American Trucking Associations’ Women in Motion program is compiling stories from independent contractors in all 50 states to share how they leveraged the owner-operator model to build a successful career in the industry. Each women shares why she chose the contractor route and what she’d like policymakers to know about how threats to the model will affect her life.
BAMBI BEALER
Arkansas Owner Operator
How long have you been in the trucking industry?
I began my trucking career in July 2012. 11.5 years.
How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting impact your life?
It would be devastating. My family depends on my income and the flexibility that being an independent contractor provides. A ban or a restriction would limit both of those.
Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?
I wanted to run my own business. I felt it was time for me to grow.
What message would you like to send to policymakers?
Not all independent contractors are the same. Although our name says independent contractor, we are not just “gig” workers, we are small business owners! Our business depends on these companies we work with. We don’t need or want new legislation that will increase our costs!
Drivers from all over the country responded to WIM’s prompts and reported that freedom, family, finances and their futures are at stake if they lose the ability to continue driving independently. Below are more excerpts from their stories:
How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting impact your life?
Restrictions or a ban would take away my flexibility and decrease my income, too. First and foremost, this would impact my health as I continue to drive and operate while being treated for melanoma cancer. If I wasn’t an independent contractor, I could not afford to take time off for my infusions and the two days that follow … —Ingrid Brown, North Carolina
Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?
… I chose to have a large family, and with that comes all types of responsibilities like paying for sports, gifts for friends, events, etc. Working a regular 9-5 and affording daycare just didn’t make sense for me because the cost of day care for one is about $1400 per month. So, I needed more money, and let me tell you, when I became an independent contractor, I completely changed tax brackets twice all on my own. I am able to be at home with my growing family at times that are most important … —Jethel Camp, Minnesota
… As a Black woman, I built a successful business and created a profitable pathin an industry that had once belonged almost exclusively to men. As a single parent, I needed both flexibility, and the opportunity to provide for them. Being an independent truck driver empowered me to run my truck as my own small business.
I love traveling on the job, the freedom to be my own boss, and the option to take my children with me on long hauls when I can. —Dee Sova, Missouri
What message would you like to send to policymakers?
Don’t mess with people’s livelihoods. We have enough to worry about with the drivers on the road, our load, maintaining our equipment and making ends meet. —Elizabeth Mason, Alabama
If the government forces us to become company employees, we will lose everything that we have worked so hard for. We will lose our small business, we will lose our ability to provide the lifestyle that we worked so hard for, and the freedom of setting our own destinations both financially and personally. —Whitney White, Nevada
WIM is still accepting owner-operator stories at trucking.org/wim_independent_contractors Women in Motion’s diverse membership includes women and their allies in the transportation industry, spanning various roles nationwide—from truck drivers to HR professionals and from technicians to CEOs. This group unites under WIM’s
banner with the common objectives of advocating for women’s issues, eliminating barriers to their success, engaging in impactful programs and life-changing mentorships, and finding community within the industry.
