This week, two U.S. Senators introduced legislation ultimately designed to increase the number of women truckers on the roads.
On November 14, the bipartisan “Promoting Women in Trucking Workforce Act” was introduced by Senators Jerry Moran and Tammy Baldwin.
The bill would require the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to establish a “Women of Trucking Advisory Board.”
The Women of Trucking Advisory Board would be tasked with studying “industry trends that directly or indirectly discourage women from pursuing careers in trucking.” The board would also be required to look into how trucking companies, non profits, and trucking groups could expand opportunities in trucking for women.
The bill would also require that the FMCSA report their findings and recommendations to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of Representative’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
The bill points to data that indicates that while women make up 47% of the United States’ labor force, they only represent 24% of America’s trucking workforce and only about 7% of drivers.
The bill also says that women are 20% less likely than their male counterparts to be involved in a crash.
“In Wisconsin, we make things, and we need to ensure we have a strong workforce to transport our goods to market,” said Senator Baldwin. “Women currently make up less than ten percent of the truck driving workforce, and removing the barriers that get in the way of women pursuing and retaining careers in trucking is key. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Senator Moran because more job opportunities for Wisconsin women will lead to more economic security for working families.”
“As the trucking industry continues to face a driver shortage, we need to examine new ways to recruit and retain drivers that are delivering Kansas goods across the country,” said Senator Moran. “Because women are substantially underrepresented in the trucking industry, Congress should explore every opportunity to encourage and support the pursuit of careers in trucking by women. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan and sensible bill with Sen. Baldwin that will lead to new job opportunities for women and increase equality for women already in the trucking industry.”