With the shortage of drivers, we currently face, which is expected to grow exponentially in the next decade, the need to recruit more women to this field is acute. Now, women make up just 10% of CDL drivers in the U.S and only 4% of diesel mechanics, showcasing that this segment of the population offers huge growth potential for the trucking industry. For more information about why the growth of female truckers is so important to the transportation industry, please see Trucking Industry Recruitment: Why Are We Focused on Recruiting Women.
Today, we are going to look at programs and organizations that focus on improving conditions and increasing the recruitment of women into the transportation profession.
Women in Trucking
The Women in Trucking Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in trucking and negating the issues women face in the transportation industry. Their organization's goal is to promote and advocate for women in trucking. Their members focus on building a network, sharing information, and supporting each other. They offer recognition programs, thought leadership, mentorship opportunities, a career center, and more.
The Women in Trucking Association is not only focused on women in the profession today; they are looking to the future with programs like the Women in Trucking Girl Scout Patch Program and the "Trucks are for Girls" events. This program aims to inform young women about supply chain careers.
Real Women in Trucking
Real Women in Trucking is a trade association formed in 2010. The association began as a protest group, created to improve conditions for female drivers " that were not being effectively addressed by the industry or any other organizations." Its mission is "to deliver highway safety through leadership, mentorship, education, and advocacy." They offer resources for those looking to start their career, understanding lease purchase truck contracts, defense training and systems, tax and legal help, and more.
S.H.E. in Trucking
SHE Trucking Foundation Inc. is a non-profit that seeks to aid women and minorities in establishing and maintaining their careers in trucking. Its goals are education and advocacy, seeking to promote the industry and create a safe, diverse environment that offers "equal opportunities for women and minorities to achieve success at the their highest potential." They provide information in the form of blogs, podcasts, and newsletters. They also offer a community service program.
Women of Trucking Advisory Board
The Women of Trucking Advisory Board is a new program offered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. On August 29, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced the Members of this board; this group consists of 16 women: drivers, trucking associations, labor unions, recruitment specialists, and higher education.
The goal of the Women of Trucking Advisory Board, which the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mandated, is to promote female drivers' recruitment, retention, and safety. They aim to identify issues women face as drivers and promote "opportunities to enhance safety, training, mentorship, and education for women in the trucking industry."
Conclusion
Women are a key piece of the puzzle in solving the driver shortage. Programs like these make a difference by educating, promoting, and advocating for female drivers, creating a more equitable work environment.
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Debra_lz
Debra Watkins covers recruitment and digital marketing for Lionzone. A Nashville native, after graduating from the University of Kentucky, Debra utilized her research and writing skills in the museum and heritage tourism fields, rising to director of two institutions before returning to Nashville in 2020 to join Lionzone.
