In a thought-provoking webinar hosted by DriverReach, industry leaders gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in the trucking industry. The session, hosted by Jeremy Reymer, Founder of DriverReach, featured special guests Rebecca Brewster, President and COO of the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), and Dr. Mark Manera, Founder of Offshift.
The discussion revolved around the latest findings from ATRI’s research report, Identifying and Mitigating the Challenges Faced by Women Truck Drivers, and explored actionable strategies to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in trucking.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar:
1. Understanding the Challenges: Insights from ATRI’s Research
Rebecca Brewster shared the key findings from ATRI’s recent study, which highlighted six major challenges faced by women drivers. These findings include limited access to safe parking, exercise facilities, and restroom facilities, as well as difficulties in completing driver training due to financial constraints and family responsibilities. These barriers not only hinder the entry of women into the trucking industry but also impact retention rates.
2. Targeted Recruiting and Retention Strategies
The panel discussed how carriers can implement women-specific recruiting initiatives to attract more female drivers. By intentionally tailoring recruitment messaging, highlighting pay parity, and showcasing a supportive culture, companies can better appeal to women drivers. Jeremy emphasized the importance of creating visibility for women in marketing materials to demonstrate inclusivity.
3. Health and Well-being on the Road
Dr. Mark Manera introduced Offshift’s approach to helping drivers maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the road. From providing easy-to-follow nutrition and exercise plans to pairing drivers with a concierge health coach, Offshift focuses on meeting drivers where they are and supporting them with personalized health solutions. The health challenges faced by drivers are not only physical but also mental, and addressing these issues holistically is key to improving both retention and job satisfaction!
4. The Positive Impact of Women Drivers
Statistically, women drivers are involved in fewer accidents and have better safety records than their male counterparts. This data point alone makes a strong business case for actively recruiting more women into the industry. Increased representation of women not only improves safety but also enhances the overall image of the industry.
What’s Next?
The webinar underscored the need for intentional efforts from carriers to address the challenges highlighted in ATRI’s research. Companies have multiple pathways to make the industry more inclusive whether it’s through:
- targeted marketing
- creating safer and more accessible working conditions
- offering health and wellness support
Watch the Webinar On-Demand
If you missed the live session, don’t worry—you can watch the full webinar on-demand and dive deeper into the insights shared by these industry leaders.
Resources Shared During the Webinar:
The following resources were highlighted during the webinar to provide additional value and insights:
- ATRI Research Report: Identifying and Mitigating the Challenges Faced by Women Truck Drivers – Download the Report
- DriverReach Services: Explore solutions like Attract, Engage, Verify, and Comply to streamline driver recruiting and compliance. Learn More
- Offshift Health Solutions: Discover how Offshift’s app and concierge health coaches help drivers maintain a healthy lifestyle on the road. Visit Offshift
- Request a DriverReach Demo: See how DriverReach’s recruiting and compliance platform can help you improve your processes.
Looking Ahead: Join Us in Transforming the Industry
We’re excited to continue the conversation and drive change in the trucking industry. Be sure to stay tuned for our upcoming blogs and events. Next, we’ll be in Chicago for the Cottingham & Butler event, where we’ll continue exploring ways to improve driver recruiting and retention. If you’re in the area, let’s connect!
