Women in the Transport Industry

14 Nov Blog

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Most people believe that the transport industry is only exclusive to men. However, this is really not the case. Like all other industries, Australia’s transport industry is quite large and is being run by different people from all walks of life, regardless of their gender or race.

Now, if you’re a woman who wants to immerse yourself in the busy world of transport and logistics, here are some of the careers that you may want to try.

1. Truck Driver

In a 2014 labor force estimate conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, it was reported that there were approximately over 5,000 female ‘truckies’ or female truck drivers on the roads of Australia. In fact, industry experts said that women drivers have become in demand because of their longer driving focus and gentle manipulation of trucks. To date, female truck drivers in Australia earns an average of $25 per hour.

Figure 1. Heather Jones, founder of Success Transport trucking company in Australia | The Christian Science Monitor

2. Import Sea Operator

Import sea operators are primarily in charge of monitoring and following up pre-alerts, shipment arrival notices, and delivery orders. This position requires keeping track of customer shipments, organizing loads when they become available, and direct coordination with Customs Brokers. This is to ensure that clearances will be processed smoothly, and the cargo will be released on time for delivery to warehouses and other destinations.

3. Transport Planner

A transport planner is involved with the creation of strategies that can improve cargo transport and mobility. Women who work in this field are tasked with designing new systems and modifying any existing networks. They are also in charge of analyzing and investigating the possible impact of the upgrades on the transport system of a logistics company.

4. Transport Manager

A transport manager’s main role is to supervise the daily operations of a transport and logistics company’s transport system. This may include overseeing road, rail, air, and sea transport not just of goods but of people as well. This job role covers different processes like operation’s management, infrastructure, facilities management, and fleet management to name a few.

5. Radio Control Operator

A radio control operator is the main point-of-contact of all truck drivers in his/her channel. If you want to get a career in the radio room, you will be required to have strong communication skills as you will receive and transmit all transport-related messages. You will also need to have excellent knowledge of your state’s metropolitan area and other serviceable regions of the transport company.

Figure 2. The automation centre of Rio Tinto, the operator of one of the largest fleets of autonomous mining trucks in Australia | ABC News

These are just a few of the job roles in the transportation industry that women can pursue. The transport and logistics industry are always open to women. Don’t be afraid to try. As what Mary Kay Ash once said, “Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]