Bureau of Labor Statistics Archives | Lauth The investigation Team

In recent years, the trucking industry has experienced a significant diversity & inclusion challenge, with a marked decline in the number of women entering the profession. According to a 2024 survey conducted by The National Transportation Institute (NTI), the percentage of women student drivers and trainees has shrunk to 10.7%, a sharp drop from the more promising 15% seen just two years ago. This setback reflects a broader issue affecting efforts to increase diversity & inclusion within the transportation sector. Leah Shaver, the President and CEO of NTI, voiced her disappointment with the findings, stating that the industry’s progress in attracting more women and younger individuals to the trucking profession has stalled. The data indicates that the workforce's composition has regressed to levels seen in 2019, where only 10.1% of student drivers and trainees were women. A Step Back in Gender Representation According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2020 and 2022, women represented around 8% of the trucking workforce. However, that figure has since dropped to below 7% in 2023, indicating a return to pre-2020 numbers. The Women In Trucking Index similarly found that the number of women truck drivers had declined to 9.5%, down from approximately 12.1% in the previous year. This reduction in representation comes as fleets have slowed recruitment efforts due to a prolonged freight downturn, according to Shaver. These findings highlight the importance of diversity & inclusion initiatives in the transportation sector. The lack of sustained progress points to the need for a renewed focus on addressing barriers faced by underrepresented groups, particularly women. For years, the trucking industry has faced a persistent shortage of drivers, making it even more critical to encourage a broader and more diverse pool of candidates. Identifying Barriers to Entry The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has identified removing barriers to entry for women truck drivers as a top priority. In a report released in June 2024, ATRI highlighted some of the challenges that women face in the industry, including safety concerns, harassment & discrimination, and a lack of adequate training and mentorship. These factors can discourage women from pursuing careers in trucking, contributing to the industry's diversity & inclusion challenges. Additionally, EEOC compliance and investigations have become critical tools for addressing issues related to harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Ensuring that trucking companies adhere to federal guidelines not only fosters a more inclusive environment but also helps mitigate the legal risks associated with non-compliance. Lauth Investigations International, a trusted leader in corporate investigations, offers expert services to help organizations navigate these complex challenges. The Role of Corporate Investigations Trucking companies face a variety of harassment and discrimination issues, both in the hiring process and on the job. Bias or unfair treatment can lead to costly EEOC investigations and lawsuits if not addressed proactively. To maintain EEOC compliance and avoid legal pitfalls, companies must create an inclusive culture that promotes diversity and supports all employees, regardless of gender. Lauth Investigations International specializes in corporate investigations that help companies identify and resolve issues related to diversity & inclusion, as well as harassment & discrimination. With years of experience in conducting thorough and discreet investigations, Lauth Investigations International assists businesses in ensuring a safe and respectful workplace for all employees. Their services include addressing complaints, conducting workplace assessments, and helping companies develop policies to prevent future incidents of discrimination. For companies in the trucking industry, addressing these issues is critical to improving diversity & inclusion and attracting a wider range of candidates. Lauth Investigations International offers the expertise needed to conduct comprehensive corporate investigations that can uncover any underlying problems and recommend solutions to help businesses move forward. The Path Forward for the Trucking Industry The decline in the number of women entering the trucking workforce underscores the need for renewed efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. Trucking companies must address the barriers that discourage women from pursuing these careers, including safety concerns, harassment and discrimination, and a lack of support systems. Ensuring EEOC compliance is also essential, as failure to do so can lead to costly EEOC investigations. By partnering with experts like Lauth Investigations International, companies can take proactive steps to foster an inclusive workplace that supports all employees. Addressing these issues is not only a matter of compliance but also a strategic move to attract and retain a diverse workforce in an industry that continues to face driver shortages. With Lauth Investigations International, businesses have a trusted partner to help them navigate the complexities of corporate investigations related to diversity and inclusion and ensure their workplaces are free from harassment and discrimination. Visit Lauth Investigations. for more information on how Lauth Investigations International can help your company improve its diversity and inclusion efforts and maintain EEOC compliance.

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Trucking Industry Diversity Faces Setbacks, Survey Finds

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Tag: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Trucking Industry Diversity Faces Setbacks, Survey Finds

In Plain Sight: How Private Investigators Blend In

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