Celebrating Women in Trucking

Celebrating Women in Trucking

By Ellen Voie, President & CEO

Women in Trucking Association

The trucking industry has traditionally been a male-populated field. However, in recent years, more and more women have been entering the industry and making a name for themselves. Women now make up around 14% of the trucking workforce in the United States, up from just 4% in 2000. While this is still a relatively small percentage, it represents a significant increase and shows that the industry is becoming more inclusive.

There are many reasons why women are drawn to the trucking industry. For some, it is a chance to earn a good income and support their families. For others, it is a way to see the country and experience new places. Whatever the reason, women are proving that they can be just as successful as their male counterparts in this challenging field.

One of the challenges that women face in the trucking industry is the physical demands of the job. Truck driving requires long hours of sitting, sometimes heavy lifting, and maneuvering large vehicles. However, with proper training and equipment, women can perform these tasks just as well as men.

Another challenge for women in the trucking industry is safety. Women are more vulnerable to harassment and assault when working in male-dominated fields, and trucking is no exception. However, many companies are taking steps to address these issues and create a safer working environment for all employees.

More than a decade ago, carriers didn’t focus on attracting and retaining women.  The typical response was that they just “hired the best person.”  However, the playing field wasn’t level for women, as trucks had been designed with men in mind, uniforms weren’t sized for women and even the truck stops had male only community showers and driver’s lounges.

This has changed as we provide more data about the benefits women bring to the industry.  Female drivers have been proven to be safer than their male counterparts and are often better with paperwork, more customer friendly and often better with the equipment. Women are risk averse and collaborative, which makes a more attractive driver, regardless of the type of load or size of the rig.

The Women in Trucking Association is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to promoting the employment of women in the trucking industry. The organization provides resources and support for women who are already working in the industry, as well as for those who are considering a career in trucking. It also works with companies to develop programs and policies that promote gender diversity and inclusivity.

In addition to promoting gender diversity in the trucking industry, the Women in Trucking Association also advocates for the safety and well-being of women in the industry. The organization has developed a Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention guide as well as White Papers on parking, safety and the annual WIT index to track the data regarding women in all roles within the trucking industry.

In conclusion, it is an important time to reflect on the progress that has been made in terms of gender equality and to honor the women who have fought for women’s rights. While the trucking industry has traditionally been a male-populated field, more and more women are entering the industry and proving that they can be just as successful as their male colleagues.