An advisory board focused on recommending strategies to federal regulators for enhancing trucking careers for women highlighted safety improvements and the elimination of harassment as key priorities. On January 15, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) submitted a report to Congress detailing measures it has undertaken to support women in trucking, incorporating feedback from the Women of Trucking Advisory Board (WOTAB).
WOTAB was established by the Department of Transportation, as required by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and was dissolved after the issuance of the FMCSA’s “Recommendations Report to Congress.”
The board convened six public meetings from November 9, 2022, to November 13, 2023, to gather insights on critical challenges faced by women in the trucking sector. Members also assessed existing education, training, mentoring programs, and outreach initiatives to identify barriers that discourage women from entering and advancing in trucking careers.
The report highlighted WOTAB’s concern for enhancing safety for female truckers by “identifying and eradicating sexual harassment and violence against women.” Suggested strategies included:
- Dismissing drivers or others with documented instances of sexual harassment or assault;
- Establishing mechanisms for reporting and holding commercial motor carriers accountable;
- Ensuring safe access to parking and restroom facilities for women truck drivers.
The board also reviewed a FMCSA crime prevention survey conducted in 2022, noting that women in trucking are more susceptible to harassment compared to their male counterparts, particularly from fellow drivers and trainers within their companies. Higher incidences of sexual harassment were reported in urban areas and specific states including California, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Oklahoma.
FMCSA’s report indicated ongoing and completed measures influenced by WOTAB’s feedback, including partnerships with the Federal Highway Administration and the National Coalition on Truck Parking to establish safer parking areas for trucks. Additionally, they are proposing rules to elevate awareness around sexual harassment and assault in driver training standards. FMCSA has also formed a Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Working Group to analyze these issues within the trucking industry.
“FMCSA acknowledges WOTAB’s recommendations and is dedicated to collaborating with the private sector and stakeholders for implementation. Addressing these issues requires a joint effort between government and the private sector to achieve lasting changes in the motor carrier industry,” stated the agency.
