Using Technology to Promote Gender Diversity in the Trucking Industry

The trucking industry has traditionally been male-dominated, with women making up a small percentage of truck drivers and other industry professionals. However, technology is helping to break down barriers and create new opportunities for women in the trucking industry.

Safety Technology

Safety Technology is one of the most significant areas of innovation in the trucking industry. Advanced safety features such as collision avoidance systems, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control are becoming increasingly common in modern trucks. These features are designed to help prevent accidents and make the roads safer for everyone.

The American Transportation Safety Institute found that male commercial drivers are twenty percent more likely to be involved in a crash than their female counterparts. This is true for every statistically significant area including intersections, night driving and around curves.  Women are more risk-averse, and safety is a high priority for female truck drivers.

GPS Tracking

GPS tracking is another technology that is transforming the trucking industry. GPS technology allows trucking companies to track the location of their trucks in real time, providing accurate information about the delivery status and estimated arrival time. This information is invaluable for fleet management and can help to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

For women, GPS tracking can be particularly helpful in improving safety. GPS technology allows trucking companies to monitor the location of their drivers, making it easier to locate them in case of an emergency. It also enables drivers to navigate unfamiliar routes with confidence, reducing the risk of getting lost or stranded.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are now mandatory for all truck drivers. These devices are designed to record driving hours and ensure compliance with federal regulations. They also provide a wealth of data about driver behaviour such as speeding and hard braking, which can be used to improve safety and efficiency.

For women, ELDs can be beneficial in several ways. First, they provide a transparent record of driving hours, which can help to ensure fair pay and prevent overwork. Second, ELDs can help to prevent fatigue-related accidents by monitoring driver behaviour and alerting drivers when they need to take a break.

Online Training Programs

Online training programs are becoming increasingly popular in the trucking industry. These programs provide drivers with access to training and certification courses from anywhere with an internet connection. Online training programs can be especially helpful for women who may have other responsibilities or commitments that make attending in-person training difficult.

Online training programs can also help to reduce the gender gap in the trucking industry by providing women with access to the same training and certification opportunities as men. This can help to level the playing field and create new opportunities for women in the industry.

Trucking Apps

There are now many trucking apps available that are designed to make life on the road easier for truck drivers. These apps can help with everything from finding rest stops and parking to managing routes and expenses. They can also provide valuable information about weather, traffic, and road conditions, making it easier for drivers to plan their journeys.

For women, trucking apps can be particularly beneficial in improving safety and comfort on the road. For example, some apps offer real-time alerts about potential hazards, such as severe weather or road closures. Other apps provide information about the availability of women-only restrooms and other amenities that can help to make life on the road more comfortable.  We embrace the way technology is transforming the trucking industry in many ways, making it safer, more efficient, and more accessible for women. Advanced safety features, GPS tracking, electronic logging devices, online training programs and trucking apps are just a few of the technologies that are helping to break down barriers and create new opportunities for women in the industry.

This was written using technology with the assistance of the AI platform ChatGPT.

Ellen Voie

President/CEO/Founder of
Women In Trucking, Inc.
ellen@womenintrucking.org
www.womenintrucking.org

Women In Trucking Association, Inc. is a nonprofit association established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry. Membership is not limited to women, as 17 percent of its members are men who support the mission. Women In Trucking is supported by its members and the generosity of Gold Level Partners: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Daimler Trucks North America, BMO Transportation Finance, Great Dane, J.B. Hunt Transport, Ryder System, Inc., U.S. Xpress, and Walmart. Follow WIT on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn. For more information, visit http://www.womenintrucking.org