Decline in the number of women in the transportation industry

WIT's annual report reveals that the number of women behind the wheel of commercial vehicles has reached its lowest level since 2019.

The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) has published the results of its latest report, revealing that the number of women driving commercial vehicles has reached its lowest level since 2019. From August 2023 to May 2024, the annual report collected data through surveys. The results, released on Monday, October 21, are surprising for the industry.

In the Women in Transportation Index 2024-2025, it is revealed that currently only 9.5% of professional drivers are women, representing a 12.1% decrease compared to last year’s figures. The index measures the percentage of women in executive positions (C-suite), boards of directors, functional roles (operations, technical, HR/talent management, marketing, sales, etc.), and professional drivers.

Some industry observers attribute this one-year decline to the challenges women face in the sector. Earlier this year, ATRI published a study identifying the main obstacles for women in transportation. These include a lack of safe and equitable spaces, the absence of childcare facilities, the dual responsibility of being a working woman and a mother, as well as stereotypes and ongoing wage inequality.

Percentage of Women in the Transportation Industry in 2024

Among the most notable figures in the report is the decrease in women drivers in the industry, which has fallen below 10% for the first time since 2019. Over the past five years, the industry had shown consistent growth in this area, raising hopes for a more balanced workforce. However, various sectors have experienced a significant decline. The percentage of women in key positions in the transportation industry is broken down as follows, according to WIT:

Senior Executives – 28%
Company Leaders – 34.5%
Women on Boards – 29.5%
Women in HR/Talent Management – 74.5%
Women in Technical Positions – 4%
Women in Professional Positions – 9.5%
Women in Control Positions – 38.5%
Women in Safety Positions – 38.5%

The annual Women in Trucking survey began in 2016 to serve as an industry benchmark, allowing for annual comparison and measurement of the percentage of women in transportation roles. This year, the survey received nearly 350 responses from organizations of various sizes within the transportation industry in the United States.

The numbers and declines reflected in the report show that the industry still has much work to do to create a space where women can be a fundamental part of the workforce. WIT’s mission is to promote the employment of women in the trucking industry, celebrate their achievements, and reduce the barriers they face in the sector. Currently, they have approximately 8,000 members in over 10 countries and seek to expand in order to continue supporting women in the industry and those looking to join.