Author Archives: Gennaro Transport Training

When we hear the word “green technology” it’s easy to think of solar panels and electric cars. But did you know that there are advances being made in the trucking industry that are also helping the environment?

Through the years, the trucking industry has made great strides in becoming more efficient. In the early days of trucking, it was not uncommon for a truck to get only five miles per gallon. 

But now, thanks to advances in engine technology and aerodynamics, trucks can get upwards of seven or eight mpg. And some companies are even experimenting with hybrid trucks that use both diesel and electric power.

There is still more that can be done to make trucks more fuel-efficient. And that’s where the concept of “green trucking” comes in. 

Green trucking is all about finding ways to make trucks more environmentally friendly. This includes anything from using alternative fuels to investing in new technologies that make trucks more fuel-efficient.

These initiatives are today’s equivalents of the fuel efficiency advances made in the automotive industry over the last few decades. And just like those earlier innovations, green trucking initiatives are sure to pay off in the long run—both for the environment and for the trucking industry itself.

So what do you need to know about green trucking? Read on to find out!

Transportation-Based GHG Emissions

Climate change is happening right now, and it’s happening all over the world. But to what extent is the trucking activity responsible?

To better understand this, let’s break down what greenhouse gases (GHGs) are and how they relate to Canada’s transportation sector.

Gas is considered a GHG if it absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range, which causes the greenhouse effect. The main GHGs emitted from human activity come from carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases.

Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide trap heat in the atmosphere and cause the Earth’s average temperature to rise. This is because these gases absorb thermal infrared radiation that would otherwise escape into space. As a result, the Earth’s atmosphere heats up, and climate change occurs.

So how does this relate to trucking? Well, the vast majority of freight in Canada is moved by trucks. In fact, according to Statista, in 2018 alone, the Canadian trucking industry transported 53.6 million domestic shipments and 10 million cross-border shipments. That’s a lot of trucking, and a lot of potential for GHG emissions.This increase also affected the rate of growth in transportation-based GHG emissions.

(Source: Government of Canada)

Data from the Environment and Climate Change Canada showed that GHG emissions from the transport sector grew by 32% between 1990 and 2020, with most of the growth being linked to an increase in freight trucks and passenger light trucks in the country. 

It was also revealed that the transport sector contributed as the second largest source of GHG emissions by at least 150 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2 eq) emitted—41% of the total GHG emissions in the country.

With this, the Government of Canada has set a target of a 40% to 45% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions below 2005 levels by 2030. Many initiatives and federal plans like A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy were enacted to help achieve this target.

To aid in the government’s noble efforts, the Canadian trucking industry has also pledged to do its part in reducing transportation-based GHG emissions through the advent of green trucking.

Why Companies Are Moving To Green Trucking

There are actually a lot of benefits to going green besides just helping the environment. Many companies are finding that investing in green trucking initiatives can actually save them money in the long run and others are choosing to go green to improve their public image. 

     1. To Save Money

One of the main reasons companies are choosing to switch to greener trucking practices is because it can save them money. This is because fuel is one of the biggest expenses for trucking companies.

As fuel prices increase, companies are looking for ways to cut costs. One way they’re doing this is by switching to greener trucking practices. This includes things like using electric trucks, which can be at least 20 percent less expensive and 50 percent more efficient to operate than diesel trucks overall.

     2. To Improve Public Image

In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to be seen as a company that cares about the environment. It shows that you’re willing to invest in environmentally friendly initiatives and that you care about the planet. But like we said earlier, it doesn’t stop there.

In Sweden, Ocean Freight customers enjoy fewer cost on fees and faster delivery times because of an alternative rerouting plan made for the sole purpose of reducing emissions. 

Some companies have also opted to equip drivers with reusable coffee cups for when they go out on long drives and invest in energy-efficient tools like electric forklifts that reduce risks of oil leaks to almost zero percent!

Now, these are just a few examples, but it goes to show that there are plenty of benefits to going green, even in trucking—and there are even more ways to go about it as well!

      3. To Specialize Training

Green trucking initiatives can help improve the quality of training for new drivers. This is because drivers who are trained to operate fuel-efficient vehicles tend to be better at conserving fuel overall. 

Companies like Gennaro also teach students fuel-saving techniques that reduce carbon emissions and even give companies an economic advantage. With better training, new drivers are more likely to conserve fuel and avoid accidents. 

