With a well-documented shortage of truck drivers in the United States, one solution might be to encourage more women to consider a career as a truck driver.
The Kickoff
There just are not enough women in the industry at this time. While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact percentage due to different research methods, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the number of women in the trucking industry declined from 8.1% of the workforce in 2022 to 6.9% in 2023.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) found that women trucker drivers are safer drivers than their male counterparts. ATRI also reported that women had “fewer crashes, convictions, and violations” than male truck drivers based on 2022 Predicting Truck Crash Involvement Research. It would benefit the industry as a whole to attract more female drivers.
In 2020, ATRI began research to determine what deterred women from the industry and what could be done about it.
The Research
ATRI gathered qualitative data by sending out a survey to both men and women. Next, they created a focus group of 11 women from many companies to gain personal, real-life advice and insight into the trucking world women face.
At the end of the survey and focus group interviews, ATRI compiled the information into six challenges and proposed some potential solutions.
Six Challenges
- Negative Industry Image and Perception
- Unable to Complete Truck Driver Training
- Unsatisfactory Motor Carrier Company Culture
- Inability to Acclimate to OTR Driver Lifestyle
- Limited Parking and Restroom Facility Access
- Excessive Gender Harassment and Discrimination
Solutions
Not every solution is going to work for every woman. However, ATRI was able to compile a list of solutions that may encourage more women to pursue a career in trucking.
Marketing
One potential solution is to market specifically to women. Emphasizing competitive pay, childcare opportunities during training, and the independent lifestyle that the industry provides, could all prove attractive to women.
Safety
Safety was also a concern to some female respondents. ATRI suggests advertising the ability to bring a dog, both as a companion and added protection. Other solutions could be organizing routes so that stops are early in the day and that parking is available close to restrooms and food.
Health
To mitigate the challenges of being on the road, encouraging health maintenance may be beneficial. Education regarding sleep hygiene, mental health and other physical health practices could result in healthier, happier employees.
Community
While ATRI had many other suggestions in its report, it was clear that the respondents felt the need for community. The report suggests devising strategies to create time for truck drivers to connect with loved ones, whether by devising reasonable travel times or encouraging digital communication while away from home. Community within the workforce can be encouraged by creating mentorship programs and women-specific groups where women can feel connected and understood.
Perhaps with intentional efforts, women-specific initiatives and research like ATRI’s, more women will see the trucking industry as a possible career. If you are interested in this topic, please review ATRI’s “ Identifying and Mitigating the Challenges Faced By Women Truck Drivers” released in June 2024.
About Schneider Downs Transportation & Logistics Services
The Schneider Downs Transportation & Logistics industry group includes assurance, tax, technology and management consulting professionals who combine their individual expertise to serve transportation and logistics companies throughout the United States. We possess the capabilities and industry expertise to provide our clients with state-of-the-art technologies and timely communication of the most current and pervasive legislative and regulatory changes impacting the industry.
To learn more, visit our Transportation & Logistics Industry Group page.
