Women have long played a vital yet underappreciated role in the trucking industry. From trailblazers like Luella Bates in the early 20th century to the growing number of women in leadership roles today, their contributions continue to shape the future of transportation. Despite recent setbacks in driver representation, the industry is witnessing a surge in support systems, training opportunities, and advocacy aimed at empowering women behind the wheel and in the boardroom.
When Women Joined the CDL Ranks
The story of women in trucking dates back over a century. According to the Merrifield, Va.-based Women in Trucking association, Luella Bates became the first licensed female commercial truck driver in 1918, working for the Four Wheel Drive Auto Company in Clintonville, Wisc., during World War I. She not only drove but also served as a mechanic and truck inspector, challenging gender norms of the time.
During World War II, women like Mazie Lanham stepped into roles traditionally held by men, with Lanham becoming the first female driver for UPS in 1943. However, post-war societal expectations often pushed women back into domestic roles, and the trucking industry remained predominantly male for decades.
Current Trends and Employment for Women
In recent years, efforts to increase female participation in trucking have seen both progress and challenges. According to the 2024-25 Women In Trucking Index, women now hold approximately 28% of C-suite positions, 34.5% of supervisory roles, and 29.5% of board seats within the industry. These figures indicate a positive trend toward gender diversity in leadership.
However, the percentage of women in driving roles has declined. The WIT Index reports that women comprise 9.5% of all professional drivers, down from 12.1% in the previous year. This decrease may be attributed to factors such as reduced recruitment efforts amid a freight downturn. To help more women enter the transportation field as truck drivers, the association provides resources and a career center, which shares job listings and information on truck driving schools like ASC Technical Institute in El Paso. The school’s CDL program includes comprehensive, hands-on training, DOT record keeping, hazardous material procedures, yard skills, basic control, and more.
Challenges On the Road Ahead
Despite these opportunities, women in trucking still face significant challenges, including safety concerns and workplace harassment. Desiree Wood, a female truck driver who was interviewed by Conde Nast Traveler for a podcast about her career, shared the need for better protection and support for female drivers. The WIT says that policies such as same-gender training have faced legal challenges, underscoring the complexities of creating safe and equitable training environments for women.
Nevertheless, the commercial truck driving industry’s increasing focus on diversity and inclusion, coupled with targeted training and support programs, offers a promising path forward. By continuing to address these challenges and promote opportunities, the trucking industry can pave the way for more women to thrive in various roles, from drivers to executives. At ASC Technical Institute, we are proud to offer CDL training to women and men of all ages. Contact us today to learn how you can earn your commercial drivers license and make a career out on the road.