There are an estimated 200,000 female truck drivers on the road today, and that number is only going to increase as companies try to satisfy a shortage of truck drivers and as the industry’s diversity hiring practices evolve. But what does it take to be a female trucker?

Well, as it happens, it takes the same traits to be a female trucker as it does to be a male trucker. First and foremost, you must be a good, cautious driver. And, unless you are part of a team, you have to thrive in solitude.

In addition to the safety and security of their loads, experts say female truckers need to pay extra attention to their own personal safety and security.

Women in Trucking lays out a set of guidelines for women truck drivers to protect themselves, including:

•         Walk pets only in well-lit areas

•         Carry a hip pocket billfold or wallet instead of a hand bag

•         Don’t wear expensive-looking jewelry

•         Never sleep where you get a cash advance or use the ATM

•         Don’t advertise where you are stopping to sleep or what type of load you’re hauling

•         Keep doors locked, even when in the cab

•         Don’t carry large amounts of cash

•         Carry identification with you at all times

The interesting thing about these guidelines is that they apply equally well to male truckers.

Another major issue facing all truckers is health — the lifestyle of a trucker can lead to unhealthy eating practices, such as eating fast food often and having junk food snacks. For all truckers, diabetes and heart disease can be major concerns. Just like some people think trucking is a man’s profession, heart disease is often seen as a man’s problem. But heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S.

For women who can successfully navigate the challenges of the lifestyle, trucking is an emotionally and financially rewarding profession. We are looking for stories of female truckers’ experiences on the road.

If you have a great story to tell, let us know in the comments below.