On January 15, FMCSA delivered the report, addressing ways to support and empower women in the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) industry. WOTAB’s 37 recommendations focused on key areas, including the following actions:

• Encouraging both government and private sectors to prioritize specific changes

• Enhancing accountability in addressing harassment, assault, and discrimination

• Boosting recruitment and retention initiatives for women drivers

• Creating mentorship opportunities for women in the industry

• Providing better training frameworks

• Improving women’s overall quality of life in CMV roles

• Developing a dedicated portal for women drivers to connect and access resources

FMCSA commended WOTAB’s efforts, acknowledging the report’s importance in addressing existing challenges faced by women in the trucking industry. The agency emphasized the need for inclusive opportunities for women in leadership roles across public and private sectors while recognizing ongoing gaps.

“FMCSA supports WOTAB’s goal of increasing economic opportunities for women by elevating governmental and industry awareness of the issues facing women CMV drivers,” the report stated. It also stressed prioritized collaboration to ensure diverse women have platforms to shape policies at higher levels.

Progress on Recommendations Already Underway

The board’s closing meeting in November 2023 included Robin Hutcheson, former FMCSA Administrator, who praised the group’s achievements. Hutcheson highlighted progress already being made, such as the establishment of a safety hotline for female drivers facing difficult situations on the road.

Additionally, FMCSA has taken steps to address sexual harassment and assault within the CMV workforce. This includes launching a Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment working group, dedicated to combating these issues, especially for drivers.

The agency has also ramped up enforcement efforts. A Notice of Enforcement Policy published in December reminded states of federal regulations to disqualify CDL holders convicted of felonies involving commercial vehicles, with particular attention to cases of sexual violence.

Looking Ahead to Continued Action

FMCSA revealed its plans for an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking aimed at strengthening driver training programs by incorporating awareness of sexual misconduct and enhancing safety for truck drivers and trainees. Efforts to improve truck parking safety, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration and the National Coalition on Truck Parking, are also underway to address board recommendations.

With the submission of the final report, WOTAB has officially concluded its mission. Joyce Brenny, a life member of OOIDA and WOTAB chair, reflected on the board’s influence, stating, “Having a voice at the federal level will offer additional help to all in or considering the trucking industry for a career. It is obvious that knowledge is power, and the knowledge provided by WOTAB (as) industry experts will indeed make real changes, which will help in the future in the trucking industry.”

Although FMCSA clarified that it would not be directly responsible for executing all the recommendations, the agency affirmed its commitment to facilitating conversations between industry leaders and various government entities to drive meaningful change.

Advocating for Change in the Trucking Industry

For Brenny, who has dedicated 40 years to the trucking sector, the opportunity to address systemic challenges and advocate for women in the industry has been a proud accomplishment.

“I feel strongly about offering opportunities for women and ensuring that we are transparent in the challenges of the trucking industry,” she said. “I will always feel finding the right people is by far the most important, and we are then obligated to offer a safe and encouraging environment for career success.”

The groundwork laid by WOTAB is poised to have long-lasting effects on the industry, opening doors for more women and laying the foundation for safer, more inclusive career opportunities in trucking.

Source: Land Line

The post Breaking Barriers: FMCSA Acts on Women of Trucking Board’s Game-Changing Recommendations appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

NFI’s SheDrives program empowers women in the trucking industry while fostering a community where drivers feel valued and supported.

For Ebony, a CDL spotter working with NFI, this initiative has provided more than just career growth—it’s given her a sense of belonging and a better balance between her job and home life.

“I’m excited to be a part of the SheDrives initiative because I’ve never been part of a company that actually includes its drivers,” Ebony said. “As a female driver, I came from over-the-road (OTR) driving before I joined NFI. Now, I’m local to home, which means I get to be at home with my kids every night—which is awesome.”

From Healthcare to Trucking

Ebony’s career path has been far from conventional. She began as a nurse, working in the field for a decade. Afterward, she transitioned to roles in a food production plant and later as a heavy machine mechanic—both environments traditionally dominated by men.

Her ambition to break the mold led her to set her sights on earning a CDL and exploring opportunities in trucking. Initially, Ebony’s male colleagues doubted her ability to thrive as a truck driver. Instead of discouraging her, their skepticism fueled her determination.

Ebony earned her CDL and started her OTR career, proving her capabilities and silencing the critics. When she discovered an opportunity with NFI as a CDL spotter, she saw the chance to achieve a meaningful work-life balance and jumped at it.

Better Work-Life Balance and a Supportive Culture

At NFI, Ebony discovered a flexible schedule that not only aligns with her professional goals but also allows her to spend more time with her family. The company’s commitment to supporting employees in balancing their work and personal lives stood out to Ebony.

Her supervisor, Brice B., has seen firsthand how dedicated Ebony is to her role. “Ebony was a great hire for 858 as a spotter in Topeka at the bakery,” Brice shared. “She has a high level of ownership of her job and takes great pride in it. She does whatever is asked and even offers possible solutions to issues when they arise. She’s one of the hardest workers we have.”

