Female Truckers Growing in Numbers

For most of its history, trucking has been an overwhelmingly male profession. That is changing. Women now represent a growing share of the CDL workforce, and the industry — facing a persistent driver shortage — is actively working to recruit, train, and retain more female drivers. The numbers tell a clear story of momentum.

The Numbers in 2025

According to the Women In Trucking Association's 2025 Index, women now make up approximately 13.5% of all truck drivers in the United States, up from around 6% a decade ago. That represents more than 300,000 women currently holding CDLs and working as professional drivers.

The BLS Current Population Survey data for 2024 shows women accounting for 10.9% of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers — a figure that has grown steadily each year since 2018. The gap between the WIT Index and BLS figures reflects different methodologies, but both confirm the same directional trend: more women are entering the profession every year.

Sources: Women In Trucking Association, WIT Index 2025. womenintrucking.org; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, Annual Averages 2024. bls.gov/cps

Why the Industry Is Actively Recruiting Women

The driver shortage is the primary driver of the industry's recruitment push. The American Trucking Associations estimates the industry needs to hire more than 1.2 million drivers over the next decade. Carriers that have historically recruited from a narrow demographic pool are broadening their outreach out of necessity — and many are finding that female drivers have lower accident rates and higher retention rates than the industry average.

A 2024 study by the ATRI (American Transportation Research Institute) found that female truck drivers had a 20% lower crash involvement rate per mile driven compared to male drivers. Carriers have taken notice, and many now offer targeted recruitment programs, female-specific mentorship, and dedicated female driver coordinators.

Sources: American Trucking Associations, ATA Driver Shortage Report 2025. trucking.org; American Transportation Research Institute, An Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking: 2024 Update. atri-online.org

Industry Initiatives Supporting Women Drivers

Several major industry organizations have launched programs specifically designed to support women entering and advancing in trucking:

• Women In Trucking Association (WIT): Founded in 2007, WIT now has more than 8,000 members and works with carriers, shippers, and CDL schools to promote female driver recruitment and retention. Their Redefining the Road magazine and annual conference are key resources for women in the industry.
• FMCSA's Women of Trucking Advisory Board: Established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this federal advisory board makes recommendations to the FMCSA on policies and programs to increase female participation in the trucking workforce.
• Carrier-specific programs: Major carriers including Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, and J.B. Hunt have launched dedicated female driver recruitment programs with female-specific orientation tracks, mentorship pairing, and dedicated support lines.

Sources: Women In Trucking Association, About WIT, 2025. womenintrucking.org; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Women of Trucking Advisory Board, 2025. fmcsa.dot.gov

Challenges That Remain

Progress is real, but challenges persist. A 2025 survey by the WIT Association found that harassment and lack of safe, well-lit parking remain the top concerns cited by female drivers. Truck stop infrastructure has historically been designed without female drivers in mind, and while improvements are being made, the gap has not fully closed.

Many female drivers also report that finding a female trainer or mentor during CDL school was difficult. Schools that actively recruit female instructors and create a welcoming training environment see better outcomes for female students.

Source: Women In Trucking Association, WIT Driver Survey 2025. womenintrucking.org

What Women Can Expect at CDL School

The CDL training curriculum is identical for all students — there is no separate track for women. The skills required to pass the CDL road test are technique-based, not strength-based. Backing a 53-foot trailer is a matter of understanding geometry and practicing the correct inputs, not physical force.

At Katlaw, women have consistently been among our top-performing students. Our instructors are focused on technique and repetition, and our training environment is professional and welcoming to all students. If you're considering a CDL career, we encourage you to come see the school in person.

Pre-apply today — your first week is with no obligation.