Category: Women In Trucking Association

ExpressTruckTax Clientele Spotlight: Women’s History Month

Posted on March 3, 2023 by - Women in Trucking, Women In Trucking Association, Women Trucking, Women’s History Month

It is officially March, meaning that spring is around the corner. This also means that it is officially Women’s History Month. While women make up only around 7% of drivers in the trucking industry, they make a big impact on the industry as a whole. Many women also work in trucking businesses on the administrative side and their roles are just as important. Here at ExpressTrucktax, we are dedicated to making sure truckers and trucking companies have the best Form 2290 filing experience possible. We also appreciate all the hard work women in the trucking industry do and have done in the past. 

Historically there were many women that had major contributions to the transportation industry. One of these women included Mary Fields. Born into slavery, she was the second woman to be hired by the U.S. Postal service in 1895 and navigated dangerous routes to deliver mail earning her the nickname Stagecoach Mary. She paved the way not only for women but for African-Americans in the transportation industry.

Another woman who played an important role in the transportation industry was Luella Bates, the first woman to be issued a commercial driving license in 1920 after driving for the Four Wheel Drive Auto Company during WWI. She was one of many women hired to take over jobs that had been performed by men before the war. She was chosen as one of the first employees to test and demonstrate the company’s commercial trucks. Even after the war ended Bates stayed in her position and continued on as a demonstrator and a driver.

In the 1970s, another woman played a major role in the transportation industry. Adriesue “Bitsy” Gomez founded the Coalition of Women Truck Drivers in order to fight hiring discrimination, sexism, and sexual harassment in the trucking industry. Their first mission included a push for female bathrooms at truck stops and it didn’t stop there. Her work paved the way for many women entering the trucking industry and many women-centered trucking organizations such as Women in Trucking and REAL Women in Trucking. 

In the 1980s, the United States congress officially recognized March as Women’s History Month to dedicate an entire month to honor the achievements and accomplishments of women. More and more women are contributing to the trucking industry each year. In order to prevent harassment during driver training, many companies have women train and empower other women so that they can succeed in the industry and not be deterred from their pursuits. 

Here at ExpressTruckTax we value and honor our women clients and all the work and effort they put into helping deliver goods across the country. We know it can be challenging to balance a full-time driving job, having a family, and being successful in an industry where men make up the majority. We want to thank you for everything you do for us and strive to provide you with the best and most stress-free Form 2290 filing experience possible. 

We want to take the time to highlight some of our amazing women clientele and business owners that have generated the 2290 Form or 8849 Form with us. We want to hear about your filing experiences!

If you would like your business featured, or want to give a shout-out to a woman-owned trucking company you love, reach out to support@expresstrucktax.com.

We will feature these businesses through a Facebook post upon your approval.

Clientele Spotlight: Celebrating Amazing Women During Women’s History Month

Posted on March 3, 2022 by - Women in Trucking, Women In Trucking Association, Women’s History Month

As the weather grows warmer, March is not only a month to admire flowers and celebrate St. Patrick’s day, but it is also a month to celebrate the achievements, talents, and accomplishments of women. 

In honor of Women’s History Month, ExpressTruckTax wants to take the time to highlight some of the amazing women in the trucking industry/ women-owned businesses that have generated their 2290 or 8849 Forms with us.

If you would like your business featured, or want to shout out to a woman-owned trucking company you admire, reach out to support@expresstrucktax.com.

We will feature these businesses through an Instagram and Facebook post upon your approval.


How To Combat The Driver Shortage

Posted on November 17, 2017 by - truck drivers, trucker health, Trucker Pay, truckers, trucking, Trucking Driver Shortage, Women In Trucking Association

ExpressTruckTax supports truckers

There is a major driver shortage facing the trucking industry and with the upcoming ELD mandate a lot of truckers, including the road veterans who love their job may quit.

If the driver shortage grows at an even more rapid rate the nation could face economic disaster because truckers are the backbone of our economy. With a current driver shortage of 48,000 drivers that’s only increasing we hope carriers are doing something to combat the issue. We even have a few ideas on how they can do so.

Fighting The Driver Shortage

1. Make Trucking More Inviting To Women

Women are an untapped working resource in America. While 47% of women make up the workforce only 6% are in trucking. That’s an incredibly low number, even though statistically women are better drivers. They have a lower rate of getting into accidents and often benefit from lower insurance rates because of it.

One thing that might turn women away from the industry is its reputation for being super manly. For example, if the true road warriors get hurt, they don’t notice. They simply rub some dirt in it and go about their days. Trucking can seem so manly at times it may be intimidating.

That’s why there are groups like Women In Trucking that show off women drivers, advocate for them, and show ladies that they have what it takes to become awesome truckers. Use their example to bring more gender diversity to the industry.

2. Should the Industry Lower The CDL Age?

Currently, if you’re under 21 you can only get your CDL for intrastate trucking. That means you can only deliver loads within your state until you turn 21. This makes things tricky for young drivers because local jobs tend to go to older, more experienced drivers.

If a younger person wants to become a driver the 3-year gap of having to wait after high school could be extremely demotivating. Plus, they might find another career path while they’re waiting.

But is 18 too young? Some experienced drivers say that there is no way an 18-year-old can handle the trucking lifestyle, while others say, if they are serious and mature enough to handle it then they should be able to.

