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Women Driving Change in Logistics
LOTS Group’s female driver training program fosters inclusion and changes the face of road transport.
LOTS Group’s female driver training program fosters inclusion and changes the face of road transport.
Road transport has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. But change is underway — thanks to initiatives like Women Behind the Wheel, a program from LOTS Group Brazil that’s actively supporting more women in getting into the driver’s seat.
Launched in Brazil in 2021, the initiative has trained over 60 women and helped double the company’s share of female drivers — from 5% to 10%. That’s well above the national average – in 2022, only 3.4% of those licensed to drive trucks, buses, or trailers in Brazil were women.
This progress is reflected in more than just the statistics — it shows in the everyday experiences of women like Alessandra dos Santos and Mônica Conceição, two drivers who share how professional support and flexible schedules have enabled them to thrive both at work and at home.
Life on the Road — and How to Balance It
Alessandra, 51, has been driving trucks since 2016 and joined LOTS Group two years ago. She describes early resistance from others when entering the profession, alongside the challenge of managing childcare and domestic responsibilities. A flexible schedule — working from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. — has allowed her to balance work with life at home.
Mônica, 45, was inspired by Alessandra to switch from driving buses to trucks. Starting a new job in a male-dominated space was daunting, she says, but the support of colleagues made a big difference. Like Alessandra, she found that flexible shifts helped her juggle medical appointments, exercise, and time with her children as a single mother.
Both drivers point to a strong sense of belonging within their teams. Alessandra highlights the technical support she received to master difficult maneuvers and the mutual respect that defines the work environment. “I felt supported and protected,” she says.
Creating Space for Women — With Everyone On Board
Kelly Guimarães, Head of People and Culture at LOTS Group Latin America, explains that the success of Women Behind the Wheel also comes from engaging male team members. “It’s about collaboration — colleagues are stepping up when needed, whether it’s helping during a family emergency or switching shifts to support one another.”
Despite the industry’s traditional challenges, both drivers say the environment they’ve entered is one of respect, safety, and shared responsibility. Alessandra addresses a common misconception: “People think truck driving is only for tough men. But we’re women with painted nails and lipstick — and we drive trucks, too.”
Mônica adds: “It takes courage and persistence at the start. But if you love what you do, you’ll get there — and you’ll be independent.” She also highlights LOTS Group’s strong safety culture, where drivers are never pressured to cut corners.
As Alessandra and Mônica’s stories show, change happens not just through policy, but through people — and through companies willing to challenge the status quo.
With Women Behind the Wheel, LOTS Group is helping to make the road transport industry more inclusive, one driver at a time. The program proves that when the right support systems are in place — from training to scheduling to workplace culture — more women can not only enter the field but thrive in it.
Insights
Cases
News
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