Esther Parsons: "Trucking Is A Blessing That Keeps on Giving"

Esther Parsons is a Women In Trucking Image Team member who started working for UPS as a feeder driver at the Eastern Zone Regional Hub in Middletown, PA. When asked what she loves most about her job, she quickly replies: "the view!" She has since moved on to a sleeper team, but her love for her career behind the wheel has not changed.

Early in her career when she was driving locally and regionally, she covered nine states. Now she has a colored-coded map and added 32 states to that total. "It has been fantastic because I don't know if I would ever have seen all this if I hadn't joined a sleeper team. I love seeing our country from the windshield," she says.

Parsons finds trucking liberating on multiple levels. "We often impose limits on ourselves as women and individuals,” she says. “This industry expands your horizons, instills confidence, and brings financial freedom. It's a blessing that keeps on giving." Her words resonate with a sense of empowerment and liberation that a career as a professional truck driver can offer a woman.

She knows of many women pioneers in this industry before she came along. Parsons notices employers are much more accepting, especially within the past 10 years, than it has been for the ladies who have been out on the road for decades. She says she hasn't heard such disparaging remarks lately: "Oh well, you're a woman. We don't want you for this job.” Now she hears, "You're here, let's go!" She mentions that being out on the road just today, she saw women pulling tankers, flatbeds, doubles, dry vans, and reefers. "It's amazing—you name it, and we're driving it." Parsons reflects.

She wants women to know that they should not fall into the trap of “imposter syndrome.” This is a psychological pattern in which individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of their competence or successes.

This is not uncommon for female professional truck drivers, she says. They fear that they won't be able to perform well enough, that they lack knowledge, or that they weren't taught enough, is a hurdle that can be overcome. Step out, be seen, and do your job with excellence. At the end of the day, when you return home, you can be confident in the visibility you've created for yourself. You can proudly check off another list of things you've not only done, but done exceptionally well, she says. 

She wants women to know and believe in themselves. Find a mentor or big brother/big sister. Someone you can go to ask questions because you are always going to have questions. Someone you are comfortable with to get the answers. Parsons says: "I still keep in contact with my first mentee; she has been with me for a few years. I have had 5 mentees so far, and of course, I am a mentee myself. My mentor, Jodi Edwards, also is a Women in Trucking (WIT) Image team member, and she is fantastic!"

Parsons loves being a mentor. "Don't ever give up! There will be hard days, but you'll get through them; just don't give up," she emphasizes. She strongly feels that this is a great industry to get into, especially for empty nesters or for anyone looking for a career change.

Parsons' decision to join WIT was driven by her desire to be part of a supportive community. She values the sisterhood it offers, knowing she can always reach out to her mentor for guidance or a listening ear. This sense of support and camaraderie is a key aspect of the trucking industry that Parsons wants women to be aware of, fostering a sense of connection and support.

Parsons is a member of the WIT Image Team Class of 2024. “It is wonderful to see and is fantastic to be a part of the group,” she states.

Parsons underscores the importance of thorough research when considering a career in the trucking industry. With numerous facets in transportation, it's crucial to understand the market in your area, job availability, and local training options. This emphasis on research aims to make the audience feel well-informed and prepared for their career journey, instilling a sense of readiness and confidence.

This is not a 9-5 job, she reiterates. Don't expect to get a gravy run straight out of school. You might go over the road for a year or two. Doing your research ahead of time will help you in the long run. It's a journey that requires patience and perseverance, but the rewards are worth it.

Parsons says that she is very thankful, first and foremost, to be UPS's first WIT Image Team member. She is grateful for all the UPS' support. She adds: "I wholeheartedly believe this is a tremendous experience for women and anyone involved in the trucking industry. It has definitely been a blessing to me."

Related Articles:

• From the Cubicle to the Cab: Esther Parsons Tells Her Story
• WIT Announces Class of 2024 Image Team
• Meet Jodi Edwards: A 2-Million Safe Miles Driver with a Million-Dollar Smile
• In Her Lane: How Empowering Women Fuels Jerry Baez
• What About the Sisterhood In Trucking?

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