Top Green Trucking Practices

So, what are some of the ways trucking companies are going green? We’ve compiled a list of some of the initiatives being taken to help make trucking more sustainable.

     1. Carbon Capture Technology

With carbon capture technology, carbon dioxide emissions can be captured and stored before they’re released into the atmosphere. This is a great way to reduce your company’s carbon footprint and make your operations more environmentally friendly.

Right now, Remora is the leading provider of carbon capture technology for the trucking industry. Their system can be retrofitted onto any semi-truck and can reduce emissions by at least 85 percent.

What does Remora’s device do?

The device works as a giant filter that uses carbon scrubbing technology to segregate greenhouse gases directly from the truck’s tailpipe. Dirty exhaust flows into the device and then, clean air comes out from the tailpipe. The CO2 is compressed and stored in onboard tanks.

The device refreshes the filter using truck exhaust heat, which is highly energy efficient and has a minimal impact on vehicle performance. If the tanks fill up before the driver has a chance to offload CO2, the equipment automatically switches off so that the vehicle can keep moving. Drivers can then dump the CO2 by connecting the device to an offload tank with a hose. 

The best part about this technology is that most of the captured carbon is reutilized and sold to concrete manufacturers who use the CO2 to cure concrete! Talk about a win-win!

     2. Route Optimization

Route optimization is a long-established practice that has been used to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by finding the most efficient route for a truck to take.

There are a few different ways to go about this. One way is to use GPS tracking devices to track the movements of your trucks. This data can then be analyzed to find areas where your drivers are wasting time or fuel.

Another way to optimize your routes is to use route planning software. This software takes into account things like traffic, weather, and road closures to find the best route for your truck.

There are five major constraints when using this software: 

• Vehicle Type: What kind of truck are you using? Is it a standard semi-truck or is it something like a fuel tanker?
• Load Type: What are you transporting? Is it hazardous material that needs to be transported in a special way?
• Driver Availability: When do your drivers need to be back home? Are they going to be available for overtime if necessary? 
• Delivery Time Window: When does your customer need the goods delivered? 
• Driving Territory: What is the size of the driving territory? Is it a local delivery or are we talking about cross-country?

All of these factors need to be considered when finding the best route for your truck. With the help of the best algorithms and dedicated drivers, you can be sure that your goods will be delivered on time and without any unnecessary delays.

1.  Alternative Fuel

Alternative fuel would seem like the most obvious choice for trucking companies who plan to go green but the costs of alternative fuel are also something to greatly consider as well. After all, fuel prices are only a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to operating costs.

So let’s compare some of the most popular alternative fuel choices for trucks.

• Compressed Natural Gas

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is one of the most popular alternatives to diesel because it’s much cheaper and has cleaner burning. In fact, natural gas emits up to 30% fewer greenhouse gases than oil-based fuels like diesel.

According to a January 2022 Alternative Fuels report by the US. Department of Energy, a gallon of CNG would cost an estimated $2.82 while a gallon of diesel would cost an estimated $3.62. The difference in price is significant and would mean big savings for trucking companies who make the switch to CNG.

The main downside to CNG is that it has a shorter range than diesel and it requires special infrastructure for refueling. This means that trucking companies would need to invest in CNG-compatible trucks and build or find CNG fueling stations along their routes.

• Electric

Electricity is another popular choice for alternative fuel because it’s clean, cheap, and easy to use. Electric trucks have been around for a few years but they’ve only recently become viable for long-haul trucking.

A major plus for electric trucks is that they’re much cheaper to operate than diesel trucks. The cost of charging an electric vehicle, especially a Tesla model, is about $0.25 per kWh on average which is significantly cheaper than the cost of diesel. The price may still vary for electric trucks but it’s still going to be cheaper than diesel in the long run.

Another big plus for electric trucks is that they don’t produce any emissions. This means that trucking companies who switch to electric will no longer have to worry about their impact on the environment. The negative impact of trucking on the environment has been a major concern for many years and electric trucks are the perfect solution.

The range of electric trucks is also increasing as technology improves. The Tesla Semi, for example, has a range of 500 miles on a single charge. This is more than enough for most long-haul trucking routes.

The main downside to electric trucks is the upfront cost. Electric trucks are still more expensive than diesel trucks but the price difference is getting smaller every year. As battery technology improves and economies of scale come into play, the price of electric trucks is expected to drop significantly.

• Renewable Diesel

Renewable diesel is a rising demand in Canada and is expected to grow by 3.27 billion litres (863.84 million gallons) in renewable diesel production capacity within the next four years.

