It's a Team's Life
Women in Trucking
I first met Ellen when she was Executive Director of Trucker Buddy International Inc. and I was impressed then with her drive. When Ellen started Women in Trucking I was immediately interested and became a member.
Women in Trucking is an organization that promotes women in all areas of trucking; executives, dispatchers, fuel desk clerks, fork lift drivers, and of course truck drivers. While we all know that the dock height, the pencil, the forklift are all the same for men and women, women react differently then men.
One project has been with truck manufactures to accommodate women who are smaller in stature then men. One of the problems I see is the seat, mirrors, and seatbelt in our truck has to accommodate Bob’s 6’2†height as well as my 5’4†height and be comfortable to drive our eleven-hour shifts.
Women coming into this industry are constantly looking for information on how we can fit into what has predominantly been a mans world. The trucking industry is one of the few careers that doesn’t recognize gender or age and many women have found that this is a great way to earn a living.
An issue that has plagued this industry has been women getting driving experience while teaming with a man. In my opinion this is a recipe for disaster if not handled correctly by both parties. Women as well as men need education on how to communicate in tight quarters that we are confined to for twenty-four hours a day. As a husband wife team after being married twenty-years we had to learn new ways to communicate.
The organization is young, only four years old and has it come a long ways. The web site is informative and has many tips for new drivers as well as an interactive Facebook page. Many women call into the office and Char will have them contact an existing member for support and real life on the road wisdom.
Ellen and board members are often in Washington talking with legislators about women in this industry and have made quiet a name for Women In Trucking. One of the highlights for women drivers is the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel held each year during the Mid-America Truck Show held in Louisville. Women drivers are recognized for a million on up to four million safe driving miles. There is also a picture of all of the women drivers together that is amazing.
I hope men and women will consider joining this organization and help us to continue to grow and improve driver’s lives in this industry.
As the driver representative on the Board of Directors I will give insight to my fellow members on how policies and procedures affect the driving population. As an owner operator, as a team driver, as well as representing expediting I see this as a new and exciting chapter in my life. Without my husband Bob’s continued support all of this would not be possible.
Bob & Linda Caffee
Leased to: FedEx Custom Critical 

TeamCaffee

Saint Louis MO
Expediters 6 years been out here on the road 11 years
Expediting isn't just trucking, it's a lifestyle; 

Expediting isn't just a lifestyle, it's an adventure;

Expediting isn't just an adventure, it's a job;

Expediting isn't just a job, it's a business.