Dorothy V. Bryant, a career tractor-trailer driver, was featured in the MSDE curriculum developed by the Maryland Women’s History Project in 1996. A summary of her career at the time is included here, as well as the text of an interview with her.
Quote” “Work for women in non-traditional jobs is very rewarding, but you must be prepared to do the job well and conduct yourself with dignity, emotional strength and a sense of humor. Don’t be limited by stereotypes – aim high!”
For more than thirty years Dorothy “Dottie” Bryant has been in the transportation business, first as a school bus driver and then as a tractor-trailer driver for twenty-five years. She makes deliveries for a supermarket chain to five states and finds it extremely rewarding to know that she contributes everyday to the quality of people’s lives. She knows that “If you got it, a truck driver brought it.” She also works to educate the public about highway safety.
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An interview with Dottie Bryant:
Career Experience: I have been in the transportation field for the past 34 years. The first nine years as a school bus driver and the past 25 years as a tractor-trailer driver. Earlier jobs were in traditional women’s positions such as: clerk/typist, flight records keeper at Andrews Air Force Base, restaurant hostess and as a mother doing all the jobs associated with bringing up children (nurse, confidant, overseer, mediator, chauffeur and all those other jobs necessary to meet the challenge!)
Career Responsibilities: I operate, prepare, maintain, deliver and unload tractor-trailers valued at over $85,000 (excluding the load) in a safe, courteous and timely manner. I do this in day and/or night in all types of weather. In 25 years my delivery operations have only been stopped once and for only four hours. Although my first seven years involved deliveries from as far north as Albany, New York and South to Thomasville, North Carolina, my job with Safeway, Inc. is regional. I service stores in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., with “back-hauls” from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. A typical day may include being stuck in Beltway traffic, bad weather, a good load that comes off the trailer well, friendly faces and the night sky with a beautiful harvest moon and perhaps a “shooting star” to wish upon. I love the confusion and solitude. Each passing day, I realize my tremendous contribution to the quality of your lives and the continuing success of my Nation. Truly – “If You Got It a Truck Driver Brought It” – what could be more Rewarding?
Career Choice: Like so many others, I developed an interest in my “real career” without being aware of the direction I would take in later life. As a teenager I was eager to get my driver’s license like all my friends. My parents felt 16 years old was too young to drive. I had to wait a year – it was the longest year of my life! Finally, I was 17 and had that drivers license. I held the steering wheel in my hands and knew driving was something I was going to love! In my mid-thirties the truck driver bug hit me. My older children were able to care for the youngest daughter and I was finally able to start driving the “Big Rigs.” A family friend instructed me and I began the career I love. Early in my life I made the decision to be an exemplary driver. This attitude has helped me overcome problems that occur. The day I retire, I will step down from the cab of a tractor-trailer!
Career Preparation: I have always been comfortable and confident driving cars and trucks. I got my driving education on the highways and learned laws as I went along. Currently there are many certified truck driver training schools, some through colleges and community colleges (county) that offer detailed training and on the road experience. Costs range from $1,500 to $,4,000 so you must investigate in order to get the most and best for your money. Often financial assistance can be obtained. The highest paying jobs for women are in the non-traditional jobs (Truck Drivers, Construction, Electricians, Welders, etc.). These jobs are very rewarding, but be aware – you are working “a man’s job.” Be well prepared. Do the job well – conduct yourself with dignity – be emotionally strong (no tissue paper feelings) and keep a sense of humor – co-workers respect ability.
Career and Lifestyle: I have always worked in the New York – North Carolina corridor which allowed me to be at home some time each day. I had older children who helped care for my youngest daughter. Your family support is necessary since you could be working irregular hours. Family members will have to share home duties. Truck driving is my life and I have had to develop priorities. My house is clean, but if the floor needs cleaning and I need to sleep then, the floor can wait. You can’t be all things to all people. Satisfy yourself, and everything will fall into place. If you are able, consider cross-country driving. See the United States and get paid to do it! Future Plans I would like to continue as a Tractor-Trailer Driver and educate the motoring public about highway safety. How trucks and cars can share the roads. Let them understand the limitations of vehicles. All age groups can benefit, but we must not forget the very young and the very old driver.
Resources and read more
Obituary for Dorothy V. Bryant, Beall Funeral Home, Date of Death June 1, 2018