Washington, D.C. — Thirty-two women representing fourteen states gathered in the capital this month to pressure lawmakers on critical transportation issues, including the severe shortage of safe truck parking and the need for stable independent contractor status. The American Trucking