A Guide for Women in Trucking
Recent years have seen a significant increase in the number of female truck drivers. Thanks to a constant demand for more drivers, increasing wages, and additional perks & benefits, now is the best time for women to enter the trucking industry.
Watch Fox Business’s interview with Elizabeth Myers, Instructor at Shelly Truck Driving School
The Benefits of Hiring Female Truck Drivers
Trucking companies across the United States are seeing the benefits of hiring women as truck drivers. In a traditionally male-dominated industry that is desperately looking to hire more drivers, women are the right choice for safe, reliable drivers.
In order to hire more women, trucking companies are adjusting their hiring and benefits packages. This includes offering family passes, so women can take their child, spouse, or even pet on the road with them.
Safety Numbers for Female Drivers
Female Drivers are:
- 20% less likely to be involved in a crash
- 45% less likely to participate in logbook violations
- 60% less likely to commit hours of service violations
“The trucking industry is serious about safety… bringing more women into the industry will improve those safety stats.”
– American Transportation Research Institute
Advice for Women Interested in Truck Driving
1. Talk to Someone
Seek out someone within the trucking industry who can give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like. Ask them questions about benefits, opportunities, and advice on balancing life with work.
2. Research Your Options
Look at different opportunities to see what is available. See what positions are available and what routes they are offering. Compare companies based on their reputation within the industry, perks & benefits, and opportunity for advancement.
3. Get Trained
Any career in the trucking industry must start with a CDL. Find a truck driving school that is nearby, has experienced instructors, and invests in cutting edge training like truck driving simulators.
Truck Driving School in Central PA
Common Questions About Women in Trucking
How many female truck drivers are there?
There are 234,234 females serving as professional truck drivers in the United States, according to a 2018 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor. This is a sharp increase in the overall number of female truckers; according to one study, the number of female truckers has risen 68% since 2010.
What percentage of truckers are female?
Female drivers account for 6.6% of the total drivers in the trucking industry. The overall percentage of women in the trucking industry has risen; back in 2003 female drivers only accounted for 4.5% of the total population.
Is trucking a good career?
Absolutely! Truck drivers enjoy high-paying jobs, great benefits, and the freedom & flexibility that others only dream of. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities for advancement and growth within the trucking industry.