Why More Women Are Joining the Trucking Industry (and Tips on Becoming a Trucker)

Especially in today’s digital world where e-commerce is increasingly becoming embraced, trucking is becoming an increasingly desirable industry for women.

From flexibility to equal pay opportunities and numerous possibilities for growth, more than a few key motivators are driving female entrepreneurs and experienced drivers alike into this rewarding career path.

Here are some of the major reasons more women are joining the trucking industry as drivers, in other job positions, and even as entrepreneurs.

One of the major advantages of the trucking industry is its flexibility. Especially as drivers, women can have more control over their work schedule and even choose when to take breaks.

Recent reports also indicate that women are paid equally with men for similar jobs in the industry – an important factor for aspiring female drivers considering a career switch into trucking.

Notably, this equality contributes to job satisfaction among sizable numbers of experienced drivers in addition to those keen on entering the sector themselves as it stands nowadays.

With shipment volumes and demands rising across the nation, the trucking industry is experiencing an influx of opportunities for driving cargo to its destination. Companies are expanding their budgets and fleet sizes to meet the growing demand. This in turn creates more jobs with higher salaries offered to both male and female drivers alike.

The growing demand for truckers presents an ideal opportunity for ambitious female drivers looking to take advantage of a flourishing job market, which is estimated to generate tens of thousands of jobs every year. In line with this, the truck driver shortage witnessed in recent years, especially after the covid-19 pandemic is also a huge contributing factor.

Reports indicate that a truck driver’s median salary is around $62,000 in the US as of 2023, which is quite lucrative. Besides this, the trucking industry offers several other financial benefits, some of them specifically tailored for women who seek to grow their careers and make the most out of their time on the road.

For example, many companies offer bonuses and incentive-based pay structures for female drivers who log extra miles or deliver loads on time. This allows them to increase earning capacity and prospective income on top of other salary-related benefits such as retirement plans, health insurance coverage, etc.

Another appealing fact about working in the trucking industry is that it offers numerous opportunities for advancement and career growth. You can start as a driver, train to be a freight manager, or even start your own business.

You could also work as a technician, sales rep, mechanic, dispatcher, logistics coordinator, or safety analyst… The opportunities are endless! Moreover, some organizations offer tuition reimbursements for those who want to take their career a step further with an industry-specific certification or degree. 

Aspiring female truckers can thus focus on upskilling, learn more about the industry and find innovative ways to improve their qualifications.

Anyone interested in becoming a trucker will need to prepare for the appropriate license and training process. In a Nutshell, some important first steps include:

Moreover, women who want to go beyond working as drivers can choose to purchase their own trucks or enter owner-operator arrangements with existing carriers.

Start by identifying your desired specs and features, weighing your funding options, and comparing pricing from different vendors. And if your budget is a bit tight, you could also consider checking out platforms like Charter Trucks that help you find a used commercial truck in good condition. Also, do not forget to learn about applicable laws and regulations for each state you plan to drive in.

The trucking industry is indeed becoming home to more and more women, workers, and entrepreneurs alike. On the job market, an increasing number of female truckers are even taking up higher-level roles within the industry, which provides inspiration to others considering a similar career switch.