Discrimination is a systemic risk that falls hardest on migrant and non-national drivers, who are disproportionately involved in cross-border trucking. They face heightened risk of violence, harassment and discrimination at border crossings, rest areas, inspection points and along international routes and transport corridors. This deters them from raising concerns, reporting incidents or seeking assistance, particularly where they fear retaliation.
Gender-based discrimination remains a significant barrier to entry and a persistent risk for the 2-3% of women truck drivers. They face additional and often overlooked discrimination in road transport as the sector’s infrastructure –truck cabins, safety equipment, roadside rest stops, loading bays – is designed for men and frequently lacks safe and private sanitary facilities for women. Women also face additional barriers to entering the profession: the high cost of licences (which disproportionately impact women due to gender pay gap and lack of independent capital), unsafe commutes, a poor work-life balance, low pay, and stigma. Discrimination in recruitment, training and job allocation further limits women’s access to decent employment, and fair pay and progression, increasing their vulnerability within already precarious working arrangements.
Young road transport workers are at a higher risk as they are disproportionately recruited on temporary or informal contracts and lack transparency regarding pay and conditions. They disproportionately receive inadequate training and face pressure to accept unsafe work, fearing that raising concerns could cost them their job or future opportunities. Their vulnerability is compounded by recruitment practices that impose financial burdens – training fees, equipment costs – creating cycles of debt and dependency. Combined with limited knowledge of their legal rights, these factors leave abuses against young drivers undetected and unaddressed.
For more on discrimination, see the Risks Across Transport guidance.