The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is initiating research on the challenges facing female truck drivers as well as barriers that discourage women from considering a career as a truck driver. The study will also identify strategies for overcoming industry issues faced by women. Previous ATRI research has shown that women make up only 8.1% of all U.S. truck drivers, and only 2.7% of over-the-road truck drivers. In response, the ATRI Research Advisory Committee says it is prioritizing this new women-focused research initiative.
Key components of the research, according to the press release, will include:
- National surveys and focus groups with women who are veteran truck drivers, new entrants, and women who are former truck drivers. In addition, the researchers will engage different groups of women to identify both issues and motivators for women considering careers in trucking.
- Recognizing that certain fleets have substantially more women drivers than typical fleets, motor carriers will be surveyed and interviewed to identify best practices in recruiting and retaining women truck drivers. Additional outreach will focus on women executives at motor carriers in order to understand issues and opportunities beyond truck driving.
- ·Collaborating with truck driver training schools to identify recruitment and training issues unique to women.
