Women in Trucking: A Transformative Experience

"Attending the Women in Trucking Conference at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas this year was an incredible experience. For the second year in a row, I had the privilege of bringing a group of coworkers, but this time, we participated as attendees rather than vendors. The diverse lineup of speakers and topics catered to each department we represented—HR, Inside Sales, Fleet and Compliance, Order and Delivery, Marketing, and even a female truck driver! While I personally found the sessions on Artificial Intelligence and Marketing particularly insightful, it was clear that every attendee gained valuable takeaways. The conference provided an opportunity for learning, networking, and celebrating the role of women in the trucking industry. Here are some of their experiences."
— Amber Irsik

The Women in Trucking Conference is more than just an industry event—it's a movement that fosters growth, networking, and empowerment for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. This year, our team had the privilege of attending, gaining valuable insights, building stronger connections, and finding inspiration in the incredible women shaping the trucking industry's future. Here are some of our team members' experiences and key takeaways from this transformative event.

"Attending the Women in Trucking Conference this year was an incredibly rewarding experience. It provided a unique opportunity to connect with my coworkers and witness firsthand the encouragement and empowerment among women in the industry. Hearing stories of challenges and triumphs was both inspiring and motivating. I also gained valuable insights into the trucking industry, expanding my understanding beyond my own role. The sense of support and camaraderie was truly uplifting, and I would highly recommend this event to anyone looking to grow, connect, and learn from other women in trucking."
— Kayla Terpenning

Strengthening Team Bonds and Strategic Growth

"One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was the opportunity to bond with my teammates. In our fast-paced work environment, uninterrupted time to learn and strategize together is rare. I had great conversations with my coworkers about their experiences in the industry and how we can improve at EnviroTech. The sessions on recruitment strategies for CDL drivers were particularly insightful, giving me a clearer perspective on the challenges drivers face and ways we can enhance our hiring processes. Inspired by the conference, I’m now collaborating with our Content Marketing Specialist to create employee retention campaigns that highlight the incredible people who make EnviroTech such a great place to work."
— Laney Jasso

Networking and Industry Growth

"One of the most inspiring aspects of the conference was the chance to network with other professionals who are shaping the future of the trucking industry. The support and camaraderie among women in trucking are truly remarkable. The industry has come a long way in the past decade, and the event highlighted the ongoing efforts to promote inclusion and equity. The wealth of resources and learning opportunities available reinforced the importance of investing in professional development to keep our company competitive and forward-thinking."
— Samantha Smith

Key Takeaways: Innovation, Safety, and the Future of Trucking

The conference offered invaluable insights into the future of the industry, particularly regarding artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and safety protocols:

• Artificial Intelligence in Trucking: AI has the potential to revolutionize logistics, fleet management, and maintenance. Predictive maintenance systems can prevent costly repairs, while AI-driven route optimization can reduce fuel consumption and delivery times. However, successful AI integration requires proper training to ensure its effective use.

• Future Industry Growth: With freight transportation demand expected to increase by nearly 25% by 2030, trucking companies must prepare for higher workloads while addressing the ongoing driver shortage. Understanding industry trends allows us to proactively adapt and invest in areas of growth.

• Safety and Legal Guidance: A seminar on accident handling emphasized the importance of proper documentation, neutral language, and understanding legal implications. Implementing these best practices can protect both drivers and the company from liability and financial repercussions.

• Electric and Autonomous Trucking: While electric semis promise sustainability, challenges remain, such as battery production impact and charging infrastructure limitations. Similarly, while autonomous trucking is advancing, human drivers' expertise and intuition remain irreplaceable.

"Attending the Women in Trucking Expo was both educational and enjoyable. The sessions on workplace culture and employee retention provided valuable insights, and I gained a deeper appreciation for the industry's dedication to supporting women. It was inspiring to meet professionals from all areas of trucking, from drivers to executives. The expo also featured great vendors, and I especially enjoyed connecting with fuel card providers and maintenance app developers. As a first-time attendee, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the experience proved to be both beneficial and engaging."
— Michael Klaseen

Looking Forward

The Women in Trucking Conference reinforced the power of shared learning, collaboration, and professional development. Our team returned inspired and motivated, equipped with new ideas to improve our company culture, recruitment strategies, and industry adaptability. We are excited to implement these insights and continue supporting the incredible women shaping the future of trucking.

To all women in trucking and those aspiring to join the industry, keep pushing boundaries and driving change. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive future.