Women in Trucking Report Shows Growth in Numbers Last Year

Women In Trucking 2024 Report: Progress, Challenges, and the Road Ahead

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has released its 2024 Annual Report. The report highlights efforts to increase the number of women in trucking. It also looks at the progress made, ongoing challenges, and future goals for the industry.

Trucking is the lifeblood of the U.S. economy. Millions of drivers transport goods across the country every day. However, women remain a small part of the trucking workforce. The industry is changing, but there is still more work to do.

Women in Trucking: Progress and Representation

The 2024 WIT Index tracks the number of women in trucking. The latest data shows:

• 9.5% of professional truck drivers are women.
• 28% of C-suite executives in the trucking industry are women.
• 34.5% of company leadership positions are held by women.
• 38.5% of safety-related jobs belong to women.
• 29.5% of board members in trucking companies are women.

These numbers show progress. But women are still underrepresented in trucking. There are few female diesel technicians, maintenance workers, or fleet managers. More industry efforts are needed to recruit, train, and support women in all areas.

WIT’s 2024 Industry Events and Outreach

Major Conferences and Recognition Events

WIT hosted several key events in 2024. These gatherings helped connect women with industry leaders, training programs, and career opportunities.

The 10th Annual Accelerate! Conference & Expo took place in Dallas, Texas. It drew 1,800 attendees, including truck drivers, executives, and HR professionals. The event featured 70+ educational sessions on topics such as:

• How to recruit and retain female drivers
• Best practices for driver safety
• The future of electric and autonomous trucks
• Leadership training for women in trucking

Another major event was the “Salute to Women Behind the Wheel” at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS). In March 2024, WIT honored 130 female truck drivers for their dedication to the industry.

Education and Workforce Development

WIT also expanded its WITney® Educational Trailer Program. The trailer traveled to 40 events across 26 states. It gave nearly 8,000 people the chance to explore trucking careers. Many visitors tested the truck-driving simulator, giving them a real feel for the job.

WIT also worked with the Girl Scouts to introduce young girls to trucking. More than 180 Girl Scouts earned a special trucking patch for completing an educational program. These efforts aim to change the public’s view of trucking and inspire the next generation.

Challenges for Women in Trucking

Women in the trucking industry still face many challenges. Some of the biggest issues include:

• Safety concerns – Parking, harassment, and security on the road are major concerns.
• Limited career growth – women may have difficulty advancing to leadership positions.
• Workplace culture – Some companies lack family-friendly policies, making retention harder.

To address these issues, WIT launched webinars and networking programs in 2024. Over 1,450 people participated in discussions on:

• How women can overcome workplace challenges
• Ways men can support women in trucking
• Balancing work and family life as a truck driver
• The impact of new technology on female drivers

WIT also provided career resources and job listings through its Professional Driver Hub.

Recognizing Women Who Lead in Trucking

Each year, WIT honors women and companies making a difference in trucking. The 2024 awards recognized:

• Tracy Rushing (RE Garrison Trucking) – Named 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking for her work in safety and recruiting.
• Sarah Ruffcorn (Trinity Logistics) – Awarded Distinguished Woman in Logistics.
• Drivers of the Year – Carmen Anderson (America’s Service Line), Jodi Edwards (J.B. Hunt Transport), and Deb LaBree (Castle Transport LLC).
• 134 trucking companies were named Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation.

These awards highlight the growing role of women in trucking. They also show how companies are working to make trucking a better place for female drivers and leaders.

Women in Trucking: Looking Ahead to 2025

The 2024 report shows that the industry is making progress, but there is still more work to do. Looking ahead to 2025, WIT plans to:

• Expand mentorship programs for women in trucking.
• Host regional networking events for more personal connections.
• Push for better policies to improve safety and career growth.
• Encourage trucking companies to adopt family-friendly work policies.

The trucking industry is changing. Women are becoming a bigger part of the workforce. But the industry must continue to evolve to attract and retain more female drivers, technicians, and leaders.

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