ATRI has recently published a report in entitled “Identifying and Mitigating the Challenges Faced by Women Truck Drivers.”  ATRI has identified six key challenges for women in the trucking industry. The first challenge is negative industry image and perception. The second challenge is the inability to complete truck driver training. The problems here for women include the inability to pay for training, the lack of driving skills, limited or no access to daycare, and excessive travel. The third challenge is an unsatisfactory culture. Issues here for women include unclear and inconsistent communication and an absence of recognition and appreciation.

The fourth challenge identified in the report is the inability for women in acclimate to the over the road driver lifestyle. Issues here include insufficient home time and the inability to sustain healthy habits. The next challenge is limited parking and restrooms. The last challenge identified is excessive gender harassment and discrimination. This also includes issues over concerns for personal safety. 

Key findings pertaining to the recruitment of women truck drivers is that women commonly enter the industry because they are seeking competitive and equal pay and enjoy the independence and variety that comes with being a truck driver. The study found that companies with women specific initiatives maintain a higher percentage of women drivers. These initiatives include featuring women in marketing materials, mentorship programs, and involvement in women’s groups. The report also found that inability to access exercise facilities, finding a safe place to park, and access to clean restrooms were among the top challenges for women drivers. The top two reasons that women leave are family and not enough home time. 

The study includes an action plan for motor carriers to help overcome some of the challenges to women in the trucking industry. This includes advocating for infrastructure funding to increase truck parking capacity and advocating on behalf of your drivers to ensure access to restrooms at customer facilities. 

Please see a link to the ATRI study: ATRI-Identifying-and-Mitigating-Challenges-Faced-by-Women-TD-06-2024.pdf (truckingresearch.org)

Alyssa Adams is a member of the Saxton & Stump Trucking and Commercial Transportation Group, helping tractor-trailer drivers navigate the legal system when they are involved in an accident. She’s worked in defense of the transportation industry for more than 14 years, first at Marcello & Kivisto LLC, a boutique firm that focused entirely on the legal needs of the transportation industry. She is a member of the Trucking and Commercial Transportation group at Saxton & Stump. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Motor Trucking Association and attends meetings of the Safety Management Council. She is also a member of the Safety Management Council of the American Trucking Association and is a member of Women in Trucking.