With the UK facing a chronic shortage of lorry drivers, Trucklink EU, alongside many other haulage firms are trying to attract more women to the profession, as currently only 1% of lorry drivers are female.
Our very own, Tina Haines, is part of that 1%.
Tina, who has held her HGV licence for over 24 years, says her "love of freedom" and the "flexibility" that comes with the job made her choose a career behind the wheel.
"Pick the right company and you will enjoy it" she says. "They (Trucklink EU) just treat me as any other driver and I have a bit of banter with them the same as all the male drivers. I think the industry is slowly changing."
A Twitter poll carried out by the Freight Transport Association asked ladies if they were willing to drive a 44-tonne truck and 79% of respondents voted ‘yes’. As a result FTA now says it is important to explore why more women aren’t coming into the industry.
The increase in women wanting to drive trucks is very positive news for the industry, which has faced serious shortages in the last few years and this is an issue that needs addressing due to almost two-thirds of existing drivers being aged over 45.
Here is our full chat with Tina, as we encourage other female drivers to join her and enter our industry.
How long have you been a driver?
I have held my HGV licence for 24 years.
Why did you become a driver?
My family owned a haulage business when I was younger, so I grew up with trucks. However I never started my working life as a driver. Initially I started in office based roles. I have helped rehabilitate offenders and latterly I worked in the banking sector.
What made you switch to a role behind the wheel?
I was facing some personal problems and I needed a job that suited my circumstances, but I have always liked driving. I like the freedom.
What do you like about the job?
I like the fact nobody is looking over my shoulder constantly, I also like the fact I am away from office politics!
Why do you chose to work night shifts?
My partner also works nights and we are lucky because Trucklink EU has put us on the same shift and we are virtually able to travel in convoy, and with our start finish times the same, it suits our lifestyle.
Do you feel there are any added issues for female drivers?
On the whole no. Trucks are very easy to drive now and most of the work is backing onto bays therefore a lot of the physical element has been removed.
Do you feel you are treated any differently?
Most places are fine, the Trucklink traffic office just treat me as a driver and I have a bit of banter with them the same as all the male drivers. I think the industry is slowly changing. As a female driver I believe I am more observant than my male counterparts because I take my safety seriously, I believe this makes me a better driver in general.
Would you recommend other female to become HGV drivers?
Yes. There are so many shift patterns it can fit into your family life, its also interesting and a lot of times it's good fun. Pick the right company and you will enjoy it.
To help address the well-known driver shortages, we recently launched an apprenticeship scheme to encourage more people to become HGV drivers. Visit http://www.trucklink.eu.com/post/warehouse-to-wheels-apprentice-scheme to find out more.
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