by Brian Everett, on Aug 18, 2025 8:00:00 AM
The Women In Trucking Association expects 1,800 attendees at the 2025 Accelerate! Conference & Expo Nov. 9-12 in Dallas, TX.
The trucking industry is currently navigating one of its most turbulent periods in decades. From economic headwinds and regulatory snarls to labor shortages and digital threats, carriers must be strategic, resilient, and adaptable. Those investing wisely in technology, workforce stability, security, and sustainable practices stand a better chance of emerging stronger.
Some of the most serious issues are reflected in topics covered at the upcoming Women In Trucking Association’s Accelerate! Conference Nov. 9-12 in Dallas:
Challenge 1: Freight Recession, Trade Instability and Market Volatility
There is a prolonged downturn in demand and freight volumes continue to decline. However, there’s currently volatility that is making this market difficult to predict – and to plan for.
“It’s possible that the stronger freight market seen in the first few months of this year has continued and is resulting in some tightening of the market,” says Avery Vise, Vice President of Trucking with FTR Transportation Intelligence, who spoke at WIT’s Accelerate! Conference last fall. “To be clear, this is not something that has been reflected in the spot volume or rate data for dry van and refrigerated this year, so this would be an unexpected development. On the other hand, May was a strong month for general freight truckload payroll employment, so it’s conceivable that demand for route guide freight finally is outpacing the supply of drivers, leading to a tipping point that is showing up in the spot market. Again, this is possible, but would be a new development.”
It should be noted that Eric Starks, FTR’s Chairman of the Board, is scheduled to speak at the 2025 Accelerate! Conference.
Challenge 2: Labor Shortage and Workforce Engagement
Like many industries, trucking is grappling with a deepening labor shortage, with tens of thousands of driver seats remaining unfilled and high turnover rates straining operations. Long hours, demanding schedules, and intense competition for talent make recruiting and retaining skilled drivers increasingly difficult. Beyond filling positions, carriers are recognizing the importance of workforce engagement—investing in better communication, flexible schedules, competitive pay, and career development opportunities—to build loyalty, reduce attrition, and keep the wheels of commerce turning.
Interestingly, many companies in the industry are addressing these challenges head-on by recruiting talent from populations not historically working in the trucking industry – including women. More and more, through the efforts of these companies and organizations like the Women In Trucking Association, women are being attracted to trucking. In fact, according to the 2024-25 WIT Index, which is the industry barometer the benchmarks and measures the percentage of women in key roles in the trucking industry, women now make up 28% of C-suite executives, 34.5% of company leaders, 38.5% in truck dispatch roles, and 38.5% in safety roles.
Trucking companies are getting innovative in their efforts to recruit more women, recognizing the value of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Many are partnering with organizations like WIT, hosting career fairs, and participating in school outreach programs that highlight opportunities beyond traditional driving roles. Cutting-edge social media campaigns are showcasing real stories of female drivers, technicians, and leaders to break stereotypes and inspire interest. Some for-hire and private fleets also are redesigning equipment for better ergonomics, offering mentorship programs, and creating flexible scheduling options—all aimed at making the industry more welcoming and accessible for women.
Such initiatives will be covered extensively at the 2025 Accelerate! Conference in November by recruiting experts from such organizations as Stay Metrics (Tenstreet), F|Staff, FreeWorld, People First Consulting, R.E. Garrison and Holcim Group.
Many companies have intentionally incorporated programs and services that make their corporate culture more attractive to women. Such enhancements involve the ability for their employees to achieve family/life and work balance, competitive compensation and benefits, and continued training and professional development. Some companies such as International, XPO, Schneider National, Daimler Truck North America, and WM have been recognized as “Top Companies for Women to Work” by WIT, and will be sharing their best practices in shaping their corporate cultures to power performance, purpose, and results.
Challenge 3: Skyrocketing Cargo and Identity Theft
Cargo theft incidents in North America soared in 2024 (a 26% increase over 2023) with actual losses potentially exceeding $1 billion, according to Verisk CargoNet. This increase is driven by evolving tactics that are highly organized, sophisticated, creative and strategic.
In addition, digital and identity-based fraud are shifting from opportunistic break-ins of facilities and trailers to strategic fraud. Criminals are impersonating motor carriers and providers, altering shipping details and documents, and using stolen credentials to reroute cargo—all via digital platforms like load boards and registration systems
Subject matter experts on theft and fraud in trucking from such companies as CargoNet, Travelers Inland Marin, DHL Supply Chain, Jarrett and Highway will speak at the 2025 Accelerate! Conference in November.
Other topics important to the trucking industry will be covered at the conference, such as compliance and regulatory issues, top legal issues for motor carriers and providers, emerging trends in trucking technology, and career paths and satisfaction for professional truck drivers. The event is expected to attract 1,800 attendees with more than 70 educational and networking sessions, 180-plus speakers and subject matter experts, more than 150 exhibitors and sponsor, and an expansive Truck and Technology Tour. For more information and to register for the Women In Trucking Association’s Accelerate! Conference & Expo in November, visit WomenInTrucking.org.
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- 2024 Accelerate! Conference & Expo Highlights
- 2023 Accelerate! Conference & Expo Highlights
- 2022 Accelerate! Conference & Expo Highlights
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