Women Truck Drivers Face Infrastructure Barriers and Growing Interest
The trucking profession is drawing more attention from women, yet women remain a small share of the driver workforce. This shift is real, but progress is slower than many expect. A key factor shaping participation is the road network itself, especially the availability of safe places to rest during long hauls. When drivers cannot find reliable, comfortable rest stops, the job becomes harder and less attractive for new entrants, including women who value safety, predictability, and work-life balance.
Recent research highlights rest-area infrastructure as a major hurdle. The absence of adequate, well‑located facilities means drivers may have to press on longer than is ideal, increasing fatigue and reducing overall job satisfaction. The issue is not merely about amenities; it touches on driver health, safety, and consistent scheduling. In regions where rest stops are sparse or poorly maintained, the appeal of long-haul work declines, particularly for those considering a step into the profession from other careers.
Another area of concern is spacing between rest stops. Ideally, a safe recreational area would be located about every 100 kilometers along major routes, creating predictable and manageable breaks. Although some countries have made strides, many road networks still fall short of that target. This gap affects all drivers, but it weighs more heavily on groups that may have additional caregiving or personal responsibilities outside the cab.
Examples from Europe illustrate how infrastructure differences can influence the hiring pool. In Spain, for instance, the road system spans roughly 15,000 kilometers, yet there are only about 30 safe rest areas. Consequently, a surprisingly small share of professional drivers are women, with female representation in the profession around 2% in some markets. Across Europe, nations with higher female participation include Italy at about 7% and Germany at around 5%. These figures reflect broader structural factors beyond individual choice, including how road networks support or hinder long-haul work for women and men alike.
For those evaluating a career in trucking, understanding these dynamics is crucial. The industry remains male-dominated in many regions, but interest among women continues to grow. Improvements in rest-stop safety, better scheduling practices, and stronger support networks at the national and regional levels can help broaden access. As the profession becomes more inclusive, policy makers and carriers alike must recognize how infrastructure shapes workforce diversity and retention. A more reliable rest-area system can unlock opportunities for more women to enter and thrive in trucking, which benefits the industry by expanding the talent pool and enhancing driver well-being. [Cited from Truckers].