Today, Overdrive released the finalists in its “Overdrive’s Most Beautiful” contest.
Women account for only 7 percent of the nation’s 3 million truck drivers and Overdrive set out to recognize some of the most beautiful women in trucking, who are beautiful both inside and out.
According to a press release, 71 women were nominated for the contest. The requirements for nominees were that they hold a current CDL, drive full time and haul freight. The nominees represented a wide age range, though all share a passion for trucking.
“Trucking often has a negative image with the driving public,” says Carolyn Mason , an Overdrive contributor who organized the contest. “We wanted to show that behind the wheel of that big rig you just passed on the highway might be someone who could be your mom, your sister or your best friend. We also wanted to show that trucking can be a good career choice for women with a sense of adventure.”
Throughout the month of April, 12,000 people cast their vote for their favorite nominee. The nominees were then narrowed down to 10 finalists. On June 1, nominees were narrowed down to three finalists.
The three final nominees will now head to the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, Texas, on August 22-24. They will receive makeovers and have their pictures taken with custom trucks. The winner will be featured on the cover of Overdrive.
Drivers, do you think contests like this objectify women, or are they just fun? If you could come up with a trucking contest, what would you choose? How about a contest to recognize those who have helped make a change in the trucking industry?