Historically, women have always faced challenges entering male-dominated industries, and the trucking industry is no exception. However, as time has passed and women have gotten involved, progress has been made. In 2022, around 14% of all truck drivers were women. That number dropped slightly in 2023 due to several factors such as ongoing safety concerns, an increased number of parents homeschooling their children, and perpetuated misunderstandings or misconceptions about the industry. However, it’s projected that the volume of women in trucking will continue to grow, particularly as diversity and inclusion policies become more formal in American workplaces. 

The Growing Presence of Women in Trucking

Women are beginning to make up a larger portion of the workforce of the trucking industry, not just as truck drivers but also in roles such as safety and dispatching. In fact, a 2023 report from CNBC found that dispatch and safety roles are often filled by women, at rates of over 40%. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics also found that Class A licensed road drivers (drivers able to operate vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds) are women approximately 14% of the time. And in executive positions, women thrive, too — around a third of all C-suite executives in the industry are women. 

What’s leading to this increase in involvement? Industry initiatives and changing perceptions both play a role. For example, the CEO of Women In Trucking (WIT), Ellen Voie, remarks that women are often excellent candidates for truck driving roles because they’re good at communicating and multitasking. They have good organizational skills and are less likely to take risks, making them less of a liability on the road. 

Speeding Past Challenges in the Trucking Industry

Despite the uptick in women in the industry, women still have challenges they have to overcome when they enter the field. Common issues include:

• Gender bias and the misconception that driving a truck is too physically demanding for women
• Safety concerns, such as worries about assault, harassment, and trouble accessing truck or rest stops with appropriate facilities for them
• Work-life balance, including the gender bias that women are expected to care for their children and home while men are expected to work and provide for the family

These stereotypes and challenges aren’t fair, and women (as well as many men and companies in the industry) are pushing back. There are ways you can overcome these common challenges, as well. Some options may include:

Working With Strong Partners

One thing that can help you thrive as a woman in trucking is working closely with nonprofit organizations that know what you’re going through and that want to help. 

The Women In Trucking Association is one such organization. It has over a decade of history supporting the employment of women in the trucking industry as well as fighting for changes that support more women in the industry. The nonprofit supports inclusive corporate cultures, fair compensation practices, and other key changes that would provide what women need to work safely and effectively in this industry.

Take Safety Into Your Own Hands

Regardless of the industry you’re in, taking safety into account can be a key to keeping yourself out of harm’s way. Some tips for women in the industry include:

• Parking in well-lit areas when possible
• Carrying personal safety products 
• Staying in touch with your dispatcher or colleagues. If you’re in doubt about the safety of a situation, reach out. Get advice and decide if you need to involve the police or other safety professionals.

Reach Out to Other Women Truck Drivers

Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to other women already working in the industry. They will often have tips and tricks for finding the best places to rest, good solutions to common problems they came across when they first started in the industry, and be willing to exchange views on current issues affecting women in the workplace.

The Importance of Women in Trucking

Having women in the trucking industry is vital, particularly as there is a shortage of drivers. Starting during the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns and illness disrupted the ability to train and test new drivers. And, because of a surge in demand, the industry was strained even further. 

It’s estimated that the shortage of drivers reported in 2021 (80,000 drivers) could reach as much as 160,000 by 2030. To address that kind of demand, the American Trucking Association (ATA) states it would have to recruit a million new truck drivers within the next 10 years — a significant feat considering there are only 2.9 million semi-truck drivers on the road today. 

Increasing the presence of women in the workforce isn’t just important to the supply chain, though. It’s also a necessary part of making a more diverse, welcoming environment for people of all kinds. Having a diverse workforce can lead to better innovation and decision-making. It can also mean changes in how the workday looks. 

According to a 2023 survey from WIT and TransForce, women care about working with companies that support flexible scheduling and competitive pay. And, the companies who want to recruit women are more likely to offer these kinds of benefits — benefits that largely support the well-being of the workforce overall. 

Additionally, having women in the workforce has already led to changes to support their needs. For example, one company reports that it added luxury amenities such as a daycare, private bunk rooms, a salon, a gym, and healthcare facilities at its company’s terminal. These changes support women and men in a way that encourages a stronger work-life balance. 

Top Initiatives Supporting Women in Trucking

With several initiatives and programs to support women in trucking, it is becoming easier for women to break into the field. 

Through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over $30 million in funding was offered to the 50 states to expedite CDL licensing. Additionally, each state received a toolkit to address state-specific challenges and delays in CDL licensing. 

Women In Trucking (WIT)’s goal is to bring gender diversity to transportation. WIT is a nonprofit that supports women’s rights and is an organization women can join as they enter the field. It offers blogs, mentoring, whitepapers, a webinar series, member discounts, and more to support women as they get started in their careers. You can also attend the Accelerate! Conference & Expo, a Women in Trucking conference that has educational sessions, six educational areas of focus, and more. 

Join the Trucking Industry With Pride

At Pride Transport, we welcome and support women in trucking. Whether you’re just getting started or you are looking for a new company to call home, we’re here to support you as you explore your career options in the trucking industry. Apply now.