Girls Can’t Be Truck Drivers
My grandpa was a manager for Yellow Freight trucking and I recall spending an occasional Saturday visiting the terminal when grandpa got called in to handle some unexpected business. I got to sit at his desk and sometimes he’d let me use the CB radio and pretend to be the dispatcher. Check out the photo (click to enlarge it) of me in his Yellow Freight trucker’s hat and with a big button pinned to my shirt that read “I like trucks”. So it is no surprise to find this written in my memory book:
Yup, that’s what I wanted to be in the second grade. On all the other years I listed multiple careers, but in the second grade I was apparently focused on driving a semi. I was so into trucking that many of my childhood photos show me in a Trucker’s cap and I knew the meaning to this saying which hung on my grandpa’s wall:
“Seville, der day go. Tousin buses innarow.
Nojo, demstrux, summit cowsin summit dux.”
So to honor my trucking history, I created the Girls Can’t WHAT? trucking design in the colors of the Yellow Freight company, with the Girls Can’t WHAT? initials on the side of the trailer.
Support your favorite female trucker with Girls Can’t WHAT? trucker gear. This design is available on T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, hats tote bags and more in the Girls Can’t WHAT? Gift Shop.
Like this article? Join our e-newsletter for more inspiration, news and special offers!
Kel1
OMG, that design is so freaking CUTE!
I love it!
) I recall the wonderful days of the 8-track.
Great story, too.
My grandpa didn’t drive a semi, but he had a CB radio in his truck and I liked to mess with it. He also had an 8-track tape player (Kenny Rogers and Marty Robbins were usually playing), so that will tell you how old I am.
gretchen
I still have a couple of 8-tracks.
They are both “Carpenters” albums and I don’t even know if they still play. I bet I could sell them on ebay along with some of the records I still own. My dad played a lot of Mel Tillis, Merle Haggard and the Oak Ridge Boys, etc. Good times. 
)
cieva
That is a very cute picture of you as a child. I would support my little one in an instant if they professed the want to drive trucks, so good for you. What does that saying mean anyway?
gretchen
I don’t know what it means really – I just now how to interpret it…
“Say Bill, there they go
thousand buses in a row”
“No Joe, them is trucks.
Some with cows and some with ducks.”
Trucker speak.
Pamela Febbo-Lougheed
Finally someone else other that me is standing up for your rights, who should we be bare foot and pregnant slaving over a hot stove for the men. I’m like you it was my dream as a child to become a trucker and every man in my life put me down and told me that it was a mans job. Look I am not afraid to get my hand dirty. Good site keep up the good work.
gretchen
Hey Pamela – glad you like the design. Would you be interested in being interviewed for the site?
Pamelafemaletrucker
Hey Gretchen I love this site, us women have got to stick together, and a interview any time. Lets get-er-done.
graham crofts
im a truck driver articulated and ide love a girlfreind who understands what it is to be a truck driver ide love her to come with me im 35 nottingham england can you help me thanksbabe x x x
Pamela Febbo-Lougheed
This a reply to the gye that wrote about having a girlfriend that understands about being on the road, i too am a truck driver that understands and have had my relationship fail cause of me being on the road. I know that it is hard to find someone that will be there for you either at home for a short time or on the road to make money to bring home. I know you are from England and I live far from you, in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. If you ever want a friend to talk to give me a ring my ears are open. Email me at pamelafemaletrucker@gmail.com.
Erin
Hey Gretchen
I have to laugh at your website here to bring the ladies together! I too am a truck driver and as with Pamela who last wrote in, i drive all over the Greater Toronto Area.
It’s an empowering position to be in as a female! I love driving everyday and i’m totally gonna get that tote bag to bring with me in the truck everyday!!!
Yarnell Culler-Dogbe
Awesome!!! And the graphic is adorable! I must have some merchandise since I just passed my test today. For anyone who is interested in being a lady trucker, don’t let anything stop you. I was 30+ when I started pursuing my goal after years of jumping jobs. I decided to pursue what I truly desired in life, and I finally passed my CDL test. Anything is possible, so don’t let your gender, age, or anything else be a deterrent. GO FOR IT!!!
Whitney
I’m 24 and I got my class A because my mom talked my into getting it. I got it a couple of years ago and honestly I’m scared to use it! Not because I don’t think I can do it but now because my mom thinks I can’t handle it because the men she works with are very…well men! Discrimination has been going on at her place of work since she started there I really want to do it but now I’m scared I just don’t know what to do????
gretchen
Whitney – congrats on your accomplishment. Discrimination is everywhere. Sounds like you just need to build some confidence and then take charge of the situation. My suggestion is that you find a support network to help you – if that is truly what you want to do. If you’re doing it because your mom talked you into it, then maybe the fear isn’t really fear, but an indication that it’s not your cup of tea.
Whitney
Thank you! It is something I want to do and I’m proud of my mom I think she just is worried about my safety and probably my feelings too? And I just want you to know this is a great site and I’m so glad I came across it! Again thank you!
gretchen
You’re welcome Whitney. If you love driving, then go for it! Google up some resources for women truckers, or start a facebook page and start connecting with other women truck drivers. It will help you the most to connect with people who understand where you’re coming from and can offer advice and share tips with you.