3. Improve Health Conditions

Depending on how you handle it, trucking can be an extremely unhealthy profession. Sometimes drivers don’t make enough pay to get healthier food options, so they spend what they can on unhealthy fast food options for every meal.

Also, if they drive too many hours and need to sleep, they don’t have any time to work out. Plus, most carriers don’t provide drivers with good health benefits, so they don’t even have the tools they need to check up on their health.

ExpressTruckTax supports female truckers

Things like raising pay, reducing OTR hours, providing good health benefits, and providing health education could make a major difference. Obesity, heart conditions, and sleep apnea are only a few of the major health risks facing the industry.

Free health screenings, work out equipment in the cab, seminars about how to eat healthier on the road, and more could really improve trucker health and as a result, less people might be scared away from becoming a driver.

We Support Truckers

Our nation only functions because of the hard work that drivers do every single day and night. The growing shortage could cause a major economical disaster, but hopefully, carriers are getting prepared to combat it.

Please share your ideas about how to combat the shortage in the comment section below and visit ExpressTruckTax.com for more trucking blogs.

Driver Shortage: Where to Find New Truckers

Posted on May 31, 2016 by - driver shortage, Hvut 2290, trucking industry, trucking nation, Women In Trucking Association, younger truckers

Driver Shortage
Driver Shortage

You hear it all the time – there’s a driver shortage. Yet you look around, and there are still plenty of trucks out there.

Well, it’s not just that there is a shortage, it’s that the shortage is only going to increase as the industry ages.

Unfortunately, the industry needs around 48,000 drivers, and that number will only increase as the main working force continues to age.

So what is the best solution? Some experts are calling for a focus on recruiting younger hires and women drivers.

Women in Trucking

Admittedly, there are some physical differences between men and women that can prove challenging, according to Ellen Voie, President of the Women in Trucking Association.

But when you think about it, women make up 47% of the labor force, yet only 6% of truckers are women. This is what drives the Women in Trucking Association.

As it stands, your standard truck might be designed only with the male trucker in mind. But Voie is lobbying for changes, going as far as to meet with Peterbilt engineers earlier this year.

Voie also addressed the Future Truck Committee this year, where she said that the one-size-fits-all approach for trucks is likely costing companies the drivers they are in need of.

Young Truckers

In North America, the average truck driver age is over 47. More distressing is that this number has just been going up, and over 30% of the driving force is over 55.

Some think that the lifestyle just doesn’t attract the younger generation. Being on the road definitely limits you from friends and family, which can be a shock for the younger, more intertwined generation.

Which is why some drivers consider trucking a passion more than your standard job. You can’t deny, it definitely carries it’s own atmosphere and lifestyle ramifications.

As new truckers do come into the industry, let’s do them a favor and let them know the easiest way to get your stamped Schedule 1 is to e-file your HVUT 2290s with ExpressTruckTax.

How do you think the industry can attract new drivers? Let us know on Facebook (or) Twitter!

Trucking Industry: Ryder Partners With Women In Trucking Association

Posted on March 20, 2014 by - Ryder, Spring, Women In Trucking Association


 It’s the first day of Spring
so let your engines sing
roll your windows down
and feel the breeze as you drive through town
the days are finally bright
bringing the flowers in the median to light
take in all the open road’s amazing view
Spring has sprung just for you

Happy Thursday to the entire Trucking Nation – it is officially Spring. Some places may still be feeling the cold shoulder of nature, but do not fret warmer weather is on its way.

There is a lot going on in the trucking industry for Spring, but Women In Trucking Association is making a big impact.

Ryder is introducing female-friendly trucks to its fleet based on recommendations from Women in Trucking (WIT), to encourage more women drivers to join the ranks of fellow truckers. It isn’t new that there is a driver shortage within the trucking industry and more and more women drivers are taking to the road.

Scott Perry – VP, Purchasing and Supply Management of Ryder System, Inc.- says, “It’s important for manufacturers to take women’s needs into consideration when designing and specifying new vehicles, and we are encouraging all of our major suppliers to do so.”

What is to be considered when designing and specifying new vehicles with women’s needs?
WIT and Dr. Jeanette Kersten – Assistant Professor of Operations and Management Department for the College of Management at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin – whew how do they fit that title on a business card, anyway…

The study Dr. Kersten and her graduate students developed explains, that the average female driver is six inches shorter and 50 lbs lighter than the average male driver, so some female drivers have challenges with setting their seats for easy access to the pedals, maximum visibility of the gauges and mirrors and with regard to cab accessibility, such as getting into their trucks. According to their study, women are more prone to slips, trips and falls because steps and handrails are placed in locations designed for men. Changing handrail placements and adjusting the seat settings are simple design specifications truck manufacturers can implement to create a safer environment for women in trucking.

Scott Perry says, “ Many of the same design changes will also support the needs of men who are smaller in stature, as well as the growing population of aged male drivers. With the current industry-wide shortage of professional drivers, this is a strategic initiative that can have far-reaching implications for truck fleets.”

To sum it up…
Ellen Voie, CEO of Women In Trucking provides the perfect words to sum up what Ryder is trying to accomplish, and hopefully more truck manufacturers will follow, “There are close to 200,000 women truck drivers, and that number is steadily growing. Having Ryder’s support, particularly given their strong relationships with top vehicle manufacturers, represents a significant step forward to help the industry attract more female drivers and improve the work environment for the thousands of women who’ve already established careers as professional drivers.”