The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has released its 2024-25 WIT Index, offering a deep dive into gender diversity across the North American transportation industry. The report tracks the percentage of women in leadership, operational, and technical roles, highlighting both advancements and areas that still need improvement.

With an ongoing driver shortage, increasing fleet demands, and an evolving workforce, gender diversity has become a key topic in the transportation and trucking sectors. The latest WIT Index provides valuable insights into where the industry stands ... and where it's headed.

More Women in Leadership, But Still Work to Do

One of the most significant findings from this year’s index is the continued growth of women in executive roles. Women now represent:

• 28% of C-suite executives (e.g., CEOs, CFOs, and COOs)

• 34.5% of company leaders with supervisory responsibilities

• 29.5% of board members across participating companies

These numbers reflect a growing recognition of the importance of diverse leadership. Research consistently shows that companies with more women in decision-making roles tend to outperform their competitors financially and operationally. However, there is still room for improvement, as many organizations still struggle to achieve a 50/50 balance.

Professional Driver Representation Declines

One of the more concerning trends in this year’s report is the drop in the number of female professional drivers. Women now account for just 9.5% of CDL-holding truck drivers, down 2.5% from the previous year.

Industry experts suggest that several factors are contributing to this decline, including:

• Lack of affordable childcare options, making long-haul driving less feasible for women with families

• Safety concerns, particularly for women who drive solo or in unfamiliar areas

• Aging workforce. Many veteran female drivers are reaching retirement age, and recruiting efforts haven’t fully offset these departures

• Misperceptions about trucking careers. Many women remain unaware of the opportunities available in trucking, from local delivery to specialized freight

Despite these challenges, companies actively working to recruit and retain female drivers have found success by offering more flexible schedules, providing mentorship programs, and addressing safety concerns through technology and improved workplace policies.

Technician Roles See Slow Growth in Female Representation

A major ongoing challenge in the transportation industry is the severe shortage of diesel technicians—a critical role for keeping work trucks on the road. Yet, women account for just 4% of technicians, making it one of the most male-dominated roles in the field.

While the numbers remain low, there is a modest trend toward improvement. WIT data suggests that more women are entering technician training programs than in previous years, though recruitment efforts need to be strengthened to make a significant impact.

With the American Trucking Associations (ATA) projecting a need for 200,000 additional diesel technicians over the next decade, the industry must focus on expanding outreach, providing training scholarships, and improving workplace culture to attract more women into these critical positions.

Diversity & Inclusion Policies Are Increasing

The WIT Index also tracks the prevalence of formal Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) policies within companies.

• 52.5% of organizations surveyed now have a formal D&I policy, up from 45.5% in 2022.

• An additional 19% are actively working on developing a policy.

• Only 25.5% reported that they do not have a formal D&I policy.

This upward trend suggests that more companies recognize the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that support gender diversity and equity. A well-structured D&I policy can help companies attract top talent, reduce turnover, and foster a more engaged workforce.

Women Hold Strong in HR, Safety, and Dispatch Roles

While certain positions still see low female representation, women continue to dominate in other key areas:

• 74.5% of HR and Talent Management professionals in transportation are women, reflecting the industry-wide trend of HR being a female-led field.

• 38.5% of safety professionals are women, showing a growing presence in an area that has traditionally been male-dominated.

• 38.5% of dispatchers are women, reinforcing their important role in keeping fleet operations running smoothly.

As fleets continue modernizing safety programs and optimizing logistics, these roles will remain critical in shaping the future of fleet management.

Why This Matters for the Trucking Industry

The 2024-25 WIT Index serves as an important benchmark for gender diversity in trucking and logistics. While leadership representation is growing, the decline in female drivers and the shortage of women in technician roles highlight areas that require immediate attention.

Work truck and trucking fleets looking to recruit and retain more women should consider:

• Flexible scheduling and family-friendly policies

• Improved safety measures and mentorship programs

• Scholarships and training opportunities for technicians

• Strong D&I initiatives to foster an inclusive company culture

As the industry faces ongoing workforce shortages, leveraging the skills, leadership, and talent of women in trucking will be essential for continued growth and success.

For more details on the 2024-25 WIT Index, visit Women In Trucking.