Inclusion is one of our core values at Werner and helps drive our decision-making and plans for the future. We understand how important women are in the workforce and in the transportation industry as a whole. That’s why we are dedicated to promoting gender diversity and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe, successful and empowered to bring their full selves to work every day.
From behind-the-wheel roles to leadership positions, women at Werner have the resources needed to pursue their career aspirations and make their mark in the industry. By sharing best practices and lessons learned with others in the industry, we’re not just elevating women at Werner but also women in trucking.
Supporting Women Behind the Wheel
Werner is focused on paving the way for more female drivers. Recent industry stats show that women make up 4.8% of the 1.37 million professional truck drivers in the United States, up from 4% a decade earlier.
Thanks to our commitment to inclusion, Werner’s number of female drivers sits well above the industry average at 16%.
To encourage and foster more female drivers, Werner has several specialized teams that are integral to outreach and industry representation. Among these are our Road Team Captains, Operation Freedom Fleet Drivers and Driver Ambassadors. They regularly visit truck driving schools to help promote Werner and champion the trucking industry at large. We also go beyond our own company through participation in programs like Women in Trucking to encourage more females to pursue a career in the trucking industry.
Fostering a Culture of Safety and Inclusivity
Despite progress, women in truck driving still face specific challenges, including safety concerns, work-life balance issues, and limited access to facilities and amenities designed with them in mind. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort to implement policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and support the unique needs of women in the industry.
Whether in the office or on the road, we are committed to supporting women at every stage of their careers through additional support and resources.
All our professional drivers are provided with regular check-ins to make sure they are prioritizing their physical and mental well-being. We’ve also established a women-led feedback processing system that involves both the Corporate Safety team and the Human Resources Department. This system ensures that sensitive issues are correctly addressed, making the workplace safe and empowering for women.
Werner associates are also invited to join Associate Resource Groups (ARGs) for additional support. The WLA (Women’s Leadership Alliance) was founded as a space for women to address workplace and career-related challenges and strategies for overcoming these obstacles. This is just one of many opportunities for women to pursue leadership at Werner. We are proud to say we have over 65 active female leaders on a leadership team of 200.
The Future of Women in Transportation
The increasing presence of women in truck driving is empowering not only for individual women but for the industry at large. By embracing diversity and inclusivity, the trucking industry benefits from a wider talent pool and fresh perspectives. Women bring unique skills and viewpoints, enhancing teamwork, problem-solving and industry innovation.
We are proud of all the women working at Werner and the progress we’ve made in our industry and organization. We look forward to continuing that progress, addressing challenges head-on and leading the way for women in trucking.
