or maintenance training are actively seeking women who would not have otherwise looked at these career options in the past.
“After forming Women In Trucking, we were especially encouraged by the support that schools have shown in providing opportunities for our members,” says WIT Founder and Chairwoman Ellen Voie. “From scholarships to memberships, schools are looking for ways to attract and train more women who are willing to prepare for a career behind the wheel or under the hood.”
Women In Trucking also links drivers to carriers who are sensitive to the issues women face on the road. Many of its members are looking for companies that provide female trainers, or offer ways to reduce the physical demands of the job, such as power steering and more drop-and-hook deliveries. In the past, drivers have had to sort through recruiting forums or rely on driver referrals for information, but now they can easily discern which companies encourage and support the women they hire.
Visit www.WomenInTrucking.org to learn more.
