As a minority in this huge industry, how does that make me feel? "GREAT" The women that went before me were the pioneers that changed this industry. We now have men and women's showers, nice towels, decorations and the shippers and receivers don’t blink an eye when a woman shows up on the dock.
The Cascadia is our home away from home as we spend many more days in the truck than we do our 
house. Just like home I decorate for the seasons and the holidays. If I could figure out how to get a Christmas tree in here I would, but so far that has not been a feasible plan.
Over the years, I have had some of what I call ingenious plans and some have been failures. Live plants have always been part of our home and I have not figured out how to have a live plant in the truck and have it not drive me crazy as it is in the way. Through the years and the many different sleepers, we have had, I have always figured out a way to create home cooked meals. At home, I never would have cooked on the floor but that is all in the details, nor would I have prepared a meal using a tablecloth on a bed. I figure, roll with the flow and make the best of what we have.
Dressing for Success is just as easy out here in the truck as it was at home going to the office. Luckily many years ago I decided high heels were not for me so that is not an issue. I came to my senses and realized sensible shoes while working is the safest for anyone around me. Dressing nicely is easy in the truck and during weekdays that is exactly what we do.
Over the years, the truck stop showers have really improved and offer nice towels and plenty of them. I have my shower bag that is three times as big as Bob's and carries all of the necessities. I have to laugh though when Bob has to get into my bag for certain things, as he does not carry the item in his little bag. Something I really enjoy is homemade soap's and I finally found the perfect business to order from. What could be better a former women truck driver! I call Stacy to tell her how much I want to spend; she fills my order, and then ships it to the house. I usually order a large quantity of soap so I do not run out before my next time home.
The Cascadia is just as respectful to a women or man driver. The Caffcadia adjusts very quickly to my almost 5'4" from Bob's 6'2". Within a minute the seat is adjusted to me, the mirrors are adjusted to my vision, and the seat belts are adjusted to my height. The shippers and receivers do not care about the gender of the driver they just want their freight picked up or delivered.
I have found talking to other truck drivers that I am treated with the same respect that I treat them. Some of the conversations are not what I would have had in my office such as discussing transmissions, read ends, or neat places to visit all over the country. Funny how once we became truck drivers how small the United States immediately became. We used to talk about fun places to eat with in our town and now we talk about fun places to eat that can be 2000 miles away and it is still relevant.
One way to learn more about Women in Trucking is to join Women in Trucking and to also read and post on the Women in Trucking Face Book Page.
There are not many days when I do not wake up and think since I have to work this is one cool way to make a living!