Overland Park, Kansas — Werner Enterprises earned a spot at number seven on Forbes’ 2024 list of America’s best employers for women, the highest ranking the carrier has achieved in the fiercely contested transportation and logistics category.

The accolade arrives as the trucking sector wrestles with a chronic shortage of qualified drivers and a growing call for gender‑balanced workforces. Women remain underrepresented behind the wheel, and firms that can demonstrate tangible support for female staff gain a competitive edge in recruiting and retention.

Forbes compiled its ranking with data from Statista, surveying more than 150,000 women employed by U.S. companies that have at least 1,000 workers. The questionnaire measured workplace culture, parental‑leave policies, pay equity and pathways for advancement. Werner’s response to the survey highlighted a 16% share of professional drivers who are women—twice the industry average—and cited the Women’s Leadership Alliance, a mentorship and development program launched in 2011. President and chief legal officer Nathan Meisgeier said the recognition validates Werner’s effort to build a culture where “everyone feels valued and empowered.” The carrier also noted that women hold key positions such as Road Team Captains, Operation Freedom Drivers and Driver Ambassadors.

What This Means for Drivers

Female CDL‑A drivers can expect more mentorship opportunities through the Women’s Leadership Alliance, which pairs newcomers with seasoned mentors and offers leadership workshops. Owner‑operators who partner with Werner may find enhanced support for work‑life balance, including clearer parental‑leave guidelines and transparent pay structures. The ranking signals to OTR truck driver candidates that Werner is actively addressing gender equity, potentially widening the pool of qualified applicants for long‑haul routes.

Industry Reaction

Industry observers note that Werner’s climb on the Forbes list reflects a broader shift toward inclusive hiring practices across major carriers. While the trucking community has traditionally been slow to embrace diversity, firms that publicize concrete metrics—like Werner’s double‑average female driver rate—are setting a new benchmark. Advocacy groups for women in logistics have praised Werner’s leadership alliance as a model that other carriers could replicate to meet FMCSA regulations and attract a more diverse workforce.

Key Points

• Werner placed seventh among transportation firms on Forbes’ 2024 women’s employer ranking.
• The Forbes‑Statista survey captured input from over 150,000 women at companies with 1,000+ employees.
• Women comprise 16% of Werner’s professional driver roster, double the national average.
• The Women’s Leadership Alliance, founded in 2011, provides mentorship, training and career‑growth resources for female staff.

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