NTI Survey Reveals Incremental Rise in Number of Female Drivers
At the end of 2017, 7.9% of truck drivers were women, up from 7.1% at the beginning of the year, according to research conducted by the National Transportation Institute for the Women In Trucking Association.
Women in trucking management rose to 23.8% at year-end 2017, up from 23% at the beginning of the year.
The institute surveys hundreds of trucking firms for data on subjects including driver wages, benefits and retirement plans. For the driver percentages, the institute tracks over-the-road drivers.
WIT reported that the number of carriers in the past two years that are tracking the percentage of female drivers and managers has grown by 19%. “That means that more companies are actually monitoring these figures and can benchmark with other carriers in the industry,” according to WIT.
Confidentiality of data is a core part of the surveys, NTI Chief Operating Officer Leah Shaver said.
“We do not share WIT Index participant data or names with anyone without their permission,” Shaver said.
Women in Trucking is conducting another study to track the percentage of women who are in the management ranks and on the boards of publicly traded carriers. Of 16 participating organizations, 12, or 75%, said they have female directors, up from 67% reported in 2016.
WIT said carrier ArcBest is a leader in developing female management with women making up 28% of its company executives and 33% of its board members.
