The shortage of operational personnel in the trucking industry is a multifaceted challenge that demands coordinated solutions among the various stakeholders . Based on this premise, the Daimler Commercial Vehicles Mexico Distributors Association (ADAVEC) , the Comprehensive Management Center (CEDEMI), Daimler Truck Mexico , and Tecnomotum , in conjunction with the Association of Women Operators (AMO) , joined forces to develop an initiative focused on the inclusion and professionalization of women operators.

As a result of this strategic alliance, a comprehensive training program for female operators, unique in its kind, was designed to strengthen women’s participation in a sector that is key to the national economy. “For us, the future of transportation in Mexico is in the hands of women,” stated Fernando Lascurain, director of ADAVEC and CEDEMI .

The program comprises 180 hours of intensive training spread over five weeks, combining specialized theoretical instruction with hands-on practice in simulators and real-world vehicles. The training is delivered according to international quality standards, aligned with ISO 9001:2015 , and is the first course of its kind implemented in Mexico City.

“For CEDEMI, this day represents much more than the start of a training program. It reflects our commitment to developing talent through a professional, structured approach aligned with the real needs of the trucking industry,” Lascurain stated.

From a technological perspective, Pedro Rivera, CEO of Tecnomotum, highlighted that the security systems developed by the company play a key role in increasing the confidence of operators, by reducing the risk of theft by up to 10 times and contributing significantly to the prevention of road accidents.

“The operators have told us that technology supports them, protects them, and allows them to perform their work better. In many cases, they even show a greater openness to technological adoption than traditional operators, which reinforces our interest in participating in these types of initiatives,” Rivera stated.

For her part, Marcela Barreiro, president and CEO of Daimler Truck Mexico, emphasized that the incorporation of women into the operation of road transport generates impacts that go beyond the business sphere , translating into social and personal benefits.

“The participation of women operators has significant social implications. It not only responds to our clients’ need for more qualified personnel, but also opens up opportunities in a sector where women are demonstrating that they can thrive and build solid professional careers,” Barreiro emphasized.

Paola Moncada, president and co-founder of AMO, highlighted that one of the program’s strengths lies in the support network that assists the initial eight participants, who have decided to join this training primarily motivated by the well-being of their families .

“During the interview process, they all agreed that their main motivation is their children and their families, who are waiting for them at home and represent the driving force behind this important decision,” Moncada mentioned.

The president of the Association of Women Operators also acknowledged the challenges aspiring women face, including the cost of training, obtaining licenses, lack of experience, and the prejudices that still persist in some companies. However, she emphasized that projects like this not only facilitate access to initial financing but also raise awareness within the industry and create real opportunities for women’s employment.

Finally, Alexia González, general treasurer of the National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar) , reaffirmed that the sector has a supportive base of women that promotes inclusion and provides a supportive and safe environment.

“Today there are women within the industry who are willing to accompany and support them. Together we can build a more inclusive industry and, in the long term, make this profession one of the most attractive so that more women decide to join as operators,” she concluded.

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However, there are still challenges to face. Currently in Mexico, women suffer a wage gap of between 22% and 28% for the same position compared to men , despite working longer hours. Furthermore, they lack the same level of motivation to obtain the same position.

One story that shows glimpses of the above is that of Clara Fragoso, an operator with Super Transporte Internacional (STI) , who is one of the women who has been operating a tractor-trailer for 20 years . The beginning of that journey, she said, was not difficult, “but terrifying. There were no opportunities for us. The belief system that women were only made to stay at home and when I come along and tell them I wanted to drive a tractor-trailer, it was like, ‘You’re crazy.'”

Even though it was one of the most difficult times in her life, she persevered. “When I arrived at the transport industry and saw the life in transport, their lifestyle was surprising, and as a woman, it was very difficult to adapt, and I didn’t see it as necessary. Even the conditions were terrible for them, and I thought: why do they allow this? Operating a trailer is no different than having a decent life, and I clung to that,” Fragoso recalled.

