INTERVIEWING WOMEN IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY by Sheryl Jordan

Men have long dominated the trucking industry; however, many women are breaking barriers and making their mark on the road. I am working on a novel series about a female truck driver who solves mysteries while delivering her loads on time. While researching and setting up interviews with entrepreneurs in the trucking industry, I constantly ponder what questions I should ask my interviewees to ensure we have compelling and engaging conversations. I came up with these intriguing questions:

Background and Motivation

·       What inspired you to become a truck driver?

·       How did you get started in the trucking industry?

·       Were there any significant influences or role models that encouraged you to pursue this career?

Experiences and Challenges

·       Can you describe a typical day on the road?

·       What are some of your biggest challenges as a female truck driver?

·       Have you encountered any unique obstacles that your male counterparts might not experience?

·       How do you handle long periods away from home and family?

Safety and Security

·       What measures do you take to ensure your safety while on the road?

·       Have you ever found yourself in a dangerous situation, and how did you handle it?

·       Do you think the industry provides adequate support and protection for female drivers?

Work-Life Balance

·       How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance as a truck driver?

·       What hobbies or activities do you enjoy when you're not on the road?

·       Do you have any tips for managing stress and fatigue?

Industry Insights

·       How has the trucking industry changed since you started your career?

·       What industry improvements would you like to see to support female truck drivers?

·       Do you think there are enough opportunities for women in trucking?

Advice for Aspiring Female Truck Drivers

·       What advice would you give to women considering a career in trucking?

·       Do you recommend any resources or organizations for women entering the industry?

·       What skills or qualities are essential for success in this field?

Personal Stories

·       Can you share a memorable experience or story from your time on the road?

·       Have you formed any lasting friendships or connections in the industry?

·       What do you enjoy most about your work?

Curiosity

·     Do male truckers try to be over-accommodating towards you, like pumping fuel or trying to help you when they wouldn’t help other male truckers in similar situations?

·       Do “lot lizards” still exist?

·       What has been the funniest or most bizarre situation you’ve encountered on the road?

·       What do you do during your “downtime” on the road?

·       Are there any myths about being female in the industry?

I look forward to interviewing some extraordinary women for the series and getting the storyline moving along. After the interviews are complete, I will blog about the life of female truckers. What are you curious to know about our female truckers/entrepreneurs?