There are currently around 315,000 HGV drivers in the UK, responsible for transporting everything from food supplies to machinery, making haulage services essential to the daily lives of the country.
But only 2,200 of them are female, which amounts to only one per cent, a figure the haulage industry says represents a significant disproportion of women.
The industry has grappled with a shortage of HGV drivers for years, the crisis at its peak in 2021, when the Road Haulage Association reported a staggering shortfall of over 100,000 qualified drivers.
Alongside the significant shortage of drivers, further statistics reveal that an alarming 55 per cent of HGV drivers in the UK are between 50 and 65, with an average age of 51. These numbers indicate that a significant proportion of the workforce is set to retire within the next ten years.
With the shortage of HGV drivers expected to worsen, now could be the perfect time for women to consider entering the field.
While many might not like to admit it, women are far safer drivers than men
While there has been a 144 per cent increase in women securing Category C and/or C+E (HGV) licenses in the past ten years, women still fall far behind male numbers.
While other male-dominated industries, such as construction, have seen government-backed incentives such as ‘National Women in Construction Week’ and the WISE Campaign for Women in Science, there has been little effort to get women into heavy goods driving.
Matthew Briggs, CEO of Right Fuel Card said in his view, the industry as it is today should be an attractive one for women.
“The earning potential for HGV drivers is incredible,” he said. “The average salary for an HGV driver in the UK is between £30,668 and £32,500, significantly more than the UK’s £23,000 minimum wage.
“In London and the South, where the cost of living is higher, HGV drivers can expect drivers in London can expect to earn up to £40,443 a year. There is also the opportunity for overtime and bonuses, which can significantly increase your salary.”
Gone are the days of roughing it on the roads, modern trucks have better technology, safer features and better home comforts
Asked about the traditional view that HGV drivers spend long hours on the road, he added: “In 2025, this couldn’t be further than the truth. Many companies now offer part-time, full time and flexible shift patterns, making it suitable for a variety of different lifestyles.”
“While many might not like to admit it, women are far safer drivers than men, making them better suited for a driving profession. Male drivers in the UK pose a higher risk to road users, particularly when it comes to van drivers, the risk posed by men is double that of women per km driven.
“Additionally, men are involved in approximately twice as many fatal collisions in comparison to women, across all age groups.
“Gone are the days of roughing it on the roads, modern trucks have better technology, safer features and better home comforts, making the job easier to manage. More truck stops and transportation hubs now provide better facilities for women, addressing previous concerns about safety and hygiene.”
They point out that the process to become a HGV driver is straightforward. Applicants must be over 18, hold a full car licence, apply for a provisional HGV license and get a professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), which takes around 35 hours to complete. This must then be renewed every five years.
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