The trucking industry has changed significantly over time, with one of the most recent changes being a greater focus on the inclusion of women in trucking. For many years, the trucking industry has been known as a male-dominated field, with men making up the majority of the workforce and being the primary representation behind the wheel of the truck. However, this is rapidly changing, and the DB Schenker U.S. Land Transport division is helping spearhead this movement.
The emergence of female truck drivers has helped transform the industry’s image, introducing fresh perspectives and cultivating a new culture centered on inclusivity and gender equality within the profession.
According to 2024 Women In Trucking (WIT) Index data, women make up nearly 9.5 percent of all professional drivers with commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The DB Schenker U.S. Land Transport division surpasses that figure, with 23 percent of the driving team being female. Women also account for nearly a third (32 percent, 64 total) of management level and above employees in U.S. Land (199 total).
“I believe that women have consistently showcased their outstanding ability to thrive in safety and skills while also shattering stereotypes in the process,” said Sarah Robison, Director of Driver Recruiting for DB Schenker U.S. Land. “Boosting the presence of women in the trucking industry gives a unique spin on how we tackle the driver shortage. Our goal is to not only attract female drivers but also to ensure their long-term commitment and success in the industry.”
Women in Trucking also states that women generally possess intense multitasking and organizational skills and are typically safe drivers, making them excellent options for truck driving positions. Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business research, led by researchers Beth Davis-Sramek and Dave Ketchen, supports the WIT statement. Their findings indicated that women truck drivers are safer and more likely to adhere to road safety regulations. For those reasons, along with the need for more professional truck drivers, there has been a significant increase in female drivers.
“We are fully committed to creating opportunities for women in the trucking industry,” said George Henry, EVP, Land Transport Region Americas. “We believe that women bring invaluable skills and perspectives that help establish new standards in the industry. The longstanding stereotypes, like trucking is too dangerous or that women can’t handle large vehicles, are a thing of the past. Women have proved that they are competent and safe members of the trucking community. Once they are part of the DB Schenker team, these women are empowered to drive change, improve industry standards, and lead the way in setting new benchmarks for excellence.”
