A look at how the transportation and logistics industry is shifting its perception of drivers and their role as skilled laborers.
The transportation and logistics industry have long been mired in a number of preconceived notions and misconceptions. Archaic stereotypes that truck drivers and mechanics are all males, or that a truck driver is ‘just another driver’ have long plagued the public’s perception of what is an essential service populated by people who are highly trained skilled laborers.
While Musket Transport and its private career college, CHET, have made strides to expand the general mindset of those who view the trucking and transport industry in a negative light, there’s still work to do.
“It’s time that the public reframes their view of commercial drivers,” stated Sophia Sniegowski Begidzhanov, Corporate Communications Officer for Musket Transport. “Most see trucks on the roads and highways as a nuisance. News typically dictates that drivers and trucks are dangerous since the bulk covers accidents versus innovations. The industry is heading in a progressive direction when it comes to technology and environmentalism but this isn’t a part of the public dialogue.”
A skilled trade is any occupation that requires a particular skill set, knowledge, or ability.
By the very definition, truck driving is a skilled trade. Professional drivers hold a particular skillset in their ability to drive safely and operate a large vehicle that requires extensive testing and licensing. Their knowledge of road safety, transport process, and their ability to adapt to shifting road and weather conditions is unparalleled compared to any other industry. Schooling is required in order to properly and safely drive and operate a transport truck.
(Photo: a CHET student takes his first lesson on the Virage simulator)“Due to the pandemic,” continued Begidzhanov, “drivers have been seen as a necessity. As heroes. But the truth is, they have always been and always will be at the centre of driving our society.”
Over time, Musket is looking forward to changing the hearts and minds of the people that truck drivers serve so diligently every single day they’re on the road.
Certainly, the dire need of transportation of goods during the pandemic did frame drivers in a different light, but nothing about their job changed. They were simply recognized for the services they had always provided.
The media tends to highlight more accidents and dangerous driving while the film industry has long portrayed truck drivers as miscreants who shirk the law (Smokey and the Bandit, Convoy, Any Which Way But Loose, Black Dog, etc.). None of these misleading or fictionalized portrayals have helped the cause.
However, over time, Musket is looking forward to changing the hearts and minds of the people that truck drivers serve so diligently every single day they’re on the road.
Begidzhanov went on to say, “We rely on them [drivers] to uphold our quality of life with the plethora of goods and services we enjoy. We will continue to share the realities and benefits of being a driver in an effort to celebrate those driving now and encourage others to join.”
By educating the public through social and digital media, by building community initiatives, and by offering opportunity through scholarship programs (like the Annual Female AZ Scholarship), Musket is helping drive society as a whole into the future, with high hopes and open minds.
Learn More About Our Female AZ Scholarship HERE.