Women In Trucking Association, Inc Empowers Female Truck Drivers

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The Women In Trucking Association, Inc is a game-changer for female truck drivers. Founded in 2007 by Ellen Voie, the organization's mission is to promote the employment, recognition, and education of women in the trucking industry.

The association offers a variety of resources and support for its members, including a scholarship program for women pursuing a career in trucking. This initiative helps to address the industry's shortage of qualified drivers.

One of the association's most notable programs is the "Top Women in the Industry" award, which recognizes and celebrates the achievements of female truck drivers and industry professionals.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Trucking Companies That Go to Canada

Women in Trucking Association, Inc

The Women in Trucking Association, Inc aims to increase the percentage of women employed in the trucking industry.

Women In Motion, a part of the American Trucking Associations, is advocating for female truckers by creating a new membership program and a booklet for independent contractors.

The Women In Motion advocacy group is based in Austin, Texas.

Woman sitting on a 4x4 Truck
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A session during the American Trucking Associations' Management Conference & Exhibition highlighted the importance of women in trucking and how to make the industry more attractive to female candidates, which took place in San Diego.

The industry can benefit from having more women involved, and the Women in Trucking Association, Inc is working towards this goal.

Challenges and Solutions

Women face significant challenges in the trucking industry, with only ten percent of professional drivers being female, and less than two percent of technicians working in trucking (diesel).

A study by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) identifies key obstacles that keep women from entering and remaining in the trucking industry, highlighting the need for solutions to address these challenges.

The Women In Trucking Association, Inc. is working to make the industry more attractive to female candidates by developing anti-harassment guidelines and recruiting best practices.

Partners

We're fortunate to have a strong network of partners supporting Women In Trucking.

A Woman Wearing Coverall Standing Near the Truck
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Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Daimler Trucks North America, and BMO Transportation Finance are just a few of the many organizations that have partnered with Women In Trucking.

In 2010, Frito-Lay became Women In Trucking's first Gold Level Partner, a significant milestone for the organization.

Companies like FedEx Freight, Michelin, Peterbilt, and Ryder Systems, Inc. have also joined forces with Women In Trucking to create a more inclusive industry.

Walmart is another major partner, demonstrating the industry's commitment to change.

Challenges for Female Truck Drivers

Women face significant challenges in the trucking industry. Only ten percent of professional drivers are women, and they make up less than two percent of technicians working in trucking.

The American Transportation Research Institute has identified key obstacles that keep women from entering and remaining in the trucking industry. These challenges include a lack of support and resources.

Women in management roles in transportation are also underrepresented, making up only one quarter of all women in these positions. This lack of representation can make it harder for women to find mentors and role models.

The Women In Motion advocacy group is working to address these challenges by creating a booklet focused on independent contractors and a new membership program.

Key Strategies for Success

A woman sits on a rusty truck outdoors in Cavite City, Philippines, during sunset.
Credit: pexels.com, A woman sits on a rusty truck outdoors in Cavite City, Philippines, during sunset.

The Women In Motion advocacy group is working to address the obstacles that keep women from succeeding in the trucking industry. They're focusing on making the industry more attractive to female candidates.

One key strategy is to work with truck manufacturers on truck cab design to create a more comfortable and welcoming space for women. This is a crucial step in making the industry more inclusive.

The organization is also developing anti-harassment guidelines and recruiting best practices to create a safer and more supportive environment for women in the industry. This will help to reduce the barriers that prevent women from entering and succeeding in trucking careers.

To expand positive exposure, the Image Team is showcasing women on the job in advertisements, highlighting the opportunities and benefits of a career in trucking. This is a great way to attract more women to the industry.

The organization is also introducing a driver ambassador tractor trailer, equipped with information, hands-on learning, and a simulator, to travel across the country and introduce women (and men) to careers in the trucking industry. This is a fantastic way to raise awareness and inspire more people to join the industry.

Facebook Job Ads Discriminate

Woman Wearing Yellow Shirt Inside Pickup Truck
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Facebook's job ads have been accused of illegally discriminating against certain groups. Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, allegedly steers job ads to specific age and gender groups on its platform.

The women's truckers organization, which filed a civil rights complaint, claims that Facebook routinely discriminates in its job ad targeting. This has serious implications for job seekers who may be unfairly excluded from opportunities.

The complaint highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in online job advertising.

Events and Initiatives

The Women In Trucking Association, Inc has been hosting events and initiatives to promote women's involvement in the industry. In 2010, they held their first annual "Salute to Women Behind the Wheel" and gained a monthly feature on SiriusXM's Freewheelin' show.

In 2014, WIT created a Girl Scout Patch and distributed it to troops, holding the first Girl Scout event in Chicago to educate young women about potential careers in transportation. They also started a monthly segment on the Dave Nemo Show.

