In the rearview mirror of the trucking industry, the female silhouette is only just beginning to take shape, not because it hasn’t existed before, but because it is now being scrutinized more closely.

Between November 2023 and May 2025, the number of women with a federal license to operate cargo vehicles grew by 31%, a sign that something is moving at the heart of the trucking industry, a figure that gave rise to the panel Companies Paving the Way , held at the headquarters of the National Association of Bus, Truck and Tractor Producers (ANPACT) .

The number alone is exciting, but what’s most valuable is what it represents: new paths, bold decisions, and companies that understand that adding female talent isn’t a concession, but rather an intelligent and humane way forward.

From November 2023 to May 2025, the total number of women with federal licenses reached 7,126 operators , of which 31% were integrated into the cargo segment and 38% into the passenger segment , according to Virginia Olalde , director of Foreign Trade and Economic Studies at ANPACT.

Although at the end of 2024 women represented only 0.9% of the total number of valid federal licenses , their presence is beginning to gain strength in cargo transportation, according to the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) .

None of this happens in isolation. Behind every story of women joining the trucking industry is a network of allies who believe in training, opportunities, and genuine support.

The Drive Your Future program is an example of this: a joint initiative of Dow , United Way Mexico , the Association of Women Cargo Vehicle Operators (AMO) , the ANPACT Women’s Auto Transport Network , and the Industrial Work Training Center (Cecati) 37 of the State of Mexico , which not only trains operators, but also provides them with additional tools for their comprehensive development.

Adding to this effort is the Scania Drivers program , a key element in enabling many women to take their first steps behind the wheel. From the classroom to the road, the combined will is crucial for female talent to find a clear path to advancement in the sector.

The data becomes even more powerful when heard from those who experience it. The panel shared experiences from companies that have made the commitment to integrating female talent into their driving careers.

Estefanía García Luquin , Human Resources Manager at Autotransportes Pilot , and Fabiola Alejandra Salas Uribe , Director of Human Resources and Talent Management at Grupo Transcooler (recognized as one of the 100 most influential women in transportation and logistics), shared how their companies have been charting, step by step, more inclusive paths in a sector that is just beginning to make room for women.

For Estefanía García, the challenge started from the ground up: “When we first integrated women, we didn’t even have bathrooms,” she recalled.

In 2022, with support from Scania and AMO , they added six female operators. “The men said the road was theirs. We had to change mentalities, facilities, and regulations. But it was worth it,” she emphasized.

Today, Pilot has nearly 50 operators, a turnover rate of just 4.5%, and adequate rest and safety spaces.

Fabiola Salas, for her part, described the process at Transcooler as both organic and challenging. She defined it as “going against the grain .” From modifying internal policies to establishing five pillars of well-being: social, economic, mental, physical, and family, her approach has been comprehensive.

“If you’re not well at home, you can’t be well on the road. Women are more organized, more committed. We’ve reduced the accident rate. We want to reach a female workforce of 50%,” Salas said.

Both agreed that family and support networks are key to the process . “There are many women who want to, but don’t know where to start,” García said.

They are dedicated to training workshops, weekly awareness sessions with operators, and psychological support.

But talking about inclusion also means talking about protection. In a country where an attack on an operator is recorded every 47 minutes (according to figures from Círculo Logístico ) , security isn’t just a given; it’s a priority.

The companies participating in the panel know this. At Transcooler , for example, they have established well-mapped routes, constant monitoring, and schedules that avoid nighttime driving.

Meanwhile, in Pilot , women are assigned to low-risk routes and are provided with accompanying vehicles known as safety cars , which include paramedics and psychological support on the route.

Because including women doesn’t just mean giving them access, but also ensuring they arrive safely at their destination.

But even with the commitment of companies like Pilot and Transcooler, which have invested in infrastructure, protocols, and support, the environment remains hostile for many.

The lack of safe stops , protected routes, and decent road conditions does not distinguish between genders: it equally affects those responsible for moving the country.

Rogelio Arzate , executive president of ANPACT, emphasized the institutional support for the program and for female talent.

“The push for women is embedded in ANPACT. We hope the time will come when we no longer need forums like this because female participation becomes natural,” she explained.

Currently, eight women are enrolled in the Drive Your Future program and are preparing to graduate with a license and comprehensive training. A job fair will be held on July 17th to close the loop: transform training into employment. Because paving the way isn’t enough. We must support them until they reach their destination.

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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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Taking into account that the estimate in Mexico is 56 thousand vacant positions for freight motor transport operators , according to the latest report from the International Organization for Road Transport (IRU) , and taking into account that the insecurity conditions in the country have have been increasing, transportation companies have deployed various strategies to motivate the loyalty of their operators and keep them safe while they carry out their work.

In this regard, Transcooler  is clear that to gain the loyalty of its operators it is necessary to invest in the safety of personnel and operations . In this sense, Fabiola Salas, director of Human Resources at Grupo Transcooler, explained to T21 that they have designed a work that includes authorizations for safe whereabouts, among other actions.

“We have robust security shielding in the units, with which we can verify that the person driving is on a safe route, so that we can protect them at all times. In addition, all our units stop operating at 10:00 at night, we stop the engine and ensure that people are protected in safe places,” Salas explained.

Transcooler also offers a thorough annual training plan on security issues, has a property security area that is reinforced day by day, and has installed a monitoring center.

