Lumberjills. The first time I heard the term, I thought it was just a cutesy, possibly sexist, take on lumberjacks. In researching, I have learned so much more.
The term was first used in the 1910s but became popularized in the 1940s as young women ages 17 to 24 entered the logging industry to replace men who had left to fight World War II. After the war, they returned to their homes and everyday life. Today, approximately 4% of the wood industry workforce are women.
This has been an interesting topic to research. However, let me state that it is neither feminist nor chauvinist. Both genders are equal, albeit each has its own particular advantages. Women are detail-oriented, better communicators, and problem-solvers. Men are physically more muscular due to muscle mass, body composition, and hormonal influence. This information is based on Google, so you be the judge.
I believe both genders should be allowed to pursue any career path. A man can be just as accomplished as a nurse or nanny, as a woman a lumberjill.
You would be hard-pressed to wait any length of time in Creswell, Cottage Grove, Pleasant Hill, or Springfield and not see a log truck roll by on its way to a mill or piggyback (the trailer loaded onto the truck chassis). What is not so common, in fact downright rare, would be seeing a lady driver behind the wheel. But how is a log truck driving different for a woman than for a man? Or is it? Let’s look.
At one time, before automation and new technology, log truck driving may have been more challenging for a woman, but not so much today. For example, whether you’re operating a car, a log truck, or a Caterpillar Knuckleboom Loader, the driver/operator must simply learn the different knobs, gears, and levers and their purposes.
A few examples:
• Transmissions: Most late-model log trucks have automatic transmissions, so there is no more shifting or clutch-pedal work. The truck still has a clutch, but it’s now housed in the transmission itself.
• Power steering: Power steering is a key component of a truck’s stability and suspension system.
• Power brakes: Log trucks typically have power brakes, which means they use air brakes to provide stopping power for heavy loads. They work on the principle of compressed air instead of hydraulic pressure.
• Jake brakes: A jake brake is an engine braking system that assists with slowing down on steep grades. To use it, you take your foot off the pedal and flip the Engine Brake switch to High, Low, or Off.
• Binders and Wrappers: These cables or straps help stabilize the load. In most cases the loader operator will position the wrapper on the load. The driver will then use a long-handled hook to pull the wrapper end under the load and connect it to a binder. The driver then needs to ratchet down the load, securing it for transport. Strength may play a part in this procedure, giving men the advantage.
• Wheels and tires: Most log truck companies have a repair division, which includes repairing flat tires, etc. A driver would unlikely have to repair it on his own with help.
This article has not been a rivalrous exposé of men vs. women log truck drivers, but rather to gain knowledge and perspective of the minuscule female log truck driving force.
Finally, most important are job duties—reliability, courtesy, and safety are paramount regardless of gender. Lady drivers are undoubtedly all that, and according to one truck boss of a large Springfield company, “capable and still feminine.” That sounds like a happy ending.
Norma Gavick is a freelance contributor who lives near Creswell. She wrote this for The Chronicle.
