Lawmakers announce the Promoting Women in Trucking Workforce Act

The Women in Trucking Association says women make up approximately 8% of the trucking workforce. Yet, there’s currently no legislation to support the hard-working women who spend hours each week behind the wheel of a big rig. Fortunately, that may be changing soon, thanks to legislation introduced by Senators Jerry Moran and Terry Baldwin.

The proposal, titled the Promoting Women in Trucking Workforce Act, would “direct the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to establish a Women of Trucking Advisory Board.” According to legislators, this board would be responsible for identifying barriers women encounter when trying to enter the industry. It would also work with companies and organizations to develop education and training as well as mentorship programs for up-and-coming women truckers.

Considering the industry is facing a 60,000 driver shortage, this legislation is coming at just the right time. If passed, the bill would also require the FMCSA administrator to regularly submit reports to Congress detailing findings and recommendations. If passed, lawmakers are hopeful this bill encourages more women to consider a career in trucking.

Even though the industry is primarily male-dominated, the pay, flexible work schedule and life spent on the road are appealing to many. What’s more, data shows that women are generally better drivers. Data from the American Research Institute’s crash predictor model found that men were 88% more likely to have a reckless driving conviction and 20% more likely to be involved in a crash than women.

In an effort to make the legislation even stronger, lawmakers have asked the Women in Trucking Association to contribute their input. We’ll be following his bill closely and will provide updates as they come.

Source: Transportation Topics