The number of women in the freight transportation sector has grown almost exponentially in recent years. According to the Women in Trucking Index, female CDL holders comprise approximately 12.1 percent of the workforce. It wasn’t long ago that female trucker representation was in the single digits.
As much as CDL professionals are breaking down real and perceived gender barriers, women are taking a significant interest in backend jobs. Human resources departments were not necessarily considered male-oriented positions and were routinely filled by women. That may have given rise to an increased number of females moving into the C-Suite ranks. Recent data compiled by the Women in Trucking non-profit organization indicates technical jobs are now a preferred choice.
“But drivers cannot complete that mission when their trucks are in the shop or broken down on the side of the road — whether it’s caused by a problem with the engine after-treatment system, an electrical issue, or a problem with the truck’s brakes,” Women in Trucking president Jennifer Hedrick reportedly said. “That’s when it becomes abundantly clear that skilled truck maintenance technicians are indispensable in keeping professional drivers productive, on the road, and delivering on time.”
A recent WIT Index shows that more than 7 percent of truck technicians are now women. While that figure may seem relatively low, it reflects a 4 percent year-over-year jump. Increases in technician jobs also come on the heels of data highlighting striking increases in safety positions. Members of the Women in Trucking leadership team have gone on the record stating safety is a natural fit for females with nurturing inclinations.
The 2023 WIT Index revealed that 84 percent of companies that responded to the survey employed women in safety roles. The high-water mark included 16 percent of organizations with 90 percent female safety professionals. Another 25 percent of operations staffed women safety employees at a rate of 59 to 89 percent. Those are significant gains for an industry that once had a male-only reputation.
WIT Member of the Month
The Women In Trucking Association tapped Lauren Keeney as its October 2023 Member of the Month. Keeney works as a regional driver for S&H Express, headquartered in York, PA. After completing a shift as an Amazon delivery driver, she was inspired to earn her CDL after seeing a woman behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer.
“I realized that if she could do it, I could too,” Kenney reportedly said.
Source:
https://www.womenintrucking.org
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