Driving Change: How Women are Shaping the Future of Trucking
For more than a century, women have been essential to the growth of America’s trucking industry—often without the recognition they deserve. From the first to enter the industry and prove women could handle a big rig with skill and confidence to today’s leaders who are changing policies and paving new paths, their impact runs deep.
Today, workforce development programs and CDL training schools are helping a new generation of women find stability, independence, and opportunity on the road.
A Legacy of Determination
The history of women in trucking is filled with grit and perseverance. The first woman credited with making an impact in the trucking industry is Luella Bates, who worked for the Four Wheel Drive Auto Company in Clintonville, Wisc., more than 100 years ago during World War I. Her role as the first licensed female truck driver in 1918 had her driving, repairing, and inspecting trucks.
Years later in 1943, Mazie Lanham became the first female driver for UPS. Although many women were pushed out of these roles after the two world wars, the foundation had been set. Their resilience and determination continue to inspire the next generation of professional drivers.
The State of Women in Trucking Today
The trucking industry is evolving, and women are increasingly part of that progress. According to the 2024–2025 Women In Trucking Index, women now hold nearly a third of leadership and board positions in transportation companies—a promising sign for inclusion at the top.
However, representation behind the wheel has faced setbacks. Women currently make up around 9.5% of all professional drivers, a decline from previous years. Economic fluctuations, freight slowdowns, and limited recruitment efforts have all contributed to this dip.
That’s where workforce development and CDL training programs play a critical role. Ancora Training partners with businesses and educational institutions to deliver CDL training programs that bridge the gap with hands-on training and career readiness. Ancora offers Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) that educates drivers in the standards in safety, routine truck maintenance, driving techniques, as well as rules and regulations of the road. Class A, Class B, Safety Refresher, and Endorsement classes also are available. Do you have any metrics on the number of women Ancora has trained or graduated with a CDL?
By equipping women with both technical expertise and professional skills, CDL training empowers them to build long-term careers in transportation.
Addressing Challenges, Building Solutions
While more opportunities are opening up for women in trucking, challenges remain. Safety concerns, harassment, and equitable training practices continue to be discussed at national levels. Industry organizations and training institutions are responding with more inclusive practices—such as mentorship programs, accessible training schedules, and partnerships with employers committed to creating safe and respectful workplaces.
The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) was founded in 2007 to champion the employment and advancement of women in this field. Its annual conference and expo, scheduled for Nov. 9 – 12 in Dallas, TX, brings together industry leaders to discuss the latest innovations, best practices, and support systems for women pursuing trucking careers.
Natalie Williams, Vice President of Ancora Training, has been an active voice in addressing the gender gap in transportation. She recently was featured in a Tech.co article exploring barriers and opportunities for women in the trucking industry. Continued efforts like this are necessary for women to see continued progress and representation in the truck driving industry.
For the fourth year in a row, Ancora Training has been named one of the “Top Companies for Women to Work for in Transportation” by WIT. Each year, this award recognizes organizations that go above and beyond to create exceptional workplaces for women across all areas of the transportation industry. These companies stand out for their commitment to gender diversity, inclusive policies, and supportive environments where women can build lasting careers. Ancora Training is proud to be included on the distinguished list of nominees.
The Road Ahead for Women In Trucking
As the transportation industry continues to modernize, women are driving the movement forward. With growing advocacy, expanded CDL training access, and workforce development programs designed to eliminate barriers, there’s never been a better time for women to explore a future in trucking.
At Ancora Training, we believe that empowering women through education and skills training doesn’t just change individual lives—it strengthens the entire commercial truck driving industry. Because when more women get behind the wheel, the road ahead gets stronger for everyone. Contact us to explore how Ancora Training can come alongside your operation in these efforts.