Credit: youtube.com, Women In Trucking: Who We Are

WIT has also partnered with the National Transportation Institute to create the WIT Index, which monitors and quantifies the number of women drivers and management at organizations nationwide. In 2016, they released a recruiting guide for corporate members, "How to attract female drivers", in partnership with the University of Wisconsin – Stout.

Activities

Women In Trucking (WIT) has been actively promoting women in the trucking industry since its founding in 2007. The organization's first reception was held at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky in 2008.

The WIT board of directors is composed of industry leaders from major corporations, including Walmart, Daimler, and FedEx. Mark Rousseau joined the board in 2010 as the first male director.

WIT designed a curriculum and created a transportation patch for the Girl Scouts in 2014. They also started a monthly segment on the Dave Nemo Show that year.

Redefining the Road became the association's official member publication in 2012. The Women In Trucking Association established the "Distinguished Woman in Logistics" award in 2015, sponsored by TMW Systems.

The WIT Index was created in 2015, and the association partnered with the National Transportation Institute to monitor and quantify the number of women drivers and management at organizations nationwide.

Panel at Motive Summit: Be Persistent

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If you're a woman looking to break into the trucking industry, you're in good company. Women who have achieved success in trucking advise being determined and persistent.

To succeed in this male-dominated field, you'll need to stay focused and motivated. Panelists at the Motive Summit told women to be persistent and stay the course, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in overcoming obstacles.

In fact, a panel at the Motive Summit specifically told women to be persistent, suggesting that this trait is essential for achieving success in trucking. By staying committed to your goals, you'll be more likely to overcome challenges and reach your full potential.

The industry is taking notice of the importance of women in trucking, with many events and initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining female drivers.

ATA's Safer Truck Parking Program

ATA's Safer Truck Parking Program is a significant initiative that's making waves in the industry. The program is a direct response to the need for safer truck parking areas, particularly for women in trucking.

ATA is already backing safer truck parking in Congress, demonstrating their commitment to creating a safer working environment for all truckers.

The Women In Motion program is a key part of this initiative, aiming to improve the working environment for women in trucking.

Mentoring and Networking

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The Women In Trucking Association is dedicated to helping women succeed in the industry through mentoring and networking opportunities. They match women interested in careers in trucking with experienced women who can offer guidance and support.

One such opportunity is through the association's efforts to connect women with women who have experience in logistics, driving, safety, and leadership. This is done to help them become successful in their chosen field.

By providing these connections, the association empowers women to take control of their careers and achieve their goals.

Key People

At the Women In Trucking Association Inc, you'll find a team of dedicated leaders who are passionate about empowering women in the trucking industry.

Their President, Jennifer Hedrick, is at the forefront of this mission, guiding the organization's efforts to promote equality and opportunities for women in the industry.

Lana Nichols serves as the Vice President, providing valuable support and expertise to the team.

Ellen Voie, the Past President, has played a significant role in shaping the organization's vision and goals.

Here are the key people leading the Women In Trucking Association Inc:

Mentoring and Networking

Photography of Woman Sitting on Chair Near Window
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Mentoring and networking opportunities can be a game-changer for anyone looking to advance in their career.

The Women In Trucking Association is a great example of this, matching women interested in careers in the trucking industry with women who have experience in these areas to help them become successful.

Having a mentor can provide valuable guidance and support, helping you navigate challenges and make informed decisions.

For instance, the Women In Trucking Association matches women with experience in logistics, driving, safety, and leadership with those who are just starting out.

This kind of support can be especially helpful for women entering male-dominated industries like trucking.

By connecting with experienced professionals, you can gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in your chosen field.

Include Women in Ads to Boost Female Drivers

Including women in advertisements is a simple yet effective way to attract more female drivers to the trucking industry. Companies can showcase women on the job in their ads to make the industry more attractive to female candidates.

Happy young woman posing in front of classic retro truck on a sunny day outdoors.
Credit: pexels.com, Happy young woman posing in front of classic retro truck on a sunny day outdoors.

Experts at the Women In Trucking Association's annual conference emphasize the importance of this approach. By highlighting women in their ads, companies can help break down stereotypes and show that trucking is a career path open to everyone.

The Women In Motion advocacy group of American Trucking Associations is also on board with this idea. They're crafting a booklet focused on independent contractors, which will likely include advice on how to attract more female drivers.

In fact, the Women In Motion group is ramping up a new membership program to support their efforts. This new program will help them reach more women and make the industry more inclusive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the CEO of women in trucking?

The CEO of Women In Trucking is Jennifer Hedrick, CAE. She serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization.

What percentage of the trucking industry is female?

As of the 2024-2025 Women in Trucking Index, approximately 9.5% of professional drivers in the trucking industry are female. This percentage has decreased from 12.1% the previous year, sparking concerns about the industry's decline in female representation.

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

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