FMCSA reports on advancing women’s role and safety in trucking

Celeste Polidori
January 22, 2025

Aiming to improve safety and promote careers for women in trucking.

On January 15, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) presented a final report to Congress detailing actions taken to promote women’s participation in the trucking industry. This report was based on recommendations from the Women in Trucking Advisory Board (WOTAB) and aims to improve safety and eliminate harassment in the sector to encourage more women to pursue careers in trucking.

From November 2022 to November 2023, six public meetings were held to gather input on key issues affecting women in the industry. Topics such as current education, outreach strategies, and direct and indirect barriers that discourage women from entering and staying in the trucking profession were discussed.

Key WOTAB recommendations

WOTAB made recommendations for both the government and the private sector, focusing on increasing the representation of women in decision-making roles, advisory boards, and all aspects of the industry. The board also emphasized the importance of promoting the participation of women from diverse communities, including those who are tribal, minority-owned, young, and LGBTQ+, and suggested that FMCSA work with the sector to remove barriers for these groups.

Among the top issues highlighted was the need to improve safety for women in the trucking industry, particularly in relation to sexual harassment and violence. The strategies outlined include:

Terminating drivers with documented cases of harassment or sexual assault.
Creating safe avenues for reporting and holding commercial carriers accountable.
Providing safe parking and restroom facilities for female truck drivers.

FMCSA actions

In response to these recommendations, FMCSA has established a Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH) Working Group to address harassment and violence against women, especially female drivers, in the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) industry. The agency has also launched a comprehensive study on harassment, assault, and discrimination in the heavy vehicle sector to better understand the issues female drivers face throughout their careers.

The report also details other actions taken, such as collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration and the National Truck Parking Coalition to create safe truck parking areas, and the development of a proposed rule aimed at improving driver training on awareness of sexual harassment and assault.

Additionally, FMCSA issued an advanced policy notice in December 2023, reminding state courts and licensing agencies of the regulatory mandate to disqualify individuals from holding a commercial driver’s license or learner’s permit if they commit a serious crime, including sexual assault, using a commercial vehicle.

FMCSA is also working with its partners to raise awareness and enhance training in the sector, particularly regarding the challenges women face and diversity in hiring.

FMCSA’s ongoing commitment

FMCSA stated its appreciation for the efforts of WOTAB in making the trucking industry safer and more inclusive for women and reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with the private sector and stakeholders to implement these measures and achieve long-term change in the industry.