Why More Firms Need Female HGV Drivers

Logistics is an industry that while typically male-dominated, has seen a great improvement in its equality in recent years - particularly in the imperative role of HGV drivers.

While things are looking up for an equal playing field in the logistics sector, it is sadly still the case that women make up only 2% of the haulage industry, which means that there’s still a lot of work to be done. 

Here’s why more firms need female HGV drivers, and why being an HGV driver is a great career prospect for a woman. 

Shortage of staff

It’s no secret that HGV drivers are in short supply, and that there’s a national driver shortage creating a pressing issue for the logistics industry. This lack of available HGV drivers means that not only are there a great selection of driving jobs up for grabs at any given moment, but that there’s never been a better time for female drivers to get behind the wheel. 

The increased demand for HGV drivers means that female drivers can get qualified and take their time choosing the company which is right for them, starting their career in HGV driving with a bang.

If firms are actively seeking female HGV drivers, they’re increasing their pool of prospective staff members and will have more drivers to choose from. 

Improved facilities

In recent years, the facilities within HGV driving and the actual vehicles themselves have exponentially increased in quality. Most modern vehicles will include all the amenities that you would expect to see in a campervan or motorhome, meaning long gone are the days of long drives in basic cabs!

A challenging role 

A great incentive for female drives to join your fleet is that the job role itself is incredibly rewarding. Offering endless challenges of tight deadlines and important knowledge to retain, while offering drivers complete freedom to choose their own routes and to see the world, an HGV role is very attractive to those who like a challenge. 

Contribute to change

As previously established, logistics has typically been a male-dominated industry, but if you’re actively encouraging female drivers to join your team, and are helping to recruit more women into this sector, you are contributing to change and are directly doing your bit to level the playing field. 

Work-life balance

As well as modernising the vehicles themselves and improving the quality of the facilities within them, the logistics industry has managed to clamp down on driving hours infringements, ensuring that drivers are not only much safer on the roads, but can achieve a better work-life balance too. The added bonus of reduced driving hours infringements is that it’s reduced the pressure on drivers to spend extended periods of time away from home, which means that as a result, the industry has become a far more accessible and lucrative career option for female drivers. 

More firms should hire female HGV drivers because there has never been a better time to be a female driver. The industry itself is desperate for new talent, is actively seeking to improve its gender balance and can offer women challenging, exciting and flexible job roles that will see them fulfil their career aspirations.