Canada’s trucking industry is at a crossroads. With an aging workforce, ongoing driver shortages, and a pressing need for a more resilient supply chain, the sector is pivoting — and women are becoming a key part of the solution.
Why the Industry Needs Women Now More Than Ever
Despite women making up nearly 48% of Canada’s workforce, they account for only about 4% of truck drivers — and roughly 16% of the broader trucking and logistics workforce.
Two major trends are driving this shift:
Persistent Labour Shortages: The trucking industry continues to struggle with a tight labour market, especially for drivers. Even with vacancy rates easing slightly, the demand for qualified drivers remains strong as many existing drivers retire and fewer newcomers enter the field.
Shifting Gender Roles & Career Expectations: As traditional gender norms evolve, more women are open to careers in fields that were once male-dominated. With growing visibility of women in trucking and support networks, many see it as a valuable professional path.
Breaking Barriers: What’s Changing in the Workplace
For decades, trucking has been perceived as a male-dominated “boy’s club.” But that narrative is shifting:
Cultural Shifts in Companies: Organizations are intentionally rethinking recruitment and retention strategies to make trucking more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for women. This includes mentorship programs, networking events, and leadership summits specifically supporting women.
Greater Visibility and Role Models: Summits and events bring women across the industry together for networking, professional development, and visibility — helping to create a pipeline of future leaders.
Improving Work-Life Balance Conversations: Employers are recognizing that flexible schedules, predictable home time, and transparent job expectations help attract a more diverse workforce. These changes benefit all drivers, not just women.
What This Means for Women Considering Trucking
The industry’s evolution presents a compelling opportunity:
Stable, Well-Paid Careers: Trucking offerscompetitive salaries, benefits, and advancement opportunities — especially ascompanies compete for talent.
Variety of Roles: Beyond driving, women areincreasingly visible in dispatch, safety, HR, terminal management, andexecutive leadership.
Pathways to Support: With mentorship networks,dedicated leadership programs, and funding supports, women have more accessthan ever to enter and thrive in the field.
Looking Ahead
Canada’s supply chain depends on innovation — and that includes workforce diversity. As trucking companies transform their culture, strengthen policies, and actively recruit women, they’re not just filling seats: they’re building a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready industry.
Women aren’t just entering the trucking industry — they’re steering it into its next chapter.
Are you looking for your next role in the trucking industry? If so, reach out to the Truckker team today!
support@truckker.com
905-487-7906 X30
