Women in Trucking Ain’t Just Riding Shotgun Anymore

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Equity, Hiring, and Why It’s Not Just About Filling a Quota

Introduction:
If you think trucking is still just for the “good ol’ boys,” you might’ve missed a few exits. Women are showing up in this industry like never before—not just hopping in for the paycheck, but staying, leveling up, and demanding the respect that’s been long overdue.

The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) ain’t just running campaigns for show—they’re pushing for real change: from hiring and safety, to leadership and equity. And with the driver shortage still hanging over the industry like a fog on I-80, this movement couldn’t be more critical.

Let’s talk about what’s really going on out here—and why the future of trucking may just have a ponytail and a CB handle like “Miss Haulin’ Assets.”

Women Are Getting in Gear
You want numbers? Let’s hit you with facts.

Back in the day, women made up about 4-5% of professional drivers. Today, it’s up to 14%, and climbing slowly but steadily. Still a minority, sure—but compared to where it started, that’s a whole convoy of progress.

It’s not just about driving either. More women are entering leadership, dispatch, safety compliance, and even truck manufacturing roles. That means they're not only behind the wheel—they’re helping design the future of trucking from the inside out.

The big push? Representation AND retention. Because it’s not enough to hire more women if they’re gonna leave six months later from feeling unsafe or disrespected.

What the Women in Trucking Association Is Really Doing
The WIT crew isn’t just out here posting feel-good graphics. They’re making moves:

Hosting career expos tailored for women.

Advocating for rest stop redesigns with safety and comfort in mind.

Creating mentorship programs so new drivers feel supported, not isolated.

Partnering with manufacturers to design cabins with adjustable ergonomics (not every driver is built like Paul Bunyan, y’know?).

Lobbying in D.C. for legislation that supports safe parking, anti-harassment training, and better reporting tools for abuse or discrimination.

They’ve even launched scholarship programs and leadership development tracks to help women climb the trucking ladder—even beyond the cab.

Why the Industry Needs Women Now More Than Ever
Let’s face it: trucking has a retention problem. Every year, companies scramble to recruit thousands of drivers just to replace the ones they lost. It’s like bailing water from a leaky boat.

Women represent an untapped reservoir of talent. They statistically:

Have fewer accidents

Receive fewer violations

Show higher customer service ratings

And tend to stick around longer—if treated fairly

So why the hesitation?

Sometimes it's old-school thinking. Sometimes it's poor training environments. But more often, it’s fear of change. Yet the irony is that embracing that change could be the key to saving the industry from collapse.

The Resistance Is Real (But Outdated)
Some folks still say, “Women can’t handle the job.” That’s not just wrong—it’s lazy thinking.

There are women out here running tankers, pulling triples, owning fleets, and running circles around the fellas. They didn’t need “permission” to get in. They just needed the gate to be unlocked.

And for the stubborn holdouts? They better get used to sharing the road. Because the women aren’t coming—they’re already here.

Industry Response: Who’s Leading the Way?
While some companies drag their feet, others are putting the pedal down:

Schneider launched their own women-focused training modules and mentorship programs.

Ryder created inclusive HR practices and female-led safety initiatives.

Smaller fleets are offering flexible routes for single moms or caretakers—an often-overlooked segment of potential drivers.

Some manufacturers are even getting the memo: redesigned cabs, better bathroom access, and gearshift placement that doesn’t assume a 6'2” linebacker is doing the driving.

The Bottom Line:
Trucking needs women—not just for optics, but for real survival. And women need the industry to stop treating them like guests and start seeing them as the drivers of the future.

Hiring isn’t enough. There needs to be:

Real safety protections

Clear anti-harassment enforcement

Support networks

Leadership opportunities

Otherwise, we’ll keep losing good drivers—of all genders—because nobody wants to work in a rigged game.

🧭 Final Fuel Stop (aka the Call to Action):
👉 Want to hear what real trucking life is like? Cruise on over to LifeAsATrucker.com
👉 Looking for a side hustle you can build while still in the cab? Hit TruckersSideHustle.com
👉 Burned out and need a better plan? Don’t wait until you break—check out RetireFromTrucking.com

🔥 Affiliate Disclaimer (if needed):
Some links in this post may be affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you.