Contact us
[email protected] | |
3275638434 | |
Paper Publishing WeChat |
Useful Links
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Article
Truck Cab Design: Perceptions of Women Truck Drivers
Author(s)
Jeanette Black1, Ellen Voie2, Matt Maurer1, Jane Palakeel1 and William Chacon1
Full-Text PDF XML 730 Views
DOI:10.17265/2328-2142/2017.01.005
Affiliation(s)
1. Department of Operations and Management, College of STEMM, University of Wisconsin Stout, Menomonie Wisconsin 54751-0790, USA
2. Women in Trucking, Inc., Plover, Wisconsin 54467-0400, USA
ABSTRACT
The trucking industry is a major force behind the United States (US)
economy with approximately 750,000 interstate motor carriers. Trucks deliver
70% of all freight tonnage while 80% of U.S. communities receive goods exclusively by truck.
The motor carrier industry provides jobs, generating significant income and tax revenue,
representing approximately 5% of U.S. GDP (gross domestic product). Despite one
of every 13 people employed in a trucking-related job, there is a significant
driver shortage. The ATA (American Trucking Associations) currently projects a
shortage of 20,000 to 25,000 drivers in the for-hire truckload market. Women are well
positioned to address this shortage. In 2011, women represented 7% of total employment in the U.S. trucking industry.
The purpose of this study was to identify truck design needs for women truck
drivers. This research is significant due to limited data sources about truck design needs for women drivers. This
study also contributes to the body of knowledge about women in the trucking
industry. In response, a 33-question survey was developed using
QualtricsTM survey software. In
April, 2012, an electronic
survey was distributed to 663 Women in Trucking Association members over a
two-week period with a response rate of 18%. Results were separated into quantitative and qualitative data and
analyzed accordingly. Adjustability was a central issue facing women truck
drivers. Recommendations for seat design, side mirrors, steps, handrails,
hydraulic hood lifters, and steering consoles will be presented. Limitations of
the study and recommendations for future research will be discussed.
KEYWORDS
Truck cab design, women truck drivers, trucking industry, needs assessment.
Cite this paper
References