This was based on a report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network. The report also recorded an estimated 962 million litres of biodiesel and renewable diesel in Canadian consumption last year, up from 892 million litres in 2020.

This tells us that the market for renewable diesel is definitely growing and trucking companies are starting to take notice. But what exactly is renewable diesel and how much will it cost?

Renewable diesel is a type of fuel made from renewable resources like vegetable oils, animal fats, and used cooking oil. It’s chemically similar to regular diesel but it has a higher cetane number which makes it burn cleaner and produce fewer emissions.

The price of renewable diesel varies depending on the market but it’s generally more expensive than regular diesel. The good news is that the price difference is expected to shrink as production increases.

Trucking companies who are looking to switch to an alternative fuel should definitely consider renewable diesel. It’s a clean-burning, environmentally-friendly fuel that’s becoming more and more popular every year.

Yes! Truckers Can Go Green, Too!

Alternative fuel and electric trucks aren’t the only way truckers can go green. In fact, going green has always been about changing one’s lifestyle and work habits.

As we do our part to care for the environment, it’s important to remember that truckers play a big role in sustainability as well. And with initiatives like these, we can make a huge difference!

Contact us to start your eco-friendly trucker training today.

The debate over whether or not to mandate speed limiters on commercial trucks has always been a controversial one. Now, with the US taking another step closer to making them a requirement, some provinces in Canada and the rest of the global trucking industry are watching closely to see what happens.

So, what are speed limiters, and why are they such a hot-button issue? In this post, we’ll give you a brief overview of everything you need to know.

The Basics of Speed Limiters

A speed limiter is a device that’s fitted to a vehicle engine. It regulates the maximum speed at which the engine can operate, regardless of how much pedal the driver presses down. 

In other words, it acts as an invisible hand on the throttle, keeping speeds at a safe level. 

The Pursuit of Safety

Safety—it’s a word that’s on everyone’s mind when it comes to road transportation. For commercial trucks, which are often carrying large loads and traveling at high speeds, the stakes are even higher. That’s why various organizations have been calling for the implementation of speed limiters on trucks for years.

Of course, in two of Canada’s largest provinces, Ontario and Quebec, this isn’t anything new—speed limiters have been mandatory for years. In Ontario, Canada, Bill 41—or the Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Speed Limiting Systems)—was enacted on March 19, 2008, mandating speed limiters for commercial vehicles. 

Bill 41 is an amendment to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act that requires large trucks to have speed limiters installed, and sets the maximum truck operating speed at 105 kilometers per hour (km/h). Backing this crucial ruling are the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) and the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA).

In the Province of Quebec, legislation has been passed requiring the usage of truck speed limiters. It also specifies that a vehicle with a speed limiter already installed must be switched on and the maximum permitted speed set at 105 km/h. In Quebec, fines for non-compliance range from $350 to $1,050. In Ontario, the fine is $310.

 Unlike the position taken up by Ontario and Quebec, Alberta remains opposed to speed limiters.

“Forcing trucks to stay below 105 km/h on provincial highways could potentially cause more collisions on roads, while other vehicles travel at higher speeds,” said former Transport Minister Luke Ouellette

“I believe it is safer to have trucks moving at the same speed as other traffic, to reduce the collisions resulting from an increase in lane changing. If there’s a real problem with certain carriers, we can deal with that through roadside enforcement or other measures. So, unless it becomes a North American standard, I really don’t see any reason why our government would force you to put them in your vehicles.” 

Alberta’s speed limits at the moment are as follows:

• 100 km/h is the maximum speed limit on a provincial highway located outside an urban area.

• 80 km/h is the maximum speed limit on a provincial highway located inside a corporate limit of a city

• 80 km/h is the maximum speed limit on a roadway that is located outside an urban area

• 50 km/h is the maximum speed limit on a roadway that is located within an urban area, unless otherwise posted.

However, a private member’s bill could make Alberta the latest province to tinker with its speed limits. The bill, which was put forth by Spruce Grove-Stony Plain MLA Searle Turton in March, would increase speed limits on all non-urban divided highways to 120 km/h. 

Gordon Lovegrove, associate professor of engineering at the University of British Columbia, found fatal collisions rose by 118 per cent over the last three years, which prompted the government to revert back in some areas. His advice for Alberta? 

“Do this with a lot of forethought and planning,” he said.

