Gender Diversity Emerging As Solution To Driver Shortage

Fleet managers have been recruiting women in an effort to solve the shortage and find new talent

The commercial driving industry is desperate for more drivers. Baby Boomers are reaching retirement age, and there aren’t enough people coming forward to replace them. The American Trucking Associations estimates that at least 50,000 more drivers are currently needed to meet demand, and if trends continue, this figure will reach 175,000 by 2026.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, just 6 percent of commercial drivers are women. This lack of diversity represents an opportunity for companies. Fleet managers have been recruiting women in an effort to solve the shortage and find new talent.

There are other reasons to hire female commercial drivers as well. Department of Transportation research shows that women are generally safer drivers than men, and fewer collisions means fewer expenses. Also, a 2015 Mckinsey & Company study found that businesses with more gender diversity are more likely to have above average financial returns.

Fleet managers should be able to make a compelling economic case to women who are interested in driving careers. The shortage has resulted in increased pay for drivers, and the gender wage gap isn’t a factor in commercial driving like it is in other fields, as compensation is based on objective measures such as mileage and percentage of load.

By Dan Khasis, CEO Route4Me

Category: Driver Stuff, Featured, General Update, News