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This International Women’s Day, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and its partners are highlighting the need to continue supporting women in the transport sector.
Celebrated on 8 March annually, this year’s theme calls on all Australians to help ‘balance the scales’ and ensure all women receive equal opportunities.
Industry Skills Australia data reveals women represent only 16 per cent of the freight transport workforce - mostly in clerical and administrative roles – with two per cent of truck drivers being female.
NHVR Executive Director Michelle Tayler said increasing awareness of the diverse career opportunities within the heavy vehicle industry is key to encouraging more women to consider the sector.
“The heavy vehicle industry offers a range of rewarding and secure career pathways and it’s important that more women see it as a viable and exciting option,” Ms Tayler said.
“With the freight task continuing to grow, the industry needs skilled drivers and operators, and there are real opportunities for women to build long-term careers behind the wheel and across the broader supply chain.”
Women in Trucking Australia (WiTA) and its ‘Foot in The Door’ project, funded by the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative and supported by the Australian Government, is helping to bridge the license to employment gap for female heavy vehicle drivers.
Since April 2023, the program has trained 52 female heavy vehicle drivers, with over 80 per cent of graduates securing employment.
Ms Tayler said the transport sector is continuing to evolve, with industry recognising the value of building a more modern and inclusive workforce.
“Across the sector, we’re seeing greater focus on how workplaces can support a more diverse range of people to build careers in transport,” Ms Tayler said.
“Flexible working arrangements are increasingly part of that conversation and can play an important role in attracting more women into the industry."
To find out more about WiTA’s Foot in the Door program, visit https://join.wita.net.au/
For more on International Women's Day 2026, visit https://www.iwd.net.au/