“We become a pinball inside a car in a crash. The driver has less reaction time at a higher speed, you’ve got less distance because you’ve gone further at that higher speed before you react,” he added.

On the other hand, some believe that speed limiters could actually make the roads more dangerous. One of the main arguments against mandatory speed limiters is that if trucks move at the same speed, it could create a situation where cars try to pass the trucks and then cut back in, which could lead to accidents. 

Let’s explore the pros and cons of this issue in more depth. 

Arguments For and Against Speed Limiters

There are several arguments for and against mandatory speed limiters. We list some of the main arguments made by opposing sides below. 

Pros of Mandatory Speed Limiters

1) Improved Road Safety

Speeding is a leading cause of traffic fatalities and injuries. Excessive speeding reduces the amount of time a driver has to react in a dangerous situation in order to avoid a crash, increases vehicle stopping distance, and affects the ability of road safety structures—such as guardrails, impact attenuators, crash cushions, median dividers, and concrete barriers—to safeguard vehicle occupants in a crash.

According to a report by The Independent, nearly 2,000 Canadians are killed each year and another 10,000 seriously injured in collisions involving a heavy truck (one with a gross vehicle weight greater than 12,000 pounds).  

A recent study found trucks with speed limiting devices have a 50% lower crash rate compared to trucks without such devices, further supporting the argument that mandating speed limiters could help improve road safety.

David Bradley, president of the Ontario Trucking Association, agrees with the use of speed limiters, saying these are key in helping keep highways safe.

“The mandatory activation of speed limiters is an effective way for the trucking industry to further contribute to safer highways. This is the right thing to do.”

2) Better Fuel Efficiency

 Trucking companies are always looking for ways to cut costs and improve their bottom line, and one way to do that is by increasing fuel efficiency.

Speed limiters can help to improve fuel efficiency because the truck will be using less fuel to maintain a lower speed. For example, when a truck is traveling at a high speed, it needs to use more fuel in order to maintain that speed. By limiting the truck’s speed, it will use less fuel and will therefore be more efficient.

The potential fuel savings associated with speed limiters is significant and could be as high as $250 million per year for the carrier industry in Canada. Fuel savings is the main driver behind the decision by most carriers to implement speed limiter policies.

 In addition, speed limiters can help to reduce wear and tear on the truck’s engine, which can also lead to increased fuel efficiency. As a result, speed limiters can be a valuable way to increase the fuel efficiency of commercial trucks.

3) Reduced Emissions

 When a truck is traveling at high speeds, the engine has to work harder, which uses more fuel. By capping the speed of the truck, the engine doesn’t have to work as hard, which reduces the amount of fuel that is used and, as a result, the emissions that are produced.

The environmental benefits are equally significant representing a potential reduction of greenhouse gas emissions amounting to 0.6 megatonnes per year. Environmental concerns are probably the main driver behind the decision by some provinces (Quebec and Ontario) to introduce speed limiter regulations.

Cons of Mandatory Speed Limiters

1) More Traffic Congestion

Some argue that one of the biggest drawbacks to speed limiters is that they can actually lead to increased traffic congestion. 

If all trucks are required to travel at the same speed, it is likely that there will be more trucks on the road at any given time. This could lead to increased traffic congestion and longer wait times for drivers who are stuck behind a slow-moving truck. 

2) Loss Of Productivity

Now here’s one that will likely get the attention of trucking companies: a potential loss in productivity. 

If all trucks are required to travel at the same speed, it is likely that they will take longer to make deliveries. This could lead to a loss in productivity for trucking companies, as well as increased shipping costs. In addition, it is possible that some companies may be forced to reduce the number of trucks on the road in order to compensate for the increased travel time.

3) Unintended Safety Issues

On the highway, vehicles interact more frequently when moving at different speeds, which might result in hazardous driving situations. 

If and when vehicles of any kind can’t reach a safe passing speed, speed limiters could pose safety risks, particularly on two-lane roadways. This could lead to accidents as drivers become frustrated and attempt to pass the trucks in unsafe ways.

Pushing for Change

With strong opposing comments, it’s evident that there is still much debate surrounding the mandate of speed limiters. However, many mandate advocates and officials continue to push for change in an effort to put into effect what they believe will result in improved safety for all motorists. 

So as the debate continues, it’s important to stay informed and make safety a priority when traveling on the roadways. If you have any questions about speed limiters or want to learn more about commercial driving safety, please contact Gennaro Transport Training today. 

