WIT: Women in driver, technician roles still low, but their numbers gain elsewhere

Women still make up low percentages in two high-profile roles in trucking and transportation – drivers and technicians, but they are making progress in other key departments at commercial fleets and related organizations such as dispatch, safety, HR, and C-suite and boards of directors, according to data from the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) 2024 Index. 

• HR/Talent management: Consistent with the 2023 report, women continue to make up a majority of the HR and talent management workforce in trucking and transportation, according to the WIT survey, averaging 74.5% 

• Leadership roles:  2024 WIT index respondents reported that 29.5% of Board of Director members, 28% of C-suite executives and 34.5% of company leaders with supervisory responsibilities are women.  

• Dispatching and safety roles: These roles have a strong representation of female workers with 36% of dispatch roles and 32% of safety professional roles being held by women. 

• Drivers: Only about 9.5% of driver roles are held by women, a 2.5% decrease from 2023. Data shows that the smaller the company, the higher percentage of female drivers, which is the first time WIT was able to confirm this assumption. 

• Diesel technician roles: Though there is a significant shortage of women in this field, there is an indication to a slight growth in this area as in 2022, 3.7% of technicians were women, and in 2024 there are now 4%. 

Schneider is an industry leader in fostering women’s growth in its workforce and is a proud member of WIT. The percentage of women in driver roles at Schneider, currently at 13%, grows year-over-year and nearly 40% of the company’s leadership roles are held by women – both above 2024 WIT industry averages. 

In 2024, Schneider’s Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Angela Fish, and Director of Regulatory Services and Driver Training, Andrea Sequin, were recognized by WIT as Top Women to Watch in Transportation in 2024.