Mothers and truckers: heroines on the road and at home

This Mother's Day, we want to dedicate a space to celebrate these heroines who can do it all.

The number of women in the trucking industry continues to grow year by year; however, they still face multiple obstacles within a sector that has historically been dominated by men. One of the biggest challenges they face, both in this industry and many others, is achieving a balance between work and family life.

When we think of a truck, we rarely imagine a mother behind the wheel. That’s why, on this Mother’s Day, we want to dedicate a space to celebrate these heroines who can do it all. Because being a mom is not an easy task, and neither is being a truck driver. Now, imagine being both.

Mothers and truckers: heroines on the road and at home

According to the WIT Index 2024, published by Women in Trucking, the presence of women in the transportation industry continues to grow. The latest figures show that:

9.5% of professional truck drivers are women.
28% of leadership positions in the road transport sector are held by women.
34.5% of executive roles in transportation companies are held by women.

On the other hand, in 2021, there were 24.2 million working mothers in the U.S. workforce with children under 18 years old, according to data from USA Facts. The labor force participation rate for mothers was 71.7%, compared to 92.5% for fathers. How many of these mothers are behind the wheel of a truck?

Although the WIT Index 2024 does not specify how many female truck drivers are also mothers, if we consider the overall proportion of working mothers in the U.S. workforce, we can infer that the number is significant.

How do trucking moms balance life on the road and at home?

Balancing two demanding roles, like motherhood and driving a truck, requires determination and passion. Trucking moms are experts in leadership, adapting, and facing daily challenges, all while relying on the unconditional support of their loved ones. They don’t seek recognition; they simply strive to fulfill their responsibilities with dedication and commitment. To achieve this, they need the following:

Planning: Balancing two roles requires patience and strong planning skills. Having well-defined schedules makes daily tasks easier, allowing for better organization.
Time: Time is essential in any profession, and for trucking moms, it’s the most valuable resource.
Communication: Even when away from home, trucking moms use technology to stay connected with their children and families, regardless of the distance.
Boundaries: Creating a separation between work and family life is essential. This allows them to recharge and give their best effort in both worlds, day after day.
Mistakes: Mistakes are not something negative; they are opportunities to learn and grow. As mothers and truck drivers, it’s important to let go of guilt and allow themselves to make mistakes, both at home and on the road.
Self-care: It’s crucial that they take care of themselves to continue fulfilling their roles. Their health and well-being should always be a priority.
Family support network: At times, they will need help from family or close friends to take care of the children during long trips, which is a very important point.

Even with all this support, being a mother on the road is still a challenging task. However, the women who choose this path do so with heart and dedication. That’s why, on this Mother’s Day, we deeply recognize and thank them for their effort and passion, both in the industry and at home.