The trucking industry has historically been overwhelmingly male-dominated, to the point where women feel unwelcome. However, trucking companies are currently facing a severe issue. Due to an aging workforce and demanding job requirements, fewer people are becoming truck drivers. The result? A truck driver shortage of roughly 60,000, with experts estimating it could reach 162,000 by 2030.
While this shortage is causing problems for trucking companies, it creates an opportunity for female truck drivers. As the demand for drivers grows, now is the time to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and start your career. The industry will be better for it — hiring women often improves company culture and safety.
If you want to become a female truck driver, read on to learn more about the job and why women are a great fit. You’ll also discover the challenges women truck drivers face and receive tips for starting a successful trucking career.
Women in Trucking Statistics
In 2023, there were over 2.2 million heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver jobs in the U.S. However, an incredibly low percentage of all drivers are women. According to the 2024 Women in Trucking Index, women only make up 9.5% of professional truck drivers.
While the percentages of women in trucking-related leadership roles are higher, they are still lower than men. On average, women make up:
- 34.5% of company leadership roles.
- 29.5% of board of director committees.
- 28% of C-suite executive roles.
The Importance of Women in the Trucking Industry
Increasing the percentage of women truck drivers is crucial to the trucking industry’s success. While many companies seek male drivers, increasing the number of female drivers can help:
- Decrease the labor shortage: The main advantage of hiring women truckers is that the industry can work toward improving the labor shortage. Most truck drivers in the U.S. are men, so trucking companies can employ women to fill roles and better meet the demand.
- Foster diversity and inclusivity: The trucking industry has historically fallen short in the diversity department. By hiring women and minority groups, trucking companies can take a step toward creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce and culture where everyone feels welcome.
- Empower women: More women driving trucks can help challenge the long-held perceptions in the industry. Some of these include myths about men being better drivers and women being unable to handle large trucks. As the percentage of women in trucking grows, more women will feel empowered to start a trucking career for themselves.
- Enhance company culture: Efforts to hire women for trucking positions often include policy, training and working condition adjustments to make roles more attractive. These changes can make all employees feel more valued and motivated, contributing to a more positive company culture and helping businesses attract talent.
- Improve business outcomes: Diversity is known to drive innovation and help companies stay competitive. Research shows that gender-balanced workplaces have better profitability, reputations and business outcomes. Each company’s success contributes to the overall success of the industry.
Why Women Make Good Truck Drivers
Contrary to existing stereotypes and biases, women are just as competent as men in truck driving. They also bring valuable skill sets and perspectives that benefit their work. One particular advantage women truck drivers have is their contribution to road safety. Women are involved in far fewer fatal crashes than men in the U.S. each year, and this has been the case for over a decade.
Why is this? A long-held societal belief is that women are less risk-averse than men. While this may not be true for all women, research shows that women believe they are more cautious, careful, patient and aware of their surroundings while driving. Men are more likely to receive seat belt violations, speeding convictions and failure to obey traffic signal convictions.
With more women behind the wheel, the trucking industry can improve safety in the long term.
Unique Challenges Women Truck Drivers Face
Despite the safety advantage of women driving trucks, many struggle to succeed in the trucking industry. Various challenges unique to female truck drivers make the job difficult, such as:
- Stereotypes: Women constantly face gender-related stereotypes that affect their career prospects. For example, some people believe that trucking is a masculine job and women aren’t interested in or can’t handle being truck drivers. While false, these stereotypes are still present in the industry and can affect the level of respect women truck drivers receive.
- Harassment: Many women also face sexual harassment on the job, such as inappropriate comments, unwanted physical advances or verbal threats. While the majority of female truck drivers feel that trucking is safe for women, more than 50% of women in one study said that they have been victims of harassment at some point in their careers.
- Discrimination: Some women face discrimination in the trucking industry due to gender. For example, some trucks are designed with men in mind, making trucking uncomfortable or difficult for women. Work policies may contain discriminatory restrictions around hours and routes for women. Rest areas and truck stops also have fewer facilities for women, like female-only restrooms or changing areas.
Tips for Women Perusing a Career in Trucking
Despite the challenges, pursuing a career in trucking as a woman can be rewarding, and more resources and support are available for women truck drivers than ever before. The job has a positive outlook, with the employment of heavy truck drivers expected to grow by 5% each year. Employment for delivery truck drivers may also increase by 9% annually.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Obtain your CDL: Your first step to becoming a truck driver is to obtain your CDL. You may be able to start working for a company and train for your CDL simultaneously, so inquire with potential employers to find out how their driving application process works.
- Join an organization: Various female professional driver organizations are dedicated to women in trucking and offer support, resources and empowerment. Examples of these organizations in America include Women In Trucking, Women In Motion and Real Women in Trucking.
- Network: Being a woman in trucking is often easier with the support of other women. Attend trucking networking events to meet women and prioritize connecting with and offering them support. These relationships can open the door to mentorship opportunities and make your job more enjoyable.
- Stay safe: Being aware of potential dangers and preparing in advance can help you stay safe on the roads. Preplan your rest and bathroom stops along your route so you only stop at reputable places and pack your own food to reduce stops. Always keep safety gear in the truck cab, such as a first aid kit, flashlight and whistle. Ensure your phone is with you and charged at all times.
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