Truck driving remains among the most gender-segregated occupations in Australia.
With the ageing workforce underpinning a driver shortage, the continued underrepresentation of women in the industry represents both an equity failure and an increasingly costly workforce constraint.
This research, funded by TEACHO Ltd. and undertaken by the Future of Work and Society Research Group, School of Business, UNSW Canberra, presents key findings from a national survey of 489 male and female truck drivers, interviews with female drivers and industry informants, and site visit observations.
It outlines current workforce participation trends, women’s unique strengths and contributions alongside barriers to entry and retention in trucking careers. The summary report also includes recommendations for various stakeholders aimed at strengthening pathways, improving workplace culture, and supporting long‑term career sustainability for women in trucking.
A copy of the summary report can be accessed here.
The full report will be launched on 13th October 2026.