ATRI Launches Research on Women Truckers
WASHINGTON — The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is starting a research project focused on the obstacles that women truck drivers face, as well as factors that deter women from pursuing a career in trucking.
As stated in a news release, the exhaustive study aims to pinpoint solutions for industry-related challenges encountered by women.
ATRI’s previous studies reveal that women represent only 8.1 percent of all truck drivers in the U.S., with just 2.7% working as over-the-road truck drivers. This prompted the ATRI Research Advisory Committee to highlight the significance of this women-centric research initiative during its 2023 Annual Meeting.
Research Components
The research will include key elements such as:
- National surveys and focus groups with women who are experienced truck drivers, new entrants, and former truck drivers, aimed at uncovering both challenges and motivating factors for women considering trucking careers.
- Surveys and interviews with motor carriers that have a significantly higher proportion of female drivers compared to typical fleets, to identify effective practices for recruiting and retaining women drivers. The outreach will also examine insights from women executives at motor carriers to explore challenges and opportunities beyond driving.
- Collaboration with truck driver training schools to address recruitment and training challenges specific to female candidates.
Invitation for Participation
Research Analyst Abbigail Huffman, who will oversee this multi-faceted study, encourages industry stakeholders interested in contributing to the research to reach out to her at [email protected].
