Paving the way for women in truck driving

“Just give it a go, you don’t know till you try.” That is Hayley Watt’s advice to any woman, regardless of age or experience, interested in truck driving
Hayley, who started hauling logs for Borlase Transport in February 2024, has always had a passion for machinery.

“Dad drove gravel trucks when I was little, and although I only went out on the road with him a few times, I loved it. It definitely had an influence on me,” Hayley explains.

Since then, she’s gained experience operating various types of machinery, including tractors, loaders, diggers, and rollers. Her machinery journey has taken her through a market garden near Motueka, a large cattle station in North Queensland and a local agricultural and residential masonry company.

Log hauling was always something Hayley wanted to pursue, and it required her to complete her class 5 license. However, in a still predominantly male-dominated field, she wasn’t sure it would be the right fit for her.

“When I started, I was relieved to find such a supportive environment,” Hayley says. “I spent my first week as a passenger, then a week driving an unloaded truck only, and after that, I spent a few weeks driving with someone beside me. It was a great way to get started.”

Hayley highlights that while many of the drivers are men, there are also opportunities for women in the industry.

“There are only three women drivers here at Borlase. There’s definitely room for more women to get into truck driving if they’re interested,” she says.

She also mentions that tasks like throwing chains can be physically demanding, requiring strength and precision to secure large, uneven loads.

“I’ve learned different ways to secure chains and manage other tasks that require a lot of strength,” she adds.

Hayley says the industry is supportive and encouraging of women drivers. She concludes; “I really enjoy the people in the industry and my co-workers. If you’re thinking about it, just give it a go—you don’t know till you try.”