Clara also went through a difficult personal period: a breakup and, in the process, a job search. Later, she had the opportunity to operate a tractor-trailer, but she faced harassment, bullying, and a lack of opportunities .

“They asked me if I was afraid of operating a trailer, and I told them: I’m more afraid of going back to that moment with my son and saying, ‘I don’t have anything to feed you,’” she emphasized during the Women in the Industry panel at the 100 Women in Transportation and Logisticsevent , organized by T21.

Shantal Torres, procurement director of Leschaco Mexicana , with almost 30 years of experience, explained that throughout this time she has worked in different areas, although the one she is in now has faced challenges .

“We know that in this industry, some more than others, the male presence is stronger, and sometimes—not because I’m a woman, but also because of my age—I’ve encountered some barriers to success. But I feel very proud; today, at 25, it’s totally different. It’s a very challenging but fulfilling career, with transportation, railroads, shipping companies, freight forwarders—this industry isn’t boring,” she explained.

Erika Quezada, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at DHL Express , recalled two pieces of advice that have worked for her professionally. First, “have the necessary training and knowledge to feel confident ,” and second, “create credibility and transparency within the organizations we belong to.”

“I’ve had it happen to me that when you start talking about a customs or transportation issue, especially in a male setting, the comment, ‘Oh, look, he knows,’ then you gain their attention and seriousness, allowing you to develop. This builds confidence and credibility for yourself. We should never limit ourselves from accessing leadership roles,” she explained.

Likewise, he stressed the importance of having a support network of family members and also having time for professional and personal commitments.

Opening doors

Clara Fragoso stated that opening up a space for women in an industry like trucking was driven by the stories of other women who have experienced violence, abandonment, need, and, above all, raising their children.

“That has been a very important part for me, telling them that it’s possible and letting them know through my work that women can do it, and do it well, that we do it just like them. Women in transportation will open many doors for them as entrepreneurs with the response in our work; by doing it with actions, we have achieved great openness,” she emphasized.

In this regard, she stated that for the past five years, there has been a significant shift to integrate more female personnel into the sector, and that the Association of Women Cargo Vehicle Operators (AMO) has been established .

However, she explained that there are still challenges to overcome, such as providing a safe, harassment-free space, comprehensive training, dedicated spaces, and equitable salaries .

Erika Quezada commented that within DHL Express, there are groups focused on gender diversity and inclusion , and although there are few female operators, they seek opportunities to strengthen their participation. She also considered it necessary to promote sisterhood, “because together we are stronger.”

Meanwhile, Shantal Torres mentioned that Leschaco has promoted the inclusion of all people; she also reiterated that “we all have that feeling that we can do more, we can do better, and not just because of gender differences.”

Laura Hernández Hernández, Business Manager for BNSF Railway , said the U.S. railroad is headed by a woman for the first time, and has also created various support groups, including Pride, focused on the LGBT community .

He maintained that at some point, we’ll reach a stage where we only see talent, qualities, and a single drive: being human beings and, above all, professionals, “logistics and transportation people, and we integrate.”

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Scania Mexico announced on Monday that it has begun training the fifth generation of the Scania Drivers program in Toluca, State of Mexico , a new generation of professional women in the operation of cargo transport vehicles, which is made up of 10 students.

The training course is taught by the National School of Professional Training in Transport (Encapt) and will last 180 hours, during which theoretical knowledge about the operation of the units and regulations will be imparted, while practical work will be carried out in a maneuvering yard.

Upon completion of their professional training, students will obtain a federal license issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) , which will also provide them with the necessary skills to face the labor market.

The new generation of Scania drivers is supported by the National Chamber of Cargo Transport (Canacar) , the Association of Women Operators (AMO) , Barcel , Autotransportes Pilot , Transcooler Logistics and Digital FEMSA .

The training course will be active from October 14 and will end on November 23 in Toluca, State of Mexico. It is in addition to previous programs that have specifically trained women in Tijuana, La Comarca Lagunera, Manzanillo and Tula.

With this new generation, it is hoped to impact fifty women who will join the ranks of national freight transport.

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