“Everything I can see, everything I can truly touch and hold—it first arrived on a truck,” Hannah shares in an interview with TruckNews.com. “But nobody knows about that. Nobody talks about that.”

Hannah decided to change that narrative by publishing a children’s book, Making it Move: Wonder Workshop, which seeks to help younger generations appreciate the often-overlooked contributions of truck drivers.

“I grew up with this concept of, ‘Let’s revolutionize the way that people see drivers,’” Hannah explains, reflecting on the motivation behind creating the book.

Sharing Stories, Shifting Perspectives

Making it Move tells the heartfelt story of a young girl who, with her mother’s guidance, discovers that her father’s job as a truck driver is critical to “making everything move.” The story showcases the challenges drivers face daily, from traffic jams to unpredictable weather, all while emphasizing the dedication and skill it takes to succeed as a truck driver.

“I had been thinking about [the book] for probably six or seven months at that point and just couldn’t figure out how to keep the respect for the drivers [and challenges they face], while also interesting the kids,” says Hannah. She credits a creative breakthrough last summer—imagining a “Wonder Workshop”—as the inspiration that gave the story its magical and engaging quality. “I was like, ‘Just put them in a little ship, just send them away through an imagination land’ … As soon as I thought about the Wonder Workshop, the rest of it immediately unraveled.”

The vibrant illustrations and relatable characters aim to spark curiosity and admiration for truck drivers in young readers, while also inspiring parents to have new conversations about the hardworking individuals behind the wheel.

Shaping Careers with a Fresh Perspective

For Hannah, the story is about more than shining a spotlight on the trucking industry—it’s about changing how children view careers in general.

“I think most adults have it wrong—the way that we communicate about careers with our kids,” she says. “Oftentimes, we talk about careers with our children as responsibilities, which they are, let’s be very frank…, but there are also incredible opportunities, and we don’t always explain that to children.”

Hannah hopes this more positive and opportunity-focused angle will foster a healthier, more inspiring understanding of work for future generations.

Breaking Stereotypes, Broadening Minds

The book also boldly challenges common stereotypes. From reimagining the typical nine-to-five workday to showcasing a pink truck adored by all—irrespective of gender—it disrupts traditional notions about who truck drivers are and what their workday looks like.

“The truck was beautiful [and pink]. It could be loved by anyone. It wasn’t green, it wasn’t blue—any little boy, any little girl, anybody could really like that. Then the dad, he went to work at night. He went to work in the evening [instead of a nine-to-five],” Hannah explains.

The story concludes with a teaser for the next book in the series, which will shift focus to the girl’s mother stepping into a leadership role within the industry.

“I would love it to be an insanely large series. I’ve got crazy dreams for it,” Hannah says. She envisions expanding the series to shine a light on other skilled trades as well.

Paving the Way for Future Generations

Through her work, Hannah also hopes to spark interest in trucking as a career. She notes that early exposure to a variety of career options can have a significant impact on children’s aspirations.

“I just want people to know how amazing truck drivers are, and I want people to share with their kids how amazing truck drivers are,” she says passionately.

If Hannah’s hopes come true, this book and its potential series could be the start of a broader cultural movement—one that celebrates not just trucking but the essential roles that countless professionals play in making the world go round.

Source: Truck News

Image: Truck News, Making it Move: Wonder Workshop

The post How One Woman Is Changing the Way Kids See Truck Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

1. Build Confidence and Assertiveness Confidence is crucial in the trucking industry. Approach your role with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek assistance when needed.
2. Utilize Available Resources Leverage the resources and support networks available to women in trucking. Organizations like the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) are dedicated to promoting the employment of women in the industry, celebrating their successes, and minimizing obstacles. Engaging with such organizations can provide valuable networking, mentorship, and educational opportunities.
3. Prioritize Safety Safety is paramount for all truck drivers, with additional considerations for women. Always keep your doors locked, and consider using devices like seatbelts through door handles or ratchet straps to secure doors while sleeping. Avoid displaying items that identify you as female to deter potential predators. Leaving sleeper curtains open when entering the truck allows you to check for intruders.
4. Develop Strong Relationships Building strong relationships with your company, customers, and fellow drivers can enhance your experience and success in the industry. Positive interactions can lead to better support, opportunities, and a more enjoyable work environment.
5. Seek Mentorship and Community Connecting with other women in the industry can provide support, advice, and camaraderie. Engage with communities and forums where female truckers share experiences and tips. Mentorship from experienced drivers can offer guidance and encouragement as you navigate your career.
6. Maintain Work-Life Balance Strive for a work-life balance that suits your personal needs. Some companies offer flexible work arrangements to help drivers achieve this balance. It’s important to find a schedule that allows you to maintain your well-being both on and off the road.
7. Continuous Learning and Adaptability The trucking industry is continually evolving. Stay informed about new regulations, technologies, and best practices. Continuous learning and adaptability will enhance your skills and keep you competitive in the field.