We offer a range of courses covering everything about commercial truck driving. Contact us and we’d be happy to help you find the right training solution for your needs.

As the truck driver shortage continues to plague the industry, many trucking companies are banking on one demographic that we all look to when a crisis hits: women. 

When the economy took a nosedive in the 1929 stock market crash, it was women who went out and got jobs to help support their families while their husbands were unemployed. And now, in 2022, with the truck driver shortage at an all-time high, it’s once again women who are being looked to as a solution.

So, what’s the current status of female drivers in the trucking industry? And what are truck companies doing to attract more women to the field? Let’s take a look. 

Women in Trucking Today

 Statistics show that almost half (47%) of Canada’s workforce is composed of women. However, in the trucking industry, that number drops to only three percent. 

 In the past, this low number might have been accepted as the norm as, historically, trucking has been a male-dominated industry. But now more trucking companies are taking a closer look at their hiring practices and are asking themselves: why aren’t more women driving trucks?

The answer to that question is not a simple one. There are a number of factors that play into why women are underrepresented in the trucking industry—from cultural norms to a lack of family-friendly policies. But whatever the reason, trucking companies are starting to sit up and take notice. In fact, the number of female truck drivers has risen steadily in recent years in Canada & the US. Since 2010, there has been an 88% increase in the number of women getting their commercial driver’s licenses (CDL).

However, the industry still has a long way to go in terms of attracting women drivers. With 23,000 vacant truck driver positions in Canada that need to be filled in, it’s clear that the industry needs to start making some changes to get women behind the wheel.

So, what’s being done to address this gender gap? We explore the initiatives that trucking companies are taking to bring more women into the industry.

Women in Trucking & Women’s Trucking Federation Of Canada 

Two such organizations, Women in Trucking (WIT) and the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada (WTFC), are making strides in creating a more inclusive industry for women and helping break down the barriers that are preventing them from joining the field.

These organizations work to promote women’s employment in the trucking industry and support female truck drivers through networking, education, and advocacy.

The Women in Trucking Association is a non-profit organization with the mission to encourage women’s employment in the trucking industry. It also supports the advancement of women in the industry and minimizes obstacles that might prevent their success. 

Meanwhile, The Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada is a national organization created for women to empower, expand and retain employment of — and shift attitudes about—women in the industry and beyond. This includes supporting the industry with issues around training, safety, career progression, education, mentoring, and more. Established in 2015, the group aims to promote personal growth and responsibility whether women are “in the office, under the hood or behind the wheel”. 

Programs That Encourage Women in Trucking

Aside from the work of organizations like WIT and WTFC, there are also many programs in place to help encourage women to enter the trucking industry. Here are a few of them: 

Alberta Government Supporting Women In Commercial Trucking Careers

Alberta’s government has earmarked $3 million to help support women who are seeking job opportunities in the transportation sector. As one of the five pillars of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, the province is strengthening the workforce with skills training and employment grants. This funding is part of a $10-million investment in the 2022 budget to help reduce labor shortages in the commercial trucking industry.

Driving Back To Work Grant Program

Unemployed Albertans have an opportunity to start careers as commercial truck drivers through the extension of the Driving Back to Work Grant Program (DBTW). Unemployed Albertans can access funding to take the Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) program to earn a Class 1 driver’s license. This grant will help to fill an expected shortage of commercial drivers, forecast to be more than 12% by 2023, putting the province’s supply chain at risk.

Women With Drive Leadership Summit

 The annual Women with Drive Leadership Summit has become the industry’s go-to event for leaders across the sector. It works to support and strengthen their workforce through strong diversity and inclusion initiatives backed by action and understanding. Delegates leave this event with new connections, ideas, and best practices in recruitment and retention that foster inclusive workplaces.

“The representation of women in the trucking and logistics industry remains well below their representation in Canada’s workforce as a whole,” says Angela Splinter, CEO of Trucking HR Canada. “The Women with Drive Leadership Summit puts the issue front and center; promotes the sharing of ideas, experiences, and leadership practices while providing richer perspectives on the issue.”

Top Fleet Employers Program

The Top Fleet Employers program is a national program that recognizes the importance of having and implementing sound HR policies and practices in the trucking and logistics industry. Trucking HR Canada rates applicants for this distinction on topics such as recruitment and retention practices, workplace culture, compensation, training and skills development, and innovative HR practices. 

