The trucker shortage has been a consistent problem for the logistics industry over the last few years.
In fact, according to our recent logistics industry report, Moving Goods With Fewer Hands, 69% of U.S. logistics businesses say driver shortages have affected their ability to meet freight demand, which could eventually have a catastrophic impact on the supply chain in both the US and across the globe.
So, what can you do? Businesses have been trying everything to recruit and retain drivers, yet 63% of U.S. logistics businesses say recruiting & retaining drivers has either stagnated or worsened over the past year. Some are even turning to self-driving vehicles to lighten the load, hoping that the technology will evolve fast enough to be viable before the trucker shortage pushes them to breaking point.
Of course, there is one woefully unrepresented demographic in the trucking industry that could help to solve the driver shortage: Women.
According to the Women in Trucking Index 2024, just 9.5% of the trucker workforce is currently made up of women. If the industry can address some of the reasons why such a big gender gap exists, it might just help reduce a driver shortage that’s piling pressure on logistics businesses large and small.
Four Factors Fueling the Truck Driver Gender Gap
There are a lot of things that exacerbate the truck driver gender gap, but four key elements stand out as the most significant. Here are some of the factors that are fueling the issue.
Cultural Pressures
One reason that there are more men in the trucking industry is because of the cultural perception of the role. It’s largely viewed as a position that is filled by men, and that alone can get in the way of many considering the job.
“The male-dominated nature of the trucking industry is significantly cultural. For decades, it has been viewed as a ‘man’s job,’ reinforced by outdated perceptions of strength, toughness, and long hours away from home. This image, propagated through media and industry language, has created barriers for women.” – Natalie Williams, VP at Ancora Training
Even worse, the cultural expectations of women could dissuade them from even considering the trucking industry. After all, the belief that women should ultimately prioritize family life is still prevalent among many in the US, and the inflexibility of trucker hours makes that quite difficult.
“Cultural pressures on women to balance family with work, coupled with an industry built on irregular schedules and extended time away, have not helped. Concerns about safety, limited visibility of women, and a lack of female mentors perpetuate this cycle.” – Natalie Williams, VP at Ancora Training
Just because it’s always been that way, however, doesn’t mean it always should be. The reality is that the trucking industry will face significant recruitment and retention challenges in coming years, and alienating half the population is not going to help businesses overcome them.
“Culture can change. Companies and training providers are now addressing these barriers by updating safety policies, investing in inclusive recruiting, highlighting successful women drivers, and creating support networks. Normalizing women in trucking as leaders and drivers will accelerate this cultural shift” – Natalie Williams, VP at Ancora Training
Unsuitable Working Hours
Speaking of the inflexible schedule, being a truck driver is not exactly a suitable path to work-life balance. Long hauls, complicated routes, and unforeseen disruptions can make it nearly impossible to be available for your family when they need you.
“Traditionally, trucking hours have been unsuitable for primary caregivers. Long-haul routes requiring days or weeks away make it difficult to balance work and family, particularly for women who often bear the brunt of caregiving.” – Natalie Williams, VP at Ancora Training
That won’t always be the case, though. It’s 2025, and some logistics companies are making an effort to change how things are done, so people can take care of their families while still hauling freight.
“The industry is evolving. Many carriers now offer regional or dedicated routes, allowing drivers to be home nightly or on predictable schedules. Entirely new transportation networks have been implemented to mitigate the length of time drivers are away from home. Modern technology and amenities in trucks, as well as in carrier terminals and truck stops, are prevalent and help to address the “remoteness” experienced by drivers away from home.” – Natalie Williams, VP at Ancora Training
Safety Concerns
Sadly, being a woman in a male-dominated industry almost always comes with safety concerns. And, in the trucking industry, there is probably more to consider than most. Drivers are often forced to stay in potentially unsafe areas due to regulations, which can put them in even more compromising situations.
“Mandatory rest period regulations may lead to the need for prolonged stops in undesirable locations, depending on the routes and network being driven. The lack of adequate and safe truck parking outlets is an issue with heightened awareness in the transportation sector and is initiating substantive actions from employers and government alike.” – Natalie Williams, VP at Ancora Training
Thankfully, though, these kinds of problems are being discussed by those in the industry. Action is being taken that could, in the long run, make the truck driver profession a lot safer for women, and it’s leading to the emergence of advocacy groups for women working in the industry, such as Real Women in Trucking.
