As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we wanted to spotlight a few key women who played an integral part in the trucking industry along with two of our female drivers currently breaking the mold. These four women exemplify what it means to make a difference and create meaningful impact in the trucking space. Here are their stories:
Women Who Paved The Way
Adriesue “Bitsy” Gomez
Growing up, Bitsy held a fascination for trucks and the overall trucking industry. However, she didn’t join the industry until later on, after moving to California with her three children. Adriesue entered the industry by loading and unloading trucks, befriending a woman who owned a truck and eventually making her way into the industry as a driver. Adriesue quickly realized how tough the industry was for women during that time, and grew passionate about making some changes.
That’s what led her to start the Coalition of Women Truck Drivers in the 1970s. The coalition consisted of 150 members and focused on fighting discrimination and sexism within the industry. The group’s first order of business was to raise awareness behind the lack of female bathrooms at truck stops – but the group didn’t stop there. It continued to advocate for the rights of women in the industry, including on-the-job training for women, adjustable seats and pedals, and separate rooms during overnight stops. Adriesue championed for women until she passed in 2015, but her legacy and the coalition live on today.
Lillie McGee Drennan
Lillie McGee Drennan cemented herself in history as the first woman to own a trucking firm. In 1928, she and her husband launched a trucking business called Drennan Truck Line (DTL) to take advantage of an oil boom nearby in Texas. Their first trucks were an open-cab Model T Ford and a closed-cab Chevrolet. Business boomed, which meant demand boomed as well, leading them to add more drivers and trucks. Lillie received her commercial truck-driver’s license and eventually became the sole owner of DTL, which she operated for 24 years.
There were several obstacles and challenges Lillie faced, especially as a female owner. Many challenged her ability to drive after suffering some hearing loss from Scarlet Fever. However, Lillie received numerous safety awards throughout her career, and was known to have driven accident-free, even amidst 48-hour stretches with little to no sleep or rest.
The female business owner was a huge believer of training and ensuring that her drivers followed her rules to keep them safe. During World War II, the United States Army praised Lillie for her success in helping the army recruit women truck drivers for the quartermaster corps. Lillie was also a member of the Texas Transportation Association and an honorary member of the Houston Freight Carriers Association.
Female Pilot Drivers Making An Impact Today
Mylene Ironside
Mylene has been in the trucking industry for almost three decades, spending the past three years driving for our company and hauling fuel for North America.
What challenges do you face? What is most rewarding to you?
“The biggest challenge that I face is that people see me get out of the truck and they see a small woman and wonder how I can properly do my job. I’ve had to build my strength and learn techniques to not injure myself, but I can handle all of the equipment perfectly fine. Earning a good reputation and proving you can do your job is key, but those both take time. However, once people know you’re capable, many opportunities will open up. I just focus on being a good operator. Unfortunately, people will try to smear your reputation, but just be who you are and work hard to not let your image erode.
As for rewards, there are so many! I’ve raised two sons while trucking, and they’ve always been proud of me as their mom. Like I said, I thankfully haven’t had many negative experiences. I’ve heard of women being in those situations, but it hasn’t happened to me first-hand. Companies are also pretty good about recognizing their drivers and giving them opportunities to grow. I love the relationships that I make along the way with the customers I serve and with other drivers and people in the industry. As I have told my husband, I haven’t woken up once on a workday and felt like I hated my job.”
How does it feel to be a woman in a male-dominated industry?
“I love it. I find that the industry for me personally hasn’t been overly disrespectful. I’ve definitely had moments where I had to stand up for myself and put people in their place, but I don’t let those experiences ruin the industry for me. We all have bad days. I’m very proud to be a trucker and proud of my accomplishments. I wish I could talk more women into joining the industry! Also, I very much respect what I do and the products that I haul. You can’t be scared of it – you just have to follow your training and the procedures, as they are there for a reason. This is such a cool part of the industry and I knew I wanted to work my way up to hauling fuel. And although there are some old school companies that won’t hire women, that’s their loss.”
Marama Johnson
Marama has been in the trucking industry for 20 years and has spent the past 16 years with Pilot Flying J.
What has surprised you the most about your job?
“Everything. Every day, attitude and even the weather is different – it’s awesome. For me, every day is a good day as long as I go to work, get along with everyone and come home happy to my family.”
What advice would you give to other women who would like to be drivers?
“Don’t be scared – try it and if you don’t like it you can move on, but it never hurts to try. Also, make sure you always help out new drivers, and this is advice for anyone. For example, I was five years into my career, and I saw a new driver having a hard time with the loading arms and connecting to the tanker. Some old school truckers were watching him struggle and not helping. I went over to the guy and showed him how to use his arm to help him guide the equipment, instead of relying on strength. Now, he always recognizes me and says thanks. Always help beginners because you were once there.”
Check out some of our other amazing women at Pilot Company and read how they’re making an impact on the trucking industry here.
