Women in Trucking: CDL Training Programs for Women 2026

Quick Answer

Women make up 9.5% of professional CDL holders in 2025, an 88% increase since 2010 according to the Women in Trucking Association
Female student drivers represent 10.7% of trainees, down from a peak of 15.5% in 2022 but still well above historical averages
Dedicated programs exist through Women in Trucking, REAL Women in Trucking, and carrier-specific initiatives with mentorship, safety resources, and networking
Average salaries for female truck drivers match male counterparts at $50,000-$80,000+, with the industry actively recruiting women to address the 80,000+ driver shortage

The trucking industry has long been one of the most male-dominated professions in the country. But that is changing. Since 2010, the number of women holding CDLs has increased by 88%, and major carriers are actively recruiting women with targeted training programs, mentorship initiatives, and improved safety accommodations.

This guide covers CDL training programs designed for women, industry statistics, the unique challenges female drivers face, and the organizations working to make trucking a more inclusive career.

Women in Trucking: Current Statistics

Understanding the numbers helps frame where the industry stands and where it is headed:

Workforce Representation

According to the 2024-2025 Women in Trucking (WIT) Index:

9.5% of professional drivers holding CDLs are women — a decrease from previous years but still well above historical norms
10.7% of student drivers and trainees are women, down from a high of 15.5% in 2022
88% increase in female truck drivers since 2010, based on Department of Labor data
The decrease from peak numbers is attributed to a lack of quality childcare, misperceptions of career opportunities, and an aging driver population reaching retirement

Breakdown by Company Size

The WIT Index reveals interesting patterns based on employer size:

Micro/small companies (under 500 employees): 12.5% female drivers
Large/medium companies (500-4,999 employees): 10.5% female drivers
Giant/major companies (5,000+ employees): 7% female drivers

Smaller companies tend to have higher percentages of female drivers, possibly because they offer more flexibility in scheduling and route selection.

CDL Training Programs for Women

Several organizations and carriers have developed programs specifically designed to support women entering the trucking industry:

Women in Trucking Association (WIT) Programs

The Women in Trucking Association is the leading organization supporting women in the industry. Founded in 2007, WIT provides:

Mentorship programs pairing new female drivers with experienced women in the industry
Scholarship opportunities for CDL training and continuing education
Networking events and an annual conference connecting women across the industry
Safety advocacy including truck cab design improvements and anti-harassment initiatives
Image Library to counter stereotypes about women in trucking

WIT partners with CDL schools and carriers to make training environments more welcoming for women.

REAL Women in Trucking

REAL Women in Trucking is a support and advocacy organization offering:

Peer support groups for female drivers
Safety resources and training
Online community for sharing experiences and advice
Advocacy for industry policy changes

Carrier-Specific Training Programs

Several major carriers have dedicated women's recruitment and training initiatives:

Schneider: Offers a Women's Network employee resource group and has been recognized as a top employer for women in trucking. Their CDL training program actively recruits female students.

Werner Enterprises: Has women-focused recruitment efforts and a company culture that emphasizes inclusivity. Werner provides tuition reimbursement for CDL training.

FedEx Freight: Named among top companies for women in trucking by WIT, with mentorship programs and advancement pathways.

Old Dominion: Recognized by WIT for efforts to recruit and retain women drivers, with local route options that provide daily home time.

Choosing the Right CDL School as a Woman

When evaluating CDL schools, women should consider factors beyond the standard checklist:

Safety and Facilities

Are there private restroom and shower facilities at the training site?
Does the school have a harassment policy, and is it enforced?
What is the instructor-to-student ratio? Smaller ratios mean more individual attention
Are there female instructors on staff?

Training Environment

What percentage of current students are women?
Does the school have experience training women?
Are training trucks equipped with adjustable seats and mirrors that accommodate different body sizes?
Is the training facility in a safe, well-lit location?

Career Support

Does the school connect graduates with carriers known for supporting women?
Is there mentorship available for women during and after training?
Does the school track female graduate outcomes (job placement, retention)?

Browse our CDL schools directory to find ELDT-registered programs in your area, and check our guide on how to choose a CDL school for evaluation criteria.

Challenges Women Face in Trucking

Understanding the unique challenges helps you prepare for and navigate them:

Safety Concerns

Safety is the most frequently cited concern for women considering trucking. The realities include:

Truck stops and rest areas vary widely in safety and amenities
Solo driving means extended time alone in unfamiliar locations
Some routes and delivery locations may feel less secure

Mitigation strategies: Many female drivers choose team driving (with a partner), dedicated local or regional routes with daily home time, and carriers with strong safety cultures. GPS tracking, dashcams, and communication apps provide additional security.