By embracing these strategies, women entering the trucking industry can build successful and rewarding careers. Joining WIT is a great step toward finding a community of like-minded professionals who are eager to help you thrive.

The post How Women Can Thrive in Trucking: Tips for Breaking Into the Industry appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Earnings in the Trucking Industry:

Before diving into the top-paying trucking jobs, it’s important to understand the average earnings of a truck driver. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical truck driver earned slightly over $52,000 annually, as of 2021; however, various sources focusing on industry wages suggest that the average income is closer to $60,000. It’s worth noting that these figures primarily reflect company drivers, and that owner-operators have a distinct compensation structure.

In general, dry van drivers fall within the average income range, with beginners earning less than seasoned drivers. Salaries for newcomers usually start at approximately $44,000, while experienced drivers can earn upwards of $83,000. Of course, these figures can vary depending on factors such as experience, the complexity of the job, risk, and the locations drivers are required to cover.

Keep reading to learn about the top five highest paying jobs in trucking this year.

Ice Road Truck Driver
Salary: $80,000

Ice road truck driving has become one of the most unique and widely recognized trucking jobs, thanks to the popular TV show “Ice Road Truckers.” These drivers undertake the challenging task of transporting loads during the limited period when ice roads form over frozen bodies of water in extreme northern climates. The season is brief, typically lasting around two months, and the average salary hovers at approximately $80,000 for these intense weeks of work. Ice Road Truck Drivers often use the rest of the year to pursue more conventional employment if they choose to do so.

Hazmat Truck Driver
Salary: $93,000

Hauling hazardous materials is a specialized and high-stakes job that demands exceptional skills. Hazmat truck drivers must excel in all aspects, from driving to unloading, while strictly adhering to health and safety regulations. To transport dangerous or toxic materials, these drivers need specialized endorsements on top of their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Hazmat truck drivers can expect an annual salary of approximately $93,000.

Oversized Load Truck Driver
Salary: $75,000

Truck drivers who handle oversized loads have to be licensed and trained to transport items exceeding 8.5 feet in width. In cases where loads are over 12 feet wide, additional support is required, including pilot vehicles for traffic control and guidance in navigating challenging turns. While salaries for oversized-load truck drivers may be reported as particularly high, a reasonable expectation is around $75,000.

Mining Truck Driver
Salary: $60,000+

Mining truck drivers operate in distinctive settings, often far from urban areas and highways. They work with heavy equipment to transport materials related to mining and extraction, navigating open mines and mining roads rather than traditional highways. These positions, prevalent in regions like northern Canada and Alaska, may involve extended stays away from home. A typical salary for mining truck drivers is around $60,000 or more, with accommodations and travel expenses often covered due to remote work locations.

Logging Truck Drivers
Salary: $70,000 – $90,000

Logging truck drivers play a crucial role in transporting timber from forests to mills or storage yards. This job necessitates a strong focus on truck safety and load security. Drivers may occasionally need to use equipment for loading and unloading logs and navigate logging roads, rough terrain, and highways. Earnings for logging truck drivers typically range between $70,000 and $90,000 or even more.

The trucking industry offers a diverse range of career paths, each with its unique rewards and earning potential. As a trucker, investing in acquiring new skills and maintaining a clean driving record can lead to significant financial and professional growth. Whether you’re inclined toward the high-adventure world of ice road trucking or find fulfillment in safely transporting hazardous materials, there’s something for everyone on the road to success in the trucking industry. Explore your options, strive for excellence, and watch your trucking career flourish.

The post Above Average: The Best-Paying Trucking Careers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.