Women Driving Change: Celebrating Female Lorry Drivers in the Industry

Following on from another impactful International Women’s Day, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible women who are making waves behind the wheel in a male-dominated industry.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the history of women in commercial and HGV driving, take a look at how far we’ve come, and look at the hurdles female lorry drivers still face on the road. 

Plus, we’ll meet some inspiring women who are breaking barriers and showing the world what they’re made of. 

Let’s get into it.

Driving progress: The history of female lorry drivers

Female lorry drivers are not a recent phenomenon. For decades around the world, women have been getting behind the wheel and taking up jobs as HGV drivers. 

In the US, Luella Bates is credited with being the first commercial female truck driver way back in 1918! She worked as a promotional driver, test-driving Model B trucks, and was also recognised for her skills as a mechanic and truck inspector.

In 1943, Mazie Lanham made history as the first female driver for UPS. She broke ground by starting a trend of hiring women for these roles, a move prompted by the shortage of men during World War II. The change stuck, with more women taking on these jobs even after the war ended.

Adriesue "Bitsy" Gomez was the face of the 1970s transportation feminist movement. She founded the Coalition of Women Truck Drivers, a 150-member organisation focused on fighting discrimination and sexism in the trucking world. 

And we made leaps in progress on our own side of the Atlantic. In the UK, Rita Oakes was the first female long-distance lorry driver during the 1960s. She regularly worked 100-hour weeks, lifting and stacking “just like any man would.”

These pioneers, and many more like them, have paved the way for women in the trucking and haulage industry. They took the first step in bridging the gender gap that still exists today.

The number of women truckers today

The amount of women becoming HGV drivers is on the rise. In the UK alone, there’s been a 144% increase in women getting their HGV licences over the past decade.

It's great to see these numbers rising, but they’re still relatively low compared to the number of male truckers in the industry. Of the 315,000 registered truck drivers in the UK, only 2,200 are women, and just 1% of those are HGV drivers. 

There’s definitely room for more women to hit the road and help reshape the future of the industry.

How women drivers are changing the industry

Some people still think being a HGV driver is a “man’s job”, but women in the industry are proving just how outdated that idea is. And it’s not just about holding their own behind the wheel, hiring more women is actually making the industry better. 

Safety: Studies show that female lorry drivers tend to have better safety records, with fewer accidents and violations. That’s a big deal, not just for road safety, but for logistics companies looking to cut down on insurance costs and keep things running efficiently.

Precision: Women tend to be natural pros at keeping accurate logs, conducting thorough vehicle inspections, and staying sharp on safety regulations. 

Communication: Research shows that women are a little better with words, they’re good at listening, and building relationships. In trucking, where drivers need to take direction, coordinate with teams, and build trust with clients, those skills help keep everything running smoothly.

The bottom line? Women in trucking are driving real change, proving that the industry runs smoother, smarter, and stronger with more diversity.

Barriers that female lorry drivers are still facing

Despite the clear value they bring to the trucking industry, women still come up against plenty of challenges. 

Many women still face gender bias, like the idea that they aren’t strong enough or coordinated enough to handle big rigs. And beyond the stereotypes, there’s a more practical issue women face. Many truck stops still don’t have proper toilet facilities for female drivers, making life on the road that much harder.

We’ve come a long way toward equity and diversity in the commercial driving industry, but there’s more work to be done to truly get there.

Real stories from real women in the trucking industry

Let’s get to know some women in the commercial driving sector and how they’re proving that trucking isn’t just a man’s game.

Meet Derri

“I love driving a truck, and I totally recommend it, especially if you like your own company,” says Derri, who’s been with Driver Require for six years. She loves how driving gives her the chance to visit places she may never have gotten to see before. “I’ve managed to go and see some amazing places: racecourses, lakes, mountains. You name it, I get to go and see it, which is amazing.”

Derri doesn’t mind being one of the few women on the road. “They’ll look to see who’s driving, and then they’ll double take and be like ‘oh, you’re a woman!” She thinks more women should join, adding, “I think we do a little bit of a better job than the guys.”

Derri feels right at home in her role. “There’s a place for everyone doing this job,” she says. As a lorry driver, she knows her role is crucial, “Without us, the country would grind to a halt.”

Her favourite part? The independence. “I love the freedom that driving a lorry gives me.”

Meet Shanalee

Shanalee Johnson, a driver for Wincanton, is part of the 1% of women in the industry. She got her licence just before the pandemic hit in 2020. Passionate about driving and wanting something "a bit different", she transitioned from working night shifts in a supermarket to haulage.

"I have always been a night person," she says. "During the day there's so much more traffic, so learning at night, that was a bit easier on me personally."

Shanalee believes the "man's job" stigma may deter women, but she's always felt at home with her male colleagues. “I don’t think they’ve ever made me feel out of place. If anything, they’ve tried to help me.”

For her, driving is more than just a job. “I’m excited to get up to go to work, to look forward to something. It’s really energising for me.”

Why more women should join the haulage industry

The industry needs more drivers, and definitely more female drivers. There’s never been a better time to jump in!

There are plenty of training and apprenticeship programs specifically designed to help women get started and succeed in the haulage industry. And depending on who you work for, lorry drivers can be paid hourly, per mile, or by the job, while others may receive a salary. This approach means a gender pay gap is much less likely than in other industries.

And if you’re looking for a little advice from those who’ve taken the leap, support networks are everywhere. Facebook groups are another fantastic way to connect with fellow drivers, share experiences, and get guidance from a supportive community.

Want to learn more about what it's like to be a woman in the commercial driving industry, get expert advice, and find out how to get started? Download our ebook today!