Skills Training Project In Ontario

The Ontario government is investing $600,000 in a skills training project in the Waterloo region to prepare 30 women and individuals from underrepresented groups for careers in the trucking industry. This program will provide people with more opportunities to find meaningful, well-paying jobs and address labor shortages in the region’s trucking sector. 

YWCA Changing Gears

This is a free truck driver training program for self-identifying women. Participants will have the opportunity to acquire a Class 1 driver’s license as well as the training needed to kick start a career in transportation. 

Women Shifting Gears

Women Shifting Gears is a unique program designed to empower women and develop their skills to enter the transportation industry as a Class 1A Professional Truck Transport Driver. The program results from a collaboration between the Saskatchewan Trucking Association, the YWCA Saskatoon, and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Immigration and Career Training.

Women Success Stories in the Trucking Industry

Despite the challenges faced by women in the trucking industry, there are many success stories of those who have persevered and made a name for themselves. Let’s look at several who have blazed a trail for other women.

1) Luella Bates

In 1918, Luella Bates became the first woman truck driver. She worked for the Four Wheel Drive Auto Company from 1918 to 1922. She was a test driver for the company during WWI, traveling across Wisconsin. Luella Bates worked as a demonstrator and driver even after the war, when most women were laid off to make room for returning soldiers. She was a proficient driver and mechanic who took care of all her truck’s maintenance.

2) Lillie Elizabeth Drennan

Lillie Elizabeth Drennan is recognized as being the first female truck driver and owner of a trucking company in the United States. Drennan and her husband took advantage of the oil boom in 1928. They established their own trucking company, which she eventually became sole proprietor of. After the Railroad Commission began overseeing the motor-freight industry in Texas, she obtained her commercial truck driver’s license in 1929.

3) Kitty Liang

Kitty Liang’s narrative is one of passion and creativity, as she uses trucking to discover inspiration all around the US. Liang hails from Sacramento, California, but was born in China and immigrated to the United States in 2007. She received a Master’s degree in English Creative Writing from Harvard University.

Liang realized after graduation that she didn’t want to be tied down in an office and wanted to learn more about the United States, where she had recently become a citizen. Liang decided to become a truck driver with these two things in mind. As a Schneider truck driver, she found the training to be calm and laid back. She also had the opportunity to travel around the country while creating art.

Kitty has always felt welcome in the trucking profession and wanted to share her experiences with others. The job never felt too difficult, and she always felt accomplished, and she hopes that others feel the same way.

4) Molly Sizer

Molly Sizer is a YouTube celebrity and a contestant in the 2017 Most Beautiful Trucker event. There is a lot more to Sizer, though, than her good looks. She is renowned as a tireless worker, driving hundreds of miles and transporting up to 50,000 pounds of frac sand as a professional frac sand hauler. In a feature on FreighWaves, Sizer shared how much she enjoys her profession.

“What was most thrilling was going to these sites and working with these other drivers, and everyone is hyped up because there is a lot of money to be made – the passion and high level of emotion are contagious,” says the driver.

Sizer’s YouTube channel—where she gives people a peek into the day-to-day grind of being a woman in the trucking profession—has thousands of subscribers and views.

5) Susie De Ridder

Susie De Ridder won Female Driver of the Year in 2020. She is the first recipient of the coveted award sponsored by Women In Trucking Association (WIT) and Walmart. She works as a driver for Armour Transportation Systems in New Brunswick, Canada.

“I am always inspiring and encouraging the next generation to join the trucking industry. I promote this in my daily travels with Clare, WIT’s trucking doll. She is proudly displayed on my dash and is a great conversation starter to tell others about my awesome trucking career,” said De Ridder. 

De Ridder has been driving for 40 years and has gone over four million miles without an accident. She was named to WIT’s Image Team in 2018 after serving on the board of the Women in Trucking Federation of Canada. Since then, she’s been featured in trucking periodicals in the United States and Canada, giving women in the trucking profession a lot of visibility.

As a panelist and speaker, De Ridder speaks at and participates in many trucking industry events. She regularly visits Girl Gala Events at high schools and community colleges as a mentor.

Ready to Get Started On Your Trucking Career?

The trucking industry is changing, and with it, the role of women within it. Women are now more visible than ever before in this traditionally male-dominated field.  And with more opportunities opening up for female drivers, the crisis of the driver shortage may soon be a thing of the past. 

If you’re a woman considering a career in trucking, there has never been a better time to get behind the wheel. Contact Gennaro Transport Training today to learn more about our courses and see how we can help you start your career in trucking.