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How to Attract & Retain Women Truck Drivers at Your Business
Jun 17, 2021

It’s no secret that most of the trucking and transportation industry is men. Though women make up 47% of the overall workforce, they account for just 7% of drivers. That number is, slowly, rising. In 2010, it was just 4.6%. But with the truck driver shortage—which could be as extensive as 160,000 by 2028—trucking companies need to recruit talent wherever they can find it. Even if the numbers are still small, women truck drivers do exist, and if you provide a comfortable environment, you can expand your hiring pool to include the other half of the population, too.


Besides just expanding your talent pool, hiring women truck drivers might even improve your fleet safety program (link to “Fleet Safety Program: 4 Important Things to Remember”). Numbers show that female drivers are 20% less likely to be involved in a crash and 60% less likely to commit hours of service violations.


The reality is that many women avoided trucking not only because of perceived safety issues, but because truck driving often requires long hours away from the family. However, with more women putting off starting a family, and family dynamics shifting to encourage men to stay home with the kids, now is the time for the trucking industry to attract and retain women truck drivers.


Keep reading to learn how you can support women in trucking and make women truck drivers part of your recruitment strategy going forward.

Create and Enforce a Safe Environment

The sad truth is that many women avoid a career in the trucking industry because of a perceived sense that the job isn’t safe for them. From discrimination at the actual job to the dangers of on-the-road life for women, many will look elsewhere for employment.


In order to attract women truck drivers to your job, it’s imperative that you have a no-tolerance policy for sexism on the job—and that you actually enforce that policy. This means cracking down on jokes, even if they’re “just jokes.” It also means listening to your female truck drivers if they report harassment. Have a documented, comprehensive policy and procedure for dealing with sexism, and be certain those policies have been communicated to and signed by every employee on the job.


The most important part is that these policies go beyond words. Sexism, harassment, and discrimination of any kind needs to be dealt with swiftly and strongly.

Connect with Women in Trucking Organizations

Though the percentage of women truck drivers is low, a bustling community has formed to support those who choose to get on the road. The Women in Trucking Association is a non-profit dedicated to encouraging women in trucking and minimizing the obstacles they face in the industry. Use their resources to get informed about the realities women face when entering this industry. 


The Women in Trucking Association isn’t the only organization for women truck drivers. Search for local chapters or Facebook groups that support female truck drivers, too. You can use their network to share your job post (link to “Hiring Truck Drivers: Top 3 Strategies from a Pro”). Once you do hire female drivers, encourage them to participate in these groups or organizations, and support that participation in whatever ways you can.

Pay Them Well

Pay disparity is a problem in every industry. So let’s keep it simple: don’t let it be a problem at your company, too. Regardless of their gender, your drivers should be paid fairly. If possible, you can also offer benefits that attract women truck drivers.


As a woman-owned business, Gold Star knows what it’s like to be a woman involved in the trucking industry. We love what we do, and we want to spread that energy to others, too. That’s why we offer business set-up services, consultative solutions, mentoring, and more to trucking companies of all shapes and sizes. Hoping to get involved in this incredible industry? Are you a woman who wants to open a trucking business? Look no further. Gold Star is here to lend a helping hand.

Your Guide to the Amazon Delivery Service Partner Program

17 Jun, 2021
It’s impossible to think of the trucking industry without considering Amazon. In 2019, the company delivered 4.5 billion packages in the United States . Their Amazon Delivery Service Partner Program enables anyone with some startup capital the opportunity to get involved in their massively successful business venture. There are pros and cons to becoming an Amazon DSP, but the steady stream of work is certainly eye-catching to start-up trucking companies. Amazon lays out some of the most important information , but let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions.

Your Guide to DOT Background Check Requirements for Drivers

17 Jun, 2021
A thorough, compliant background screening program for your drivers should be the backbone of your hiring strategy. Background checks ensure that your new drivers have all of the qualifications necessary to do the job well and to best represent your company out on the road. Background checks also, of course, weed out any drivers with disqualifying criminal histories, a history of driving violations, and substance abuse problems. That’s why they should be a standard part of your fleet safety program anyway (link to “Fleet Safety Program: 4 Important Things to Remember”). In our regulated industry, a DOT background check is required. Here’s how DOT background check requirements differ from standard employment screening.

Will Truck Driving Be Automated?

17 Jun, 2021
It’s the question on the minds of truck drivers, owners, and delivery companies everywhere: will truck driving be automated? Automated trucks have been a conversation point for years now, with many worrying that technology advances will put millions of people out of work. Despite these concerns, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5% growth for trucking employment in the coming years. While other industries struggle to adapt to new technology, the trucking industry is greatly benefiting from it. There are a range of opinions when it comes to this question, though most truck drivers seem confident that their jobs can’t (or at least won’t) be done by machines any time soon. Before getting into the trucking industry, it’s important that you take a look at the landscape and make an educated decision about it—but remember there will always be a need to move goods from one place to another, and the explosion in online ordering suggests that need is only going to expand. Let’s take a look at the current state of automated trucks as we dive into the question: will truck driving be automated?

What Is Carbon Neutral Shipping & How Do Companies Become Carbon Neutral?

17 Jun, 2021
Trucking and logistics is no longer just about getting materials from point A to point B. Much like consumers want to buy their products from socially responsible corporations or boycott businesses that don’t align with their beliefs, many companies want to work with trucking companies that prove they care about the environment. Whether due to their personal beliefs, to the corporate responsibility goals they’re mandated to meet, or to a desire to please their own customer base, you’re serving clients who will ask about your carbon neutral shipping practices sooner rather than later. Now is the time to start taking this topic seriously. Do you find yourself asking “what is carbon neutral shipping anyway?” Are you wondering why carbon neutral shipping might be a benefit? Curious to know how companies become carbon neutral? Keep reading to discover the answers to all of your questions about this climate-responsible approach to business.

What Do I Need to Start a Trucking Company?

17 Jun, 2021
The trucking industry landscape is largely made up of small businesses—with over 90% of companies operating fewer than seven trucks—so there is room for you if you’re considering starting a small trucking business. Whether you’re a professional truck driver already or you’re just a prospective business owner looking to cash in on the projected growth in the industry, you can get on the road toward a successful business with our help. What do you need to start your own trucking business? Just a little bit of insight from Gold Star’s experts.

The Facts & Figures: How Much Does it Cost to Start a Trucking Company?

17 Jun, 2021
Are you ready to work for yourself? Find yourself wondering how much does it cost to start a trucking company? Some estimates anticipate between $10,000 and $20,000 to get started with a small trucking company, assuming you don’t have to factor in the average cost of a semi truck. What goes into the cost of starting a logistics company? Let’s take a look.
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