More Female Truck Drivers on the Road

Women in Trucking

More women are in the driver’s seat of truck cabs than ever before. While women are still well-under-represented in the field, their numbers have grown by 68% since 2010.

The Numbers Behind the Trend

Statistica created this graphic from a Wall Street Journal report on the latest American Trucking Association data. There were 234,234 professional female drivers on the roads in 2018, however this represents only 6.6% of the 3.5 million truckers.

It makes sense that women are being drawn to the profession. There’s been more recruiting due to the national shortage of truck drivers, and the profession offers equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What factors are contributing to more women entering the trucking industry?

The national truck driver shortage has led to increased recruiting efforts targeting women. Additionally, trucking offers equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, making it an attractive career option. The industry is also becoming more welcoming to female drivers as companies recognize the need to diversify their workforce.

How does the pay for female truck drivers compare to male drivers?

Female truck drivers receive equal pay for equal work in the trucking industry. This pay equity makes trucking one of the more attractive professions for women seeking fair compensation. The industry generally pays based on miles driven, loads delivered, or hourly rates regardless of the driver’s gender.

What percentage of truck drivers were women in 2018?

Women represented 6.6% of all truck drivers in 2018, according to American Trucking Association data. This translates to 234,234 professional female drivers out of 3.5 million total truckers. While still underrepresented, this shows significant growth from previous years.

Are there specific trucking segments where women are more represented?

While the article doesn’t specify particular segments, women work across all trucking sectors including truckload, LTL, refrigerated, container, and specialized hauling. Some segments like local delivery or regional routes may appeal more to women seeking better work-life balance compared to long-haul operations.

What challenges might trucking companies face when hiring more female drivers?

Companies may need to address workplace culture, ensure adequate facilities at terminals, and provide safety measures that appeal to female drivers. They might also need to adjust recruiting strategies and messaging to better attract women to the profession while ensuring an inclusive work environment.