Women in Trucking: Breaking Barriers

Jodi Edwards, a skilled truck driver for J.B. Hunt Transport, boasts an impressive record of over 2 million miles without any collisions. Deb LaBree operates as an independent owner-operator with Castle Transport, having been contracted with Landstar since 2014, and works alongside her husband Del. Meanwhile, Carmen Anderson, a company driver for America’s Service Line, has accumulated 2.5 million miles of safe driving.

Shared Experiences

These three women have a common thread: they are independent professionals equipped with exceptional skills that enable them to thrive in a predominantly male industry, the world of professional truck driving.

Critical Role in the Economy

Truck drivers, including these remarkable women, form an essential component of the economy by transporting a majority of goods and raw materials necessary for business operations. Their work ensures that products are delivered timely to consumers and retail outlets, which is vital for effective supply chains and economic growth. The absence of truck drivers would significantly disrupt the movement of necessary goods, affecting various sectors such as manufacturing and retail.

Rising Female Participation

The trucking industry is currently facing a driver shortage, exacerbated by the retirement of the Baby Boomer generation and an expanding freight economy. In response, more women are intentionally choosing careers as professional truck drivers to fill this gap, a field that has historically been male-dominated.

Qualities of Female Drivers

Women are increasingly recognized as capable, reliable, and safe truck drivers for several reasons. They tend to take fewer risks, possess strong multitasking and organizational capabilities, communicate effectively, and display patience and focus. This has led to a notable rise in the number of female truck drivers over the past five years, as highlighted in the Women In Trucking’s (WIT) 2024-25 WIT Index.

WIT Index Findings

In a survey conducted by WIT from August 2023 to April 2024, results indicated that women represent an average of 9.5% of professional drivers with CDLs—down by 2.5% from the previous year. Various factors have been attributed to this decline, including inadequate childcare options, increased interest in homeschooling, safety concerns, and misconceptions regarding career opportunities for women in trucking.

Looking Ahead

Despite challenges, the benefits of being a truck driver, such as job security, flexible schedules, competitive pay, benefits, independence, career advancement, and travel opportunities far outweigh the drawbacks. The future looks bright for women like Jodi Edwards, Deb LaBree, and Carmen Anderson who continue to find success as professional truck drivers.