DALLAS – Everything is on deck for the supply chain industry and government leaders trying to alleviate bottleneck stresses at US ports. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is urging US Secretary of Labor Marty Welsh to speed up a federal program that recruits and trains truck drivers.

The American Trucking Association estimates that the country is short of about 80,000 truckers.

Amid continued shortages, more women than ever before are being recruited to fill positions in the supply chain industry. Every day, more than 3 million Americans get on tractor-trailers to deliver goods across the United States, but less than 10% of the workforce is made up of women.

“I remember when I was at a truck show and this young lady was with her partner and she was going to get in the truck with him, but he didn’t want her to drive the truck,” Allyson said. Hay. “He wanted her to cook in the truck, and I tell myself I don’t even think about it.”

Walmart Truck Driver Allyson Hay is on a mission to recruit women into the trucking industry. For more than 25 years, Hay has been transporting goods from coast to coast, and one thing she has noticed at almost every truck stop is the lack of women working in the industry.

“I was really wondering where they were,” Hay said. “We are constantly moving freight in different directions. Everyone has taken everyone, everyone is on the bridge. “

Despite an 88% increase in women driving since 2010, less than 10% of the workforce currently constitutes. When not behind the wheel, Hay serves as an ambassador for the Walmart Road Team and Women in Trucking. In her spare time, she helps recruit and show other women that there are opportunities for them too.

“Everything I had to do sailing 20 years ago you don’t have to do anymore,” said Hay. “Just come in and press a few buttons, and you’re good to go.” “

The seasoned truck driver has driven over a million miles on America’s highways and said it was the best career choice she’s ever made. On the road, Hay shares part of his journey through Youtube videos showing women and other tips on the road.

“Trucking is me, you know. I love driving trucks. I feel like I have a lot to give,” said Hay. “Every time I see a woman, I smile and give her the green light because we have a lot to offer this industry. “

The founder of the nonprofit Women in Trucking, Ellen Voie, said having more women like Hay helps destigmatize the industry which will continue to grow in the years to come. The global supply chain is expected to grow by more than 17% per year through 2028, according to Grand View Research.

“Beyond marketing and HR, they have to be in operations and areas that really have a financial responsibility to the business to show what they can do,” Voie said. “Women don’t imagine themselves in the trucking industry and they don’t know how much they are valued and needed.”

The organization focuses on recruiting and mentoring women towards successful careers within the supply chain industry. Besides truck drivers, Voie said women are also needed for jobs ranging from diesel technicians to board positions.