First published by FMCSA
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the launch of the Women of Trucking Advisory Board (WOTAB) to recruit, support, and ensure the safety of women commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and the trucking industry at large.
The launch of the Advisory Board is mandated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and part of the Biden-Harris Trucking Action Plan, which aims to improve job quality and recruit more people to the truck driving profession. As part of the Trucking Action Plan, the Administration has also expanded registered apprenticeship programs, announced a driver compensation study, and is engaging the entire trucking industry around issues of retention and recruitment. Secretary Buttigieg has led roundtable discussions and has also ridden along with a truck driver.
“We’re proud to launch the Women of Trucking Advisory Board to work together with drivers and trucking companies to help eliminate barriers that keep women from entering and staying in the trucking profession,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “This advisory board is a key part of our Trucking Action Plan, which is focused on improving job quality for truckers and recruiting more people to join their ranks.”
“The establishment of the Women of Trucking Advisory Board furthers our commitment to collaboration, equity, and safety across the trucking industry by evaluating existing and potential opportunities for women throughout the trucking industry,” said FMCSA Acting Administrator Robin Hutcheson.
Women are significantly underrepresented in the trucking industry, holding only 24 percent of all transportation jobs. The formation of the Advisory Board kicks off this month amid Women’s History Month.
WOTAB will coordinate with trucking companies, nonprofit organizations, and trucking associations to support women in trucking. The Board will provide recommendations to the Administrator of FMCSA and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as well as tackle many areas, including:
- Evaluating barriers and trends that impact women in trucking across the country and ways to support women pursuing careers in trucking.
- Identifying opportunities to expand roles for women and increase the number of women in the trucking industry
- Advising on policies that provide education, training, mentorship, or outreach to women in the trucking industry
- Reviewing opportunities to enhance safety, training, mentorship, and education for women in the trucking industry
The Board will include a minimum of eight members with diverse backgrounds, experience, and certifications to provide balanced points of view. The group will include:
- Women representing small, mid-sized, and large trucking companies, nonprofit organizations in the trucking industry
- Trucking business associations
- Independent owner-operators and professional truck drivers
- And an institution of higher education or trucking trade school
WOTAB’s charter runs through February 11, 2024. If you are interested in applying, please visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov/wotab.
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