How Many Women Are Entering the Trucking Industry?
How Many Women Are Entering the Trucking Industry?
Introduction
Women in trucking jobs are making a bigger impact than ever before. While trucking has traditionally been a male-dominated field, more women are now earning their CDLs and stepping into roles that keep America moving. Today, women represent nearly 12% of professional truck drivers in the U.S., a number that continues to grow as the industry evolves.
Why More Women Are Joining Trucking
The appeal of trucking for women is clear. Unlike many industries, trucking offers equal pay for equal work—drivers are paid by the load, the mile, or the hour, not by gender. Other reasons include:
- Job Stability: The demand for CDL drivers is strong nationwide.
- Strong Paychecks: Tanker jobs, Hazmat hauling, and fuel delivery often rank among the highest-paying positions in trucking.
- Flexible Career Options: From OTR to local tanker jobs, women can choose routes that fit their lifestyle.
- Supportive Programs: Carriers and associations are now actively recruiting women, offering mentorship and safer workplace initiatives.
The Growth of Women in Trucking
Ten years ago, women made up less than 6% of truck drivers. Today, that number has doubled. Organizations like the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) have been instrumental in building awareness, supporting new drivers, and encouraging carriers to embrace diversity.
In specialized sectors such as tanker trucking, women are breaking barriers and proving that skill, training, and safety—not stereotypes—define success. With improved equipment, automatic transmissions, and better scheduling, tanker jobs are more accessible than ever.
Challenges Women Still Face
Despite progress, challenges remain:
- Safety Concerns: Some delivery sites still lack proper facilities or secure parking.
- Industry Perception: Outdated views about women in trucking persist, though they’re fading fast.
- Balancing Home Life: Like male drivers, women also navigate the balance between work schedules and family responsibilities.
Carriers are responding with mentorship programs, flexible schedules, and better benefits, helping women succeed and stay in the industry.
Women in Tanker Trucking
Tanker jobs present a strong career path for women. Hauling fuel, chemicals, or food-grade bulk products requires skill, but it also provides steady paychecks and home-daily options with many companies. With a CDL-A and the right endorsements (Hazmat and Tanker), women drivers can secure positions that pay $1,400–$2,000 per week or more.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The number of women entering trucking continues to rise, proving that this is no longer just a man’s industry. With strong pay, equal opportunities, and high demand, women are reshaping the future of trucking every day.