Pall-Ex founder calls for more female truckers

Pall-Ex chief executive Hilary Devey is calling for more female HGV drivers to enter the industry.

Devey, the founder of the Leicestershire-based pallet network, who also appeared on Channels 4's Secret Millionaire programme, told the Daily Express: "They (females) are better because they can multi-task and are more careful. I don't believe in glass ceilings. Manicured fists can go through them just as well as builders' [fists]."

Figures from the Office of National Statistics, published in 2007, reveal that of 309,100 truck drivers, fewer than 1% were female. In addition, just 2% were under 25.

A spokesman for the Freight Transport Association says: "Truck driving requires a great deal of driver skill, and places great strains on the driver in terms of time away from the home and family, and, yes, traditionally, it has been a sector dominated by men.

"However, there is no practical reason why women shouldn't drive HGVs. By professionalising the industry, the Driver CPC qualification will, hopefully, make it one of first choice and not a last resort for more drivers of either sex."