Shipping & Freight News

The trucking industry is undergoing a transformative shift, with women stepping into roles traditionally dominated by men. Women in Trucking (WIT), a trade association founded in 2007, has been at the forefront of this change. With nearly 8,300 members, WIT’s mission is clear: to uplift and support women in the trucking and transportation industries.

“Our mission is really threefold: we seek to create opportunities for women in trucking, celebrate accomplishments, and eliminate obstacles,” explains WIT President and CEO Jennifer Hedrick.

Through initiatives like the WIT Index, which tracks female representation across roles, WIT provides valuable insights into industry trends. Currently, 12% of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders are women—a significant improvement over past years. Beyond drivers, WIT tracks female representation in leadership roles, HR, technical positions, and other areas, reflecting a holistic approach to inclusivity in trucking.

This progress is evident in events like the Food Shippers of America Conference, where women in all stages of their transport careers are increasingly visible, from interns to industry veterans. Such representation signals a brighter future for gender diversity in the supply chain and transportation sectors.

The number of women in the logistics sector is on the rise. Learn more about the positive impact of shifting demographics in the latest episode of the Stay In Your Lane Podcast.

One of WIT’s standout events is the annual Salute to Women Behind the Wheel, held at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville. This celebration honors female CDL holders with awards and features an expo with networking opportunities. It’s a powerful reminder of the contributions women make to the trucking industry and a chance for them to connect and share their journey.

Studies have shown that women are statistically safer drivers, taking fewer risks and garnering fewer complaints than their male counterparts. This aligns with the anecdotal experiences of fleet managers and industry leaders, who often praise the professionalism and customer service skills of female drivers.

Beyond safety, women in trucking are also excelling in leadership roles. From drivers to C-suite executives, WIT supports women at every stage of their careers, encouraging them to take on challenges and lead with confidence.

“Women in Trucking represents the driver—women in the driver’s seat—all the way up to women in the corner suite, and everyone in between,” says Hedrick.

This November, WIT will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Accelerate! Conference in Dallas, Texas. With over 1,700 attendees last year, this event provides educational tracks, trade shows, and networking opportunities for women and men alike. It’s a testament to the organization’s growth and its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive community.

The trucking industry has not always been kind to its drivers, but organizations like WIT are changing that narrative. Through their tireless efforts, women are not only finding their place in trucking but thriving. From creating safer roads to bringing fresh perspectives to leadership roles, the contributions of women in trucking are reshaping the industry for the better.

As the industry continues to evolve, events, data collection, and initiatives spearheaded by WIT ensure that gender diversity becomes the norm rather than the exception. For companies and individuals alike, supporting this progress is not just good for business—it’s essential for the future of transportation. Triple T Transport salutes the hard-working female drivers and others in key transport roles whose contributions help us provide industry-leading 3PL services.