Work-Life Balance and Childcare

The WIT Index identified lack of quality childcare as a primary factor in declining female driver numbers. Long-haul routes require extended time away from home, which disproportionately affects women who are primary caregivers.

Options: Local and regional routes provide daily or weekly home time. Some carriers offer family-oriented scheduling. Team driving with a spouse or partner allows some couples to maintain family life on the road.

Equipment and Ergonomics

Commercial trucks were historically designed for male body proportions. Issues include:

Seats and seatbelts not designed for female body types
Cab steps and handholds positioned for taller drivers
Sleeper berth dimensions optimized for larger frames

Progress: WIT has partnered with major truck manufacturers to advocate for more ergonomic designs. Volvo, Freightliner, and Peterbilt have made adjustments to seat designs, cab accessibility, and controls.

Workplace Culture

While improving, the industry's culture can still feel unwelcoming. Harassment and discrimination, while less common than in past decades, remain issues that some women encounter.

Resources: WIT and REAL Women in Trucking provide support networks. Most major carriers have zero-tolerance harassment policies and reporting mechanisms. Knowing your rights under federal employment law is important.

Financial Opportunities for Women in CDL Training

WIT Foundation Scholarships

The Women in Trucking Association awards scholarships annually for CDL training and continuing education. Awards help offset training costs and are specifically for women entering or advancing in the industry.

WIOA Priority for Women

WIOA grants, administered through local workforce development boards, often prioritize women entering non-traditional occupations. Trucking qualifies as a non-traditional occupation for women, which may give female applicants priority for funding.

Carrier Recruitment Incentives

Some carriers offer additional signing bonuses or incentives specifically for female drivers as part of diversity recruitment efforts. Ask carriers directly about any women-specific incentives during the hiring process.

GI Bill Benefits for Female Veterans

Female veterans can use GI Bill benefits for CDL training, covering 100% of tuition plus a housing allowance. For details, read our CDL training for veterans guide.

Best Career Paths for Women in Trucking

The data shows that women in trucking tend to gravitate toward (and succeed in) certain segments:

Local and Regional Driving

Routes that provide daily or weekly home time are popular among women, especially those with families. LTL carriers, delivery companies, and dedicated accounts offer these schedules.

Team Driving

Couples who drive together can maintain their relationship while earning dual incomes. Many carriers offer team driving programs with higher pay per mile than solo driving.

Specialty Hauling

Women are well-represented in specialty segments including refrigerated transport, tanker hauling, and car hauling. These segments often pay more than general freight.

Management and Leadership

Women hold approximately 26% of transportation management positions according to WIT, significantly higher than the driver percentage. CDL experience combined with leadership skills opens paths to dispatch, fleet management, safety management, and executive roles.

For an overview of different CDL career paths, see our articles on owner-operator vs company driver and CDL jobs that don't require long haul.

FAQ

What percentage of truck drivers are women?

As of the 2024-2025 Women in Trucking Index, 9.5% of professional drivers holding CDLs are women. This represents an 88% increase since 2010, though recent years have seen a slight decline from a peak of about 12% due to factors including childcare challenges and retirements.

Are there CDL schools specifically for women?

While there are no CDL schools exclusively for women, several schools have programs, resources, and support systems designed to recruit and retain female students. The Women in Trucking Association partners with schools across the country to improve the training experience for women. Some schools have female instructors on staff and women-focused orientation programs.

Do women earn the same as men in trucking?

Yes. Trucking is one of the most equitable professions in terms of pay because compensation is typically based on miles driven, loads hauled, or hours worked — not subjective factors. A female driver running the same routes as a male counterpart earns the same pay. Average salaries range from $50,000-$80,000+ regardless of gender.

Is trucking safe for women?

Safety is a legitimate concern that varies based on route type, carrier, and individual preparedness. Women can maximize safety by choosing reputable carriers with strong safety cultures, selecting local or regional routes with daily home time, using technology (GPS, dashcams, communication apps), connecting with women's trucking networks for advice and support, and researching truck stops and rest areas along their routes.

What is the Women in Trucking Association?

The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 to encourage employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles they face. WIT provides mentorship programs, scholarships, networking events, safety advocacy, and partners with carriers and training schools to improve the experience for women in trucking.