“Our aim is to support those who love being truck drivers but face challenges that impact their ability to remain in the industry like discrimination, sexual assault, and sexual harassment in the workplace.” – Desiree Wood, founder of Real Women in Trucking
Stereotyping & Misconceptions
Because of the perception that trucking isn’t a job that women should apply for, stereotypes and misconceptions about women and the industry as a whole are far more prevalent, even among hiring managers.
“Persistent stereotypes labeling trucking as a ‘man’s job’ can lead to skepticism about their skills, ability to perform, or commitment, requiring them to work harder to prove themselves or face dismissive attitudes from peers, shippers, or customers.” – Natalie Williams, VP at Ancora Training
Some of those misconceptions include the fact that trucking requires a lot of physical effort, like lifting heavy objects. The reality, however, is that the majority of these roles could be filled by anyone who knows how to drive a truck, regardless of their strength or gender.
“While it is accurate that many types of trucking jobs are more physically demanding than others, a vast majority of driving positions are immune from one’s physical strength. Truck driving skills, safe vehicle operations, and professionalism are the primary requirements — all being gender neutral.” – Natalie Williams, VP at Ancora Training
In fact, women aren’t just perfectly able to haul freight in 2025; they have been well-suited to the task since the industry came into existence more than 100 years ago.
“The biggest misconception is that women are new to truck driving. Women have been truck drivers since around 1918, when freight trucks were first developed for WW1. Truck drivers are very diverse, but the industry is not inclusive. The industry tends to want to portray images and narratives about truck drivers that do not reflect the majority of the population of truck drivers.” – Desiree Wood, founder of Real Women in Trucking
The Impact of Truck Driver Shortages
Encouraging women to join the trucking industry may not seem like an absolute necessity right now – at least for those on the outside looking in. But for those in the know, the truck driver shortage is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate, and if something isn’t done soon, the supply chain is going to grind to a halt sooner than later.
“The logistics sector has been struggling with a scarcity of skilled staff for some time. The shortage is particularly acute across operational and frontline roles such as driving and warehousing. This impacts service delivery and operational costs. More importantly, perhaps, it increases the potential for burnout among existing staff, which in turn has the potential to make the problem worse.” – Wendy Makinson, HR Manager at Joloda Hydrarol
Simply put, Tech.co research shows that 69% of U.S. logistics businesses say that driver shortages have affected their ability to meet freight demand, and it’s looking to get worse. Without an injection of qualified talent, like an influx of women truck drivers, the problem is only going to worsen.
“The logistics sector is essential to everyone, and the wider supply chain needs to be more resilient. The sector needs to move this higher up the agenda and find a reliable way to increase retention and urgently attract new talent.” – Wendy Makinson, HR Manager at Joloda Hydrarol
Conclusion: A Hopeful Future for Female Truck Drivers
There is a gender gap in the trucking industry; that much is undeniable. And while lees than 10% of truckers in the US are women right now, which leaves a lot of room for improvement, people are making an effort to ensure that number goes up – and fast.
“Women remain underrepresented in the trucking industry due to decades of male-centric shaping. However, the paradigm is shifting. Companies, training providers, and industry leaders are now actively fostering more inclusive pathways. Each of these advancements not only makes the industry more welcoming for women but also strengthens the workforce as a whole.” – Natalie Williams, VP at Ancora Training
Empowering people to step into jobs that suit their skills – regardless of their gender – is a great thing. But this isn’t just about inclusivity for inclusivity’s sake. The trucking industry is in dire need of more drivers, and we can’t allow outdated ideas, stereotypes, and poor working conditions to prevent that from happening.
“The future of trucking relies on leveraging the entire talent pool. As these cultural and structural changes become more widespread, we anticipate a significant increase in women not only joining the industry but also excelling as drivers, trainers, and leaders.” – Natalie Williams, VP at Ancora Training
All that to say, there are dozens of reasons why leveling the playing field for women in the trucking industry makes sense, both for the sake of the economy and equal opportunity. It’s just a matter of making it work for everyone.