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A new survey from Risk Strategies sheds light on the experiences, challenges, and motivations of female drivers today, from pay equity and work-life balance to personal safety and community support.
“As more women enter the trucking industry, they’re changing the culture, expectations, and sense of community on the road. Most female drivers today feel satisfied with their careers, value the flexibility, and would gladly recommend the profession to others. At the same time, safety concerns and respect gaps remain top issues to address. With the continued rise of social media as a tool for education and empowerment, women are finding new ways to connect, stay safe, and shift industry norms, one mile at a time,” according to Risk Strategies.
Key takeaways:
- 85% of female truckers would recommend the profession to other women or younger generations, and 89% report satisfaction with their work-life balance.
- Male truckers were nearly 2 times more likely than females to regret becoming a truck driver.
- Only 31% of female truckers always feel safe sleeping in their truck at night, compared to 47% of men, and 72% of women have turned down trucking jobs, routes, or contracts due to safety concerns.
- 88% of female truckers use social media for trucking-related content, with 96% saying it reduces isolation and 85% saying it helps them feel safer and more prepared on the road.
- 85% of female truckers would recommend the profession to other women or younger generations, highlighting the growing appeal of trucking for those seeking independence, flexibility, and a steady income. A strong majority of female drivers (89%) also reported being satisfied with their work-life balance, challenging the outdated perception that trucking doesn’t allow for personal time or flexibility.
- While women are embracing the industry, some pay disparities persist. On average, male truckers earn 20.5% more than their female counterparts. Individual experiences with pay can vary widely based on role, region, or employer. While 20% of women truckers felt underpaid, 70% felt fairly paid, and 11% actually felt overpaid. Interestingly, men were almost twice as likely as women to say they regretted becoming a truck driver.
- Just 31% of female truckers said they always feel safe sleeping in their truck at night, compared to 47% of men. And nearly three in four women (72%) have turned down routes, jobs, or contracts due to safety concerns.
- 30% reported experiencing sexual harassment in their role as truck drivers, while 28% said they faced gender discrimination.
- A full 93% of female truckers said they feel respected by other women in the industry, while only 69% said they feel respected by male truckers.
- Top changes female truckers want to happen in the industry: Increase the number of women in leadership and decision-making roles (41%); implement stronger policies against harassment and discrimination (36%); ensure equal pay for equal work (35%); create safer and more respectful work environments (32%); and provide mentorship and sponsorship programs for women (26%).
- What would make the job feel more inclusive: Rest stop safety measures (51%); women-only or gender-neutral bathrooms/showers (49%); anonymous reporting channels for misconduct or bias (39%); clear and enforced anti-harassment and discrimination policies (33%); and access to female or minority mentors (30%).
- A large majority of female truckers (88%) use social media to find or share trucking-related content. Among those who use social media, 96% said it makes them feel less isolated while on the road. Even more telling, 85% said it helps them feel safer and better equipped to deal with job challenges. This could include anything from route planning and vehicle maintenance tips to advice on avoiding unsafe areas.
