This week marked a significant milestone for the American Trucking Associations (ATA) as 18 women leaders in the trucking industry, hailing from 10 different states, convened for the inaugural Women In Motion (WIM) Call on Washington. This gathering saw a diverse array of voices, ranging from truck drivers to high-level executives, as highlighted in an ATA news release.
Over the span of two days, these influential women engaged in a series of impactful events, including roundtable discussions with members of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, as well as with staff from House Republican leadership offices. They also seized the opportunity for a breakfast meet and greet with Members of Congress and held a pivotal meeting at the White House. Additionally, there were multiple one-on-one conversations with key figures on Capitol Hill, such as Congressman Rick Larsen, D-Wa., who serves as the ranking member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
During these interactions, WIM members drew upon their personal experiences within the trucking industry to advocate for legislative action aimed at fostering safe and productive workplaces, reducing financial barriers to entry into the industry, and preserving pathways to entrepreneurship. Among the bills championed were initiatives like the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act and a resolution to overturn the U.S. Department of Labor’s independent contractor rule, both crucial for safeguarding the livelihoods of over 350,000 truckers, including many women.
To bolster their advocacy efforts, WIM members compiled a comprehensive booklet containing testimonials from numerous women truckers nationwide. These testimonials underscored the importance of protecting the rights of independent contractors and emphasized the necessity for Congress to uphold their livelihoods.
“Women In Motion was founded with the purpose of promoting the role of women in the trucking industry, highlighting their unique perspectives and bringing about positive change,” said ATA COO Sarah Rajtik, co-chair of WIM. “By leveraging ATA’s deep relationships on Capitol Hill and in the Executive Branch, we were able to deliver WIM’s message directly to our nation’s top policymakers. … We are grateful that so many women leaders in the trucking industry took time out of their busy schedules to participate in our inaugural Call on Washington, which will be the first of many. The major strides we made to advance our legislative priorities will help create a more inclusive and welcoming work environment for all.”
Brenda Neville, President of the Iowa Motor Truck Association and co-chair of WIM, expressed optimism about the progress made during the event, particularly regarding initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for women within the trucking industry.
“Last year, I testified before Congress about the severe truck parking shortage, which is one of female truck drivers’ top concerns and a major barrier to more women joining and remaining in the industry,” she said. “The series of impactful conversations we had with influential policymakers this week provided a powerful platform to continue our advocacy to solve this longstanding problem and address other serious challenges.”
Established by the ATA, Women In Motion serves as a dedicated platform for promoting and supporting the advancement of women in trucking. Through access to training, mentorship, and networking programs, as well as advocating for equitable policies and practices, WIM strives to create a more inclusive and empowering environment for women and their allies in the trucking industry.
“The trucking industry has provided me with a rewarding career and supported my family for many years. That is why I am so passionate about growing the ranks of female drivers so that more women can benefit from the same opportunities that I have had,” said Dee Sova, a professional truck driver for Prime Inc. “Joining Women In Motion has enabled me to connect with and empower other women to make an already great industry even better. I enjoyed sharing my perspectives from the driver’s seat with Members of Congress and White House officials to give them firsthand insights on how they can more effectively support women in our industry.”
Source: The Trucker
