The Tractor Factor

For a long time, and maybe in some cases still, Americans painted a perfect, stereotypical picture of what a truck driver looks like. Male. White. Patriotic. However, everyone can agree that is no longer the majority demographic of the trucking industry in America. Now, more than ever, we’re seeing diversity in trucking. Younger generations and different demographics of people are embracing this career more than ever before. Women, LGBT people, and immigrants from many countries beyond our neighboring Mexico, for example, are becoming truck drivers. In fact, those in the trucking industry know that there’s a very fast-growing demographic of drivers hitting the road – Sikh truckers. These drivers are Indian Americans who practice the Sikh faith. For those unfamiliar, Sikhism is the fifth most popular religion in the world. It is a monotheistic religion that focuses on equality and service to others. You can recognize Sikh truckers by the fact that they do not cut their hair or beards, and they wear turbans. People unfamiliar with this faith may see Sikhs and associate them as people of Middle Eastern decent. They are, however, from South Asia. They are also one of the fastest rising demographics in the trucking industry – 30,000 Sikhs have entered just in the last two years, according to recent reports. The Lure of the Highway for Sikh Truckers So, what draws this group to the trucking industry? For starters, the appeal is the same for them as it is to anyone else who chooses the profession. Trucking is a way to hide from the micromanagement of corporate America. Although it is becoming more and more regulated, the job itself is a relatively solo activity. If you’re able and willing to put in the hours, you can make really good money in trucking. Plus, on...