Clarissa Rankin is challenging stereotypes by making $144,000 a year as a female truck driver according to CNBC. Her successful career path was not without challenges, as she struggled to find work due to not fitting the mold of the stereotypical truck driver. However, her passion for driving and love for the outdoors prompted her to start her own trucking company, JC Rankins Transport, which has been in business for four years now.
Rankin’s take-home pay in 2021 was $73,007, considerably higher than she has made in other jobs. This is due to the profits from her business, which she operates by using apps like TruckLoads to find pickup and drop-off jobs throughout the country. Though trucking entails significant costs such as truck leasing, maintenance, and fuel, Rankin has found her financial footing through entrepreneurship.
“Having your own truck comes with a lot of freedom,” as she puts it. Moreover, her TikTok page was gaining her tons of followers by the day which enabled her to make an additional $36,000 from promotional videos and advertising.
Despite achieving so much in her career, Rankin still faces challenges, such as the negative attitudes of male colleagues and members of the public, who criticize her for dressing “girly” or being away from her family while working. Another significant challenge is finding truck stops that cater to women adequately. These stops do not necessarily provide essential items such as tampons or pads and may not offer shower facilities.
According to American Trucking Associations (ATA), Women make up less than 8% of professional drivers, an all-time high, but still lagging behind the national average for workforce participation for women. To support women, ATA recently launched the Women in Motion Mentorship Program on Jun 06, 2023.
Overall, Clarissa Rankin’s story challenges stereotypes about women in trucking. Her success in entrepreneurship provides a strong example of how women can excel in male-dominated industries. Her passion for driving and providing an essential service has allowed her to earn a substantial income while also being a role model for other women considering careers in trucking.
