Another solution is to subsidize freight and build the freight system up. That would take more trucks off the road, which would result in less road damage (one truck = 400 cars), and improve the environment by reducing emissions. Fewer drivers would be required.
I have two thoughts...First, it's easier to cry and complain than to resolve the problem and this gives upper management something to do. Secondly, and most importantly, if they allowed women into the industry to cure their shortage problem, they would have to pay them the same wage as their male counterparts. Don't see that happening anytime soon.
Talk about the absence of common sense! As a doctor, I have seen super qualified women in every branch of health care. Would a muscle-bound male trucker refuse CPR because it would be performed by a female? I seriously doubt it. As Forrest Gump stated, "stupid is as stupid does"! Nuff said!
One more thing to say 'who knew?' about. I'd remind these trucking company executives, though I doubt they'd pay attention to a grey-haired older woman, that plenty of women my age who grew up on farms, or women who live on farms now know full well how to drive equipment of all kinds. They do so competently. My parents taught me that complaining wasn't worth the energy it took to complain. I continue to wonder how business executives managed to never learn that lesson.
If some of those executives got out of their offices and/or had real life experience they wouldn't make the stupid mistakes they do. My favorite recent one. Restaurants put a step up to booths. This is in Florida, aka, God's waiting room. Accidents waiting to happen
Good grief -- what architect or builder or building code (wait, I must've forgot this is about Florida) would allow that. Even able-bodied folks 'miss a step' sometimes. Stupidity runs rampant, it seems.
Years ago I knew 2 women truck drivers. Those huge trailer trucks. One was not over 5'2" and not very heavy. Both started out being ridiculed by their supposed peers but wound up being greatly liked and admired. I was in awe. I can barely navigate a Volkswagen bug.
Women have the ultimate solution to inequality, misogyny, hate, sexism etc., all the things that have plagued their existence from time immortal. A national celibacy movement.
We need to do aa better job of using railways to transport large amounts of goods long distances.
Then at central centers use trucks for shorter routes to deliver goods. the US military used these logistics in WW II to supply the troops. It would mean that truckers have shorter trips which makes them safer.
Our railways used to do that, until the trucking industry decided to expand. Used their money and influence to practically dismantle our railway system. Lots of rail beds are now hiking and biking trails.
There is a real issue here. The almost fake "reason" for refusing to hire women is that if the training is done by men, women's safety will arise. Look at the issues in military service where sexual harassment and physical harm to women does take place. I have no answers but I bet there are policy changes that could fix this.
I always learn something new from your articles Jim. It's disturbing to learn that a male teenager is a preferred Truck Driver over a Grown Woman!
Another solution is to subsidize freight and build the freight system up. That would take more trucks off the road, which would result in less road damage (one truck = 400 cars), and improve the environment by reducing emissions. Fewer drivers would be required.
I have two thoughts...First, it's easier to cry and complain than to resolve the problem and this gives upper management something to do. Secondly, and most importantly, if they allowed women into the industry to cure their shortage problem, they would have to pay them the same wage as their male counterparts. Don't see that happening anytime soon.
Amen!
Talk about the absence of common sense! As a doctor, I have seen super qualified women in every branch of health care. Would a muscle-bound male trucker refuse CPR because it would be performed by a female? I seriously doubt it. As Forrest Gump stated, "stupid is as stupid does"! Nuff said!
Thank you for yet another dose of common sense!
another, inexplicable, nonsensical OBSTRUCTION for fairness and equality!
You mean to tell me WOMEN can drive trucks?! Who knew.
One more thing to say 'who knew?' about. I'd remind these trucking company executives, though I doubt they'd pay attention to a grey-haired older woman, that plenty of women my age who grew up on farms, or women who live on farms now know full well how to drive equipment of all kinds. They do so competently. My parents taught me that complaining wasn't worth the energy it took to complain. I continue to wonder how business executives managed to never learn that lesson.
If some of those executives got out of their offices and/or had real life experience they wouldn't make the stupid mistakes they do. My favorite recent one. Restaurants put a step up to booths. This is in Florida, aka, God's waiting room. Accidents waiting to happen
Good grief -- what architect or builder or building code (wait, I must've forgot this is about Florida) would allow that. Even able-bodied folks 'miss a step' sometimes. Stupidity runs rampant, it seems.
They know how to fly planes too! Who woulda thunk???
Yup.The answer to the shortage of long haul drivers is right in front of you.Hire women!!!
Years ago I knew 2 women truck drivers. Those huge trailer trucks. One was not over 5'2" and not very heavy. Both started out being ridiculed by their supposed peers but wound up being greatly liked and admired. I was in awe. I can barely navigate a Volkswagen bug.
Just think if this world wasn't so dominated by men, how little we would have to complain about.
AMEN
Women have the ultimate solution to inequality, misogyny, hate, sexism etc., all the things that have plagued their existence from time immortal. A national celibacy movement.
We need to do aa better job of using railways to transport large amounts of goods long distances.
Then at central centers use trucks for shorter routes to deliver goods. the US military used these logistics in WW II to supply the troops. It would mean that truckers have shorter trips which makes them safer.
Our railways used to do that, until the trucking industry decided to expand. Used their money and influence to practically dismantle our railway system. Lots of rail beds are now hiking and biking trails.
Great information.
There is a real issue here. The almost fake "reason" for refusing to hire women is that if the training is done by men, women's safety will arise. Look at the issues in military service where sexual harassment and physical harm to women does take place. I have no answers but I bet there are policy changes that could fix this.
Don
Jim Hightower has another trenchant commentary. This time on telling companies to hire women for long-haul trucker jobs.