This week, lawmakers reintroduced legislation that would work to increase the number of women in the trucking industry.
The Promoting Women in Trucking Workforce Act was introduced in the Senate on February 25 by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.). Companion legislation was also introduced in the House by Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Sharice Davids (D-Kan.).
According to a news release from Moran’s office, the bill would “direct the administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to establish a “Women of Trucking Advisory Board.” Under this bill, the board would identify barriers to entry for women in the trucking industry, work across organizations and companies to coordinate formal education and training programs and help identify and establish training and mentorship programs for women in the industry. The legislation also requires the FMCSA administrator to submit a report to Congress on the board’s findings and recommendations.”
Lawmakers point out that women currently make up 47 percent of the United States’ labor force, yet represent 24 percent of America’s trucking workforce and only about 7 percent of drivers.
Moran also said that female drivers have been shown to be 20% less likely than male counterparts to be involved in a crash.
The legislation has been endorsed by the Women in Trucking Association and the American Trucking Association.
A similar bill was introduced in late 2019 but failed to advance.
You can view the full text of the bill here.