Brice emphasized NFI’s employee-first mindset as a driving force behind its culture. “Here at 858, we strive to make employees the main focus and always try to put family first,” he said. “

For Ebony, this support system has been invaluable. “It has been exciting to be included as a driver, to be taken care of as a driver, and to be treated like family by my bosses and my co-workers,” she said. “We are a little family.”

A Community That Elevates Women

The SheDrives program does more than reinforce NFI’s inclusive culture—it also creates a platform for women in trucking to connect, share experiences, and uplift each other.

“I like seeing people like myself at NFI,” Ebony said. At a recent SheDrives meeting, it was nice to be able to share similar stories and experiences with other female drivers.

Ebony’s experience has served as a testament to NFI’s dedication to its people, from fostering community to upholding family values. “Some companies say they value family, but it’s not that way once you’re hired,” she said. “This is the first company in over 25 years of working that makes me feel that way.”

Empowering Women to Thrive in Trucking

Ebony hopes more women will take the leap into the trucking industry and is confident that programs like SheDrives will pave the way. Her advice for women aspiring to join the field is simple yet powerful:

“Don’t listen to naysayers,” she said. “Have confidence in yourself. Not only are females capable, but they can be exceptional!”

For Ebony, the support from NFI and SheDrives has been instrumental in her success.

“I’m glad I made this transition to NFI,” she said. “If I decide to go back over the road, I can do that with NFI. That’s the most exciting thing—I don’t have to go to another company. I can just let my bosses know and see if they have any routes available.”

Though she’s still relatively new to the company, Ebony is optimistic about what’s ahead. “From what I’ve seen so far—and what they have to offer—I’m excited and I’m glad to be here,” she concluded.

NFI’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for drivers like Ebony demonstrates why they’re a standout in the trucking and transportation industry.

Source: The Trucker

The post Ebony Speaks on How NFI and the SheDrives Initiative Have Redefined Her Career appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Crysel, a proud member of WIT’s Class of 2024 Image Team, drives for Wilmington, North Carolina-based Chestnut Enterprises, a small family-operated company she’s come to cherish over the years.

Starting a New Journey at 45

Like many in the trucking industry, Crysel’s career took an unexpected turn later in life. After losing her position in a factory job that was outsourced when she was 45, she found herself at a crossroads, leading her to pursue a career in trucking.

Her first role was with Maverick Transportation, where she specialized in hauling glass with flatbed trailers across the lower 48 states and parts of Canada. From there, she continued to grow her expertise, becoming part of Ryder System Inc. as a driver trainer and support team member. This experience allowed her to diversify her skills, driving a range of vehicles—from box trucks to refrigerated tankers, containers, and even dump beds.

Her trucking résumé continued to evolve as she took on a role hauling containers with an owner-operator and later stepped into positions off the road as a safety manager and dispatcher for Global Transportation Management (GTM). While she took pride in helping new drivers start their careers during her two years with GTM, Crysel ultimately missed the freedom and excitement of life on the road.

Finding a Home at Chestnut Enterprises

Today, Crysel is thriving as a driver at Chestnut Enterprises, a small, family-driven company led by a husband-and-wife team. Crysel describes her work environment as one filled with camaraderie and support—a dynamic that she deeply values.

“Everyone gets along, and everybody helps everybody,” she shares. “You don’t see that as much nowadays, and that’s why I don’t want to leave.”

A Strong Connection to Women in Trucking

Crysel first encountered WIT through their Facebook page in 2015. She quickly became actively involved, finding a mentor in Sandy Long and forming bonds on WIT’s mentoring Facebook group, which further fueled her passion for supporting other women in the industry.

“Being able to help and connect with other women so they know they have a support system here for them is so fulfilling,” Crysel says.

As part of WIT, Crysel eagerly participates in events like the Accelerate! Conference & Expo, where she not only strengthens her connections with other women but also helps create a sense of empowerment within the trucking community. She values the lifelong friendships she has built and continues to find joy in witnessing women come together to lift one another up.

Beyond the Road

When she’s not behind the wheel or mentoring others, Crysel takes pride in her family. She’s a mom to grown boy and girl twins and adores her three grandchildren, lovingly referred to as her “grandsugars.”

April Crysel’s inspiring story highlights her resilience, passion, and dedication, both to the trucking industry and to empowering women in this space. Congratulations to her on being named WIT’s Member of the Month for December 2024!

Source: The Trucker

The post April Crysel Celebrated as WIT’s December 2024 Member of the Month appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

For seven years, Leon hesitated to pursue a trucking career, opting instead to work at a Toys R Us warehouse. Each year, the company offered select employees the chance to train for their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), and each time, Leon held back. However, in her seventh year, she boldly declared to her husband, “I’m just gonna do it,” and embarked on her trucking journey without looking back.

