When many people picture a trucker, they automatically think of a rugged man. Although the trucking industry has historically been predominantly male, the number of women in trucking continues to grow. The truck driver shortage has created an increased need for new drivers of both genders, and continuing to welcome more women into trucking is a promising way to meet this need.
More information about women in trucking:
Statistics About Women Truck Drivers
In 2008, 4.9% of over-the-road truckers were female. 2019 data from Freightwaves and the Women in Trucking Association (WIT) indicates that this number has increased to 10.2%. The number of women executives at trucking companies also rose to over 25%.
Why Women Enter the Trucking Industry
There are a variety of reasons women decide to become truck drivers. For the most part, the benefits that attract male drivers also attract female drivers.
Some reasons to enter the trucking industry include:
- Long-haul drivers can earn more than $66,000 a year.*
- You can earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) in as little as four weeks, which is a small amount of training time, especially considering the earning potential.
- Trucking gives you the opportunity to enjoy the freedom of the open road and see more of the country.
Barriers to Address for Women in Trucking
While truck driving has become more welcoming for women, there are still some barriers. Overall, companies are working to address these and have made significant improvements over the years.
Some barriers and possible solutions include:
- Traditionally, semi-trucks have been designed for men. Women, who are shorter and smaller on average, may have been less comfortable in these vehicles. Today, more and more companies are considering the needs of women truck drivers and are designing cabs that are more accommodating.
- Safety can be a concern for female truckers who are traveling alone. Luckily, advancements in security technology, along with the support and advice of women who have dealt with issues in the past, have made it easier for women to feel safe on the open road. Companies are more aware of the unique concerns female drivers and trainees have and are working to improve their experiences. Many truck stops have also updated their facilities to provide more safety and comfort for all drivers, male and female.
- Some companies still have corporate cultures that are not welcoming to women. The good news is that more and more carriers realize what a valuable asset female drivers are. Like trucking school graduates of both genders, women can benefit from talking to current drivers about the companies they are interested in driving for. This allows them to make decisions using all of the information available.
Our School Welcomes All CDL Students
HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) strives to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. We can help you get on the road and earning and we offer job placement assistance to make it easier for you to start your career.
If you are interested in entering the exciting trucking industry, contact us today.
*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $46,370. The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $66,840 per year according to the 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics.
