Women in Trucking
Career guide, safety resources, and support for women building successful trucking careers.
The Growing Presence of Women in Trucking
The trucking industry is experiencing a historic shift. Women now represent approximately 13.7% of all professional truck drivers in the United States, nearly double the percentage from a decade ago. With a persistent driver shortage creating over 80,000 unfilled positions, carriers are actively recruiting and supporting female drivers like never before.
This is not a trend driven by quotas. Women are entering trucking because it offers genuine economic opportunity: competitive pay regardless of gender, comprehensive benefits, flexible scheduling options, and the independence that comes with life on the open road. For women seeking careers that pay $55,000-$80,000+ annually without requiring a four-year degree, trucking delivers.
Industry Statistics
13.7%
of truck drivers are women (2025)
80,000+
driver shortage nationwide
Equal Pay
same CPM/hourly as male drivers
8,000+
WIT Association members
Safety Tips for Women Truck Drivers
Safety is a top concern for anyone on the road, and women drivers should take additional precautions. Here are practical tips from experienced female truckers:
- Choose well-lit, busy truck stops. Chains like Pilot Flying J, Love's, and TA/Petro tend to have better security, cameras, and lighting than independent lots.
- Keep doors locked at all times. Lock your cab whenever you are inside, whether sleeping, resting, or fueling. Many experienced drivers also use aftermarket door locks.
- Trust your instincts. If a parking spot, shipper yard, or situation feels wrong, leave. No load is worth your safety.
- Stay connected. Share your location with a trusted contact. Apps like Trucker Path and Life360 make real-time location sharing easy.
- Invest in a dash cam. A quality dash cam with interior and exterior recording protects you legally and serves as a deterrent.
Top Companies for Women Drivers
These carriers have been recognized for their commitment to recruiting, supporting, and retaining female drivers:
Werner Enterprises
Dedicated women's driver program, female mentors, top safety ratings
Schneider National
Women's Network resource group, training support, strong benefits
KLLM Transport
Historically one of the first carriers to actively recruit women
Prime Inc.
Female trainer program, team driving opportunities, CDL training
Covenant Logistics
Women's steering committee, family-friendly policies, dedicated routes
J.B. Hunt
Intermodal and dedicated positions ideal for home-weekly schedules
Organizations & Mentorship Programs
Several organizations provide networking, advocacy, and mentorship specifically for women in trucking:
- Women In Trucking Association (WIT): The leading nonprofit with conferences, scholarships, mentoring, and a monthly magazine. Their "Top Companies for Women to Work For" list is an invaluable resource for job seekers.
- REAL Women in Trucking: A grassroots support community offering peer mentorship, online forums, and advocacy for safety concerns.
- She Drives Trucks: Online community and mentorship platform connecting new female drivers with experienced mentors.
- Carrier-Specific Programs: Many large carriers now offer internal women's networks, female-to-female training, and leadership development tracks.
Getting Started: Your First Steps
- Get your CDL. Many carriers offer paid CDL training programs. See our CDL training guide for details on classes, costs, and ELDT requirements.
- Research carriers carefully. Look for companies on WIT's recommended list. Ask about female trainers, safety protocols, and scheduling flexibility.
- Connect with other women drivers. Join WIT, online forums, or social media groups before you start. Having a support network from day one makes a huge difference.
- Start with a company that trains. Your first year is about learning. Choose a carrier with a structured training program rather than the highest-paying option.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What percentage of truck drivers are women?
- As of 2025, approximately 13.7% of professional truck drivers in the United States are women, up from around 7% a decade ago. The number continues to grow as companies actively recruit female drivers and the industry addresses workplace concerns.
- Is trucking safe for women?
- Trucking can be safe for women with proper precautions. Most major carriers have security protocols, well-lit truck stops are increasingly common, and GPS tracking provides an added layer of safety. Organizations like Women In Trucking (WIT) publish safety resources specifically for female drivers.
- Which trucking companies are best for women?
- Companies consistently recognized for supporting female drivers include Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, KLLM Transport, Prime Inc., and Covenant Logistics. These carriers offer dedicated training programs, female mentors, and policies addressing safety and comfort for women drivers.
- Do women earn the same as men in trucking?
- Yes. Trucking is one of the most equitable industries for pay. Because compensation is typically based on miles driven, loads hauled, or hourly rates rather than subjective evaluations, women earn the same as men in equivalent positions. CDL-A drivers of any gender earn $55,000-$80,000+ annually.
- What organizations support women in trucking?
- Women In Trucking Association (WIT) is the leading advocacy organization with 8,000+ members. Other resources include REAL Women in Trucking (support community), She Drives Trucks (mentorship), and carrier-specific female driver programs. Many state trucking associations also have women's committees.
Ready to Start Your Trucking Career?
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