When people picture the early days of trucking, they often imagine rugged men behind the wheel. But women were there too—shifting gears, hauling loads, and challenging stereotypes from the very beginning.
The history of female truck drivers is full of grit, determination, and trailblazing spirit. These early pioneers didn’t just drive trucks—they helped reshape an industry.
Luella Bates – America’s First Lady of Trucking
In the 1910s, Luella Bates became one of the first women to drive professionally. She worked for the Four Wheel Drive Auto Company, not just operating trucks but also giving public demonstrations and helping to promote the reliability of the vehicles.
At a time when women couldn’t even vote, Luella was out driving cross-country, checking oil, changing tires, and proving she could do it all.
Lillie McGee Drennan – Licensed and Unstoppable
In 1929, Lillie McGee Drennan became the first woman in Texas to hold a commercial truck driver’s license. She co-owned and ran a trucking company, hauling everything from oil to explosives.
When regulators questioned her because of her hearing loss or because she was a woman, she famously said:
“If any man can beat my record, let him try.”
Her reputation for safety and reliability made her a legend in early trucking history.
Opening the Road for Others
These early drivers paved the way for future generations of women in trucking. Today, thousands of female drivers operate everything from dump trucks to semis, proving that trucking has never been just a man’s job.
The road hasn’t always been easy—but thanks to pioneers like Luella and Lillie, it’s always been open.
The Legacy Continues
The story of women truck drivers is one of courage, strength, and breaking boundaries. As the industry evolves, more women are joining the ranks and continuing the journey that started more than a century ago.
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