Female Truck Drivers Still Facing Gender Harassment and Discrimination

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has unveiled a comprehensive study detailing the obstacles faced by female truck drivers and presenting strategies to increase their numbers in the industry. The research, identified as a top priority by ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee in March 2023, highlights six key challenge areas and provides a roadmap for motor carriers, truck driver training schools, and truck drivers to make trucking careers more attractive to women.

Identified Challenges

Among the challenges identified are:

Gender Harassment and Discrimination: Harassment and discrimination are persistent issues, with one in six female drivers experiencing these daily.
Industry Image and Perception: The trucking industry’s image and societal perceptions present significant barriers, deterring many women from considering truck driving as a viable career option.
Training School Completion: High costs and limited access to child care make it difficult for many women to complete truck driver training programs.
Unsatisfactory Company Culture: Inconsistent communication and an unwelcoming company culture hinder women’s ability to thrive in trucking.
Over-the-Road Lifestyle: The demanding lifestyle, including long periods away from home, makes it challenging for women, particularly those with family responsibilities, to acclimate.
Limited Parking and Restrooms: The shortage of safe parking and adequate restroom facilities significantly impacts female truck drivers.

Research Findings

ATRI’s research included input from thousands of truck drivers, motor carriers, and truck driver training schools through surveys, interviews, and a women driver focus group. The study found that while women are drawn to the industry for its income potential and the fact that pay parity is more prevalent than in other fields, they face numerous challenges that their male counterparts do not.

Women drivers experience 11 out of 12 common trucking problems more frequently than men, including lack of child care, limited access to exercise facilities, safe parking, and restrooms. Additionally, gender harassment and discrimination remain significant concerns, with about one-third of women reporting no harassment, compared to two-thirds of men.

Action Plan

The report suggests several strategies to address these issues and encourage more women to join and stay in the trucking industry:

Highlighting pay parity in the industry to attract more women.
Including women in marketing materials and on social media to improve the industry’s image.
Promoting company-sponsored CDL programs to alleviate cost barriers.
Developing open-door policies to foster a more inclusive company culture.
Advocating for mental health support to help drivers cope with the stresses of the job.

Industry Impact

“ATRI’s research gives a voice to the thousands of women truck drivers who have found successful and satisfying careers in this industry and encouragement to other women to consider truck driving jobs,” said Emily Plummer, professional driver for Prime Inc.

Despite the significant challenges, the number of women entering the trucking industry is increasing. Between 2014 and 2018, there was a 41% rise in female drivers aged 25 to 29. The involvement of women is crucial not only for enhancing safety, as female drivers have been found to be safer than their male counterparts, but also for addressing workforce shortages.

ATRI’s study offers a crucial roadmap for the trucking industry to improve conditions for female drivers and increase their participation. By addressing the identified challenges and implementing the recommended strategies, the industry can create a more supportive and attractive environment for women, ultimately benefiting from their contributions to safety and efficiency,