Women in Trucking - what it's like

Emily Shadbolt drives a new Kenworth T410SAR for Tasmanian based Walters Contracting. She explains what it’s like being a young woman working in what was once considered a “man’s club” and offers encouragement for other women contemplating a career in road transport.

Under the hood of the Walters Contracting’s T410SAR is PACCAR’s MX-13 engine, rated at 510 HP (380kW) that produces 1850 lb-ft (2508 Nm) torque between 1000-1400RPM, while still punching out 1600 lb-ft (2170Nm) at 1650RPM. Meantime the MX-13 engine brake delivers up to 450 braking horsepower (335 kW), which is an excellent asset in Tasmania’s hilly terrain.

When asked what the best thing about the new T410SAR is, driver, Emily Shadbolt, smiled and said, “It’s so luxurious to drive.”

Before stepping behind the wheel of the T410SAR, Emily drove Walters’ old W-Model. “Don’t get me wrong,” Emily began. “That W-Model is a great truck, and it certainly gives you an immense appreciation of how far along technology has come when compared to the new T410SAR.”

“The visibility out of the T410SAR’s cabin is exceptional,” Emily explained. “Since the mirrors on the T410SAR sit lower than traditional mirrors on other trucks, they enable a broader panoramic view because I can see over the top of the mirrors. However, I like the rearward vision too, especially when I’m running gravel because they are so sturdily mounted there is no vibration. Even when backing the trailer, I can adjust the mirrors to follow the trailer while I’m reversing.”

“The ride and handling of this T410SAR is terrific. For instance, even on the narrowest rough country back roads, the steering is precise. The truck goes exactly where I steer it. My partner even commented on how much happier and how much more energy I have when I get home in the evenings since I’ve started driving the T410SAR,” Emily added. “That certainly reiterates how the improved ride and handling of this truck make my work so much more pleasurable.”

When asked what she considered the biggest challenge getting started in the industry, Emily replied that the transport industry is such a male dominated industry.
“Mind you everyone at Walter’s is really great,” Emily said. “It’s when you go out into the larger workforce there are a lot of people who are not use to seeing a young woman truck driver. Occasionally and somewhat sadly I get the odd snide comment about woman not driving trucks. But thankfully most people offer encouragement,” Emily added.

When asked if she had any advice other young woman wanting a career in road transport Emily replied with a smile. “Go for it!”