Women in Trucking Speak Up in Washington for Safer Roads and Stronger IC Protections

A group of 22 women representing the heart of the trucking industry gathered in the nation’s capital this July, bringing their stories, concerns, and solutions straight to lawmakers. These women—from 15 different states and across roles ranging from drivers to executives—took part in the second Women In Motion (WIM) Call on Washington, hosted by the American Trucking Associations.

Their goal: to improve working conditions for truckers, defend independent contractor rights, and ensure women’s voices are front and center in shaping transportation policy.

“Women In Motion was founded to amplify the voices of women in the trucking industry, highlight their unique insights, and inspire lasting change,” said Cait Hone, WIM director. “Thanks to ATA’s strong relationships on Capitol Hill and throughout Washington, we were able to bring WIM’s mission directly to key national leaders. We’re incredibly grateful to our members and sponsors who joined us for our member-only Call on Washington. The progress we made advancing our legislative priorities is a vital step toward building a supportive industry for all.”

Real Voices. Real Issues.

Over a packed three-day schedule, WIM members participated in dozens of meetings with federal lawmakers and key policy influencers. Their focus? Getting real about what drivers experience every day—and what’s needed to fix it.

Top of mind was the ongoing truck parking crisis and the lack of reliable restroom access for drivers on the road. Both are everyday struggles for truckers, especially women, and WIM attendees made it clear that these issues can’t be sidelined anymore. They pushed for action on the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, a proposal that would allocate dedicated federal funding to expand and upgrade parking infrastructure nationwide.

Another priority was protecting the right to work independently. The women stood firmly behind the Modern Worker Empowerment Act, which defends the status of independent contractors across multiple industries, including trucking.

“The trucking industry has given me a fulfilling career and helped me support my family,” said Dee Sova, America’s Road Team Captain. “That’s why I’m passionate about encouraging more women to pursue the same opportunities. Women In Motion has allowed me to uplift others and strengthen this incredible industry. Earlier this year, I had the honor of standing with the President at the White House to voice trucking’s support for the One Big, Beautiful Bill—an unforgettable moment. It was also rewarding to share my perspective with Members of Congress and White House officials on how to better support women in trucking.”

Conversations That Matter

During their time on the Hill, WIM members had face-to-face discussions with lawmakers, including Reps. Mike Bost (R-IL), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Mike Collins (R-GA), Kevin Kiley (R-CA), Tom Barrett (R-MI), and Zach Nunn (R-IA). They also met with Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and participated in a breakfast with Reps. Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Jen Kiggans (R-VA).

These meetings weren’t just ceremonial—they gave lawmakers a direct window into the lives of working women in trucking and helped solidify bipartisan support for several transportation-focused bills.

WIM members also joined the House Education & the Workforce Committee to mark the passage of the Modern Worker Empowerment Act, introduced by Rep. Kevin Kiley. The bill aims to ensure that individuals in the trucking industry—and beyond—can continue operating as independent contractors without interference.

Image Source: WIM
Source: The Trucker