“ We implemented a program in which we promote good practices , both in management and safety of each of our operators, which has helped us raise awareness and ensure that the processes we promote really have an effect, we focus on ensuring that operators feel safe, this helps us have good staff retention,” according to Salas.

These actions have had positive effects, since, in Salas’ opinion, the industry no longer manages trucks but people. Furthermore, he explained that today the business of transporters is not about moving trucks or boxes, it is about generating actions that promote the well-being of operators, which in turn will result in a strong industry that is attractive to new generations.

“As an industry we have the mission of cultivating the sense of belonging of collaborators, not only of operators, we must recognize, appreciate and thank the activities carried out by each of the members of the companies. As a country we have a huge area of ​​opportunity in terms of safety, dignity for operators and creating better working conditions,” stated the Transcooler representative.

As part of its actions to improve its processes, Transcooler is working with VI Human , a process that will end in a couple of months to take the next step, which is to become certified and continue good practices.

“This is a watershed for a new era of Transcooler, very positive things are coming with big projects, but always with the goal that our staff is happy in their work area, but above all safe.”

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A new generation of operators has graduated from the Conductoras Scania program.

In its fourth edition, a total of 10 women received training to become professional freight vehicle operators.

After six weeks of preparation at the Training Institute for the Work of the State of Hidalgo (ICATHI), the candidates developed the necessary skills to perform effectively and safely in a profession that is gradually being seen as less exclusive to men.

During the graduation, Alejandro Mondragón, CEO and General Manager of Scania Mexico, commented that Conductoras Scania is not only an educational program aimed at addressing the driver shortage but also seeks to empower women with the skills and confidence needed to skillfully and safely manage not only the vehicles but also their life plans.

“With this program, Scania Mexico reaffirms its commitment to inclusion in the freight transport sector,” the executive added.

As with the three previous generations, this one also benefited from strategic allies who supported the training of the new operators in various ways.

Alejandro Salas, President and Board Member of Transcooler, stated that Scania’s initiative contributes to the efforts to reduce the driver shortage plaguing the sector in the country, estimated at just under 60,000 jobs.

He also emphasized that today the gender gap in freight transport is narrowing, which is positive not only for the industry but for society in general.

“From day one, I loved the idea of Transcooler joining this initiative. It’s satisfying to see the industry changing and becoming more equitable because I believe we can achieve many positive changes. While we know it’s not an easy industry and involves many challenges, it’s not impossible. As a company, we have a social responsibility to join the change, transform perspectives, and encourage women who truly want and can join the industry as operators,” commented Fabiola Salas, Human Resources Director of Grupo Transcooler, in an interview with T21.

Likewise, Flavio Rivera, General Manager of Transportes Innovativos, agreed that Conductoras Scania is gradually shifting the balance toward reducing the driver shortage, thanks to women willing to face the challenges of being operators in Mexico.

At the same time, Mariana García, Training and Development Manager at Promotora Ambiental, emphasized that the company is committed to the program and its potential to transform the industry. Notably, Promotora Ambiental has supported the Conductoras Scania project three times.

Noé Paredes, General Manager of Corporativo UNNE, stated that the new generation of female operators is a turning point for continuing the path towards equal opportunities in freight transport for driving talent. He emphasized that the training of new operators is a shared responsibility between the government, private sector, and society.

“We want Hidalgo to be the national benchmark for a project that not only promotes female operators but also male operators, and that we become generators of well-paid employment,” said Paredes.

In an interview with T21, Armando Reyes, Human Resources Director at Corporativo UNNE, affirmed that the company’s collaboration with the operator training program contributes not only to the development of talent for heavy vehicle operation but also serves as a social responsibility project with Hidalgo.

“Indeed, there is an issue with the shortage of operators in Mexico, but there is also a large sector willing to take on the profession: women,” said Reyes.

Grupo UNNE also acted as a recruiter for the 10 candidates. To select the most suitable, they looked for profiles that could guarantee not only participation in the program but also genuine success in their work. “We are not just talking about earning a diploma; we are pushing a profession forward,” he said.

As a crucial part of the success of Conductoras Scania, the Association of Female Freight Vehicle Operators (AMO) has focused on spreading the message of inclusion and encouraging female operators, who today are seen as a unique workforce that will help not only reduce the talent shortage but also bring continuous improvement to transport companies.

“We started AMO three years ago with 21 operators, and today we have more than 200 members. Over this time, we have created a training project for female operators, but it doesn’t stop there. The idea is to connect them with transport companies so they can practice their profession. At AMO, we are pleased to see that more and more companies are gradually opening their doors to women as operators,” detailed Paola Moncada, president and co-founder of AMO, in an interview.

 Balance of Conductoras Scania

Three years after its launch and with four generations of Conductoras Scania graduates, the program has trained over 40 female operators who have successfully joined the workforce of freight transport companies.

In a survey conducted by Scania focused on the first two generations, it was found that to date, 80% are employed in the transport sector as operators.

Rodolfo Hernández, Head of Institutional Relations and Sustainability at Scania Mexico, told T21 that 30% of the operators had no income prior to the program, and among all participants, they observed a 60% increase in their income.

“The average age is 38 years, and generally, they are heads of families. So, we are looking at a profile where this is a job option for mature women who see this as a real opportunity to support their families,” explained Hernández.

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