Although only 5% of professional truck drivers in the US are female, women could be the key to unlocking the driver shortage, which is currently estimated to be between 20,000 and 25,000 drivers, and expected to reach 239,000 by 2022. 

Said to be the first of its kind in the industry, the custom vehicle design includes 15 unique specifications intended to help meet the needs of female drivers whilst also bringing ergonomic benefits for some male drivers.   

The ergonomic vehicles include features such as adjusted height and placement of cab grab handles, adjustable seatbelt shoulder straps, improved placement of dash cluster gauges, and better access to oil and coolant checks and fill ports. 

Upon customer request, and depending upon the OEM model of vehicle, Ryder can also include the following options:

• Ergonomically designed seats and adjustable armrest;
• Hood lift/closure assistance mechanism;
• Automated transmissions;
• 5th Wheel configurations with lower pull pressures to  open the locking mechanism;
• Automated 5th wheel locking mechanisms;
• Automatic landing gear operators for trailers; and
• A cab security system that offers personal protection while a driver is in his/her sleeper berth. 

'Addressing driver comfort and truck cab design to accommodate the typically smaller stature of women is one of the issues where Women In Trucking Association is prompting changes,' said Ellen Voie, president and CEO, Women In Trucking. 'We are so pleased to see Ryder's efforts in moving these ergonomic challenges into the forefront of the manufacturers’ design changes,' Ms Voie added.