ATRI Research Aims to Boost Women in Trucking
WASHINGTON — The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has published new findings aimed at increasing the participation and retention of women truck drivers in the industry.
Identifying six primary challenges women face, the research offers an action plan for motor carriers, training schools, and individual drivers, aiming to make trucking careers more appealing to women, as stated in a news release.
This initiative was highlighted as a priority by ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee in March 2023, emphasizing the need to understand and tackle the obstacles faced by female drivers. The research outlines specific interventions that the industry can adopt to enhance the representation of women in trucking.
Key Challenges Identified
The research pinpointed various challenges, including issues related to industry image, training school completion rates, limitations in truck parking and restroom access, as well as experiences of harassment and discrimination.
ATRI’s study gathered insights from thousands of truck drivers, motor carriers, and training schools through surveys, interviews, and a focus group of women drivers to explore the root causes of these challenges and propose effective solutions.
Voices of Experience
“ATRI’s findings amplify the experiences of countless women who have built rewarding careers in trucking, encouraging more women to explore this profession,” said Emily Plummer, a professional driver for Prime Inc. and one of the America’s Road Team Captains.
Income Potential and Recruitment Strategies
The research indicates that women are often attracted to driving jobs because of the income potential, noting that pay equity is generally better in the trucking industry compared to many other fields. Additionally, it found that companies that implement women-focused recruitment and retention programs have a higher percentage of women drivers (8.1%) than those that do not (5.0%).
“This report provides a crucial roadmap for the industry to enhance the number of women drivers,” stated Joyce Brenny, President and CEO of Brenny Transportation. “We have seen significant success and improved safety with our women drivers, and others who apply this research can achieve similar results.”
A full copy of the report can be accessed through ATRI’s website. ATRI operates as a not-for-profit research organization in the trucking sector, focusing on essential research related to freight transportation’s critical role in a safe and efficient transportation system.