Now a seasoned driver at 4Gen Logistics, Leon navigates California’s ports, traveling approximately 100,000 miles annually. Her initial foray into trucking was daunting; her first drive for Toys R Us took 10 hours without a cell phone or GPS, and she frequently received incorrect directions from clerks. Despite this challenging start, Leon found freedom and a reprieve from the repetitive warehouse routine. “I can go to the same port every single day for a month and it’s something different,” she shared.

Leon was nominated for the Road Warrior award by her daughter, Jessica Beasley, who highlighted Leon’s unwavering dedication to her roles as a driver, mother, and grandmother. “She can work so hard at her job and she is so dedicated, but she is also dedicated as a mother and a grandmother,” Beasley said tearfully. “She balances it all and is the matriarch of our family. I can’t think of anyone more deserving.”

Reflecting on her career, Leon noted that she was one of only four women drivers at Toys R Us when she started, often encountering skepticism from male colleagues. Yet, she now sees more women taking on driving roles and other positions at ports, some of whom seek her advice about entering the profession. Despite standing just 5-foot-3, her toughness and ambition have always shone through. “She’s so ambitious,” Beasley praised. “She just kept doing what she loved doing. She rose above and continued to do what she loves.”

Leon encourages more women to consider trucking, a career she wholeheartedly endorses. “If I could do it, they can do it,” she affirmed, echoing the sentiments of the Women In Trucking Association, which reports that women comprise about 12% of CDL holders. Her passion for trucking has even influenced her son, who now drives for Amazon and often seeks her counsel.

In addition to the grand prize, Leon received another $1,000 from the Pilot contest. She plans to use the funds for home improvements and possibly a vacation with her husband. Until then, she remains committed to the road, embodying the spirit and resilience of a true Road Warrior.

Source: Freightwaves

Image: Pilot Flying J

The post From Warehouse Worker to Pilot’s Road Warrior, Liz Leon’s Story appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Evelyn Guajardo, a Recruiting Manager at NFI, has spent the past 10 years in the transportation industry, playing pivotal roles in operations, safety, and recruiting. Her passion for empowering others has been instrumental not only in her career but also in the launch of the Hispanic Organization for Leadership Advancement (HOLA) within NFI, which promotes diversity and leadership development. At the heart of her work is her dedication to empowering women in trucking through the “She Drives” program, where she also serves as a self-defense instructor, teaching critical skills to ensure the safety of female drivers on the road.

Promoting Safety with Self-Defense Demonstrations

Evelyn’s journey into safety advocacy began with a conversation she had with NFI’s female drivers, many of whom expressed concerns about their safety at certain stops. “They said, ‘I feel the same way. I feel like it’s not safe in these particular locations, so I take my own safety precautions,’” she recalls. Recognizing the importance of addressing these concerns, Evelyn decided to hold a self-defense demonstration at one of the “She Drives” events, with her recruiter, Ryan, volunteering as the participant.

The demonstration was a resounding success, sparking interest from many drivers. It has since become a staple of every “She Drives” event, where Evelyn teaches self-defense techniques, empowering women to protect themselves on the road. “I really appreciated my brother showing me these self-defense techniques and bringing it to the female drivers of NFI,” she says, emphasizing how vital these skills are in enhancing safety for women in the trucking industry.

Expanding Horizons: The Allure of Travel and Exploration

Beyond safety, Evelyn also emphasizes the unique opportunities trucking offers for women seeking adventure and exploration. Many women come to trucking later in life, driven by the opportunity to see the world and experience new places. “A lot of women get into trucking because they never got a chance to see the world… they never had their turn,” Evelyn explained during the interview.

One such story involved a driver who had spent 20 years as a dental assistant. In the ’90s, she told her mother she wanted to become a truck driver to explore the United States, but her mother insisted that “females are not truck drivers.” Decades later, she followed her passion and joined NFI, where she’s been driving for six years and loves the freedom and adventure trucking offers. Stories like these are what Evelyn strives to share with other female drivers to encourage them to pursue their dreams.

Building a Community of Support for Female Drivers

A key feature of the “She Drives” program is the supportive community it creates among female drivers. Because many regional drivers don’t often meet face-to-face, the “She Drives” events provide a much-needed space for connection and collaboration. During a recent event in South Carolina, drivers recognized each other from truck stops and shipper locations, sharing tips and stories about their experiences.

This sense of community is critical for female drivers who may feel isolated in the male-dominated industry. Through these events, Evelyn helps foster connections that empower women to succeed and feel supported in their careers. “They gave each other some really great tips,” Evelyn noted, reflecting on how these interactions create a sense of solidarity and support among female drivers.

With a decade of experience in transportation and a passion for empowering others, Evelyn Guajardo is making a significant impact on the trucking industry through her leadership in NFI’s “She Drives” program. Whether it’s teaching self-defense to promote safety or sharing inspiring stories of women who have found adventure and freedom on the road, Evelyn is dedicated to ensuring that trucking becomes a rewarding, inclusive, and safe career for female drivers.

To explore Evelyn’s full story, listen to the complete She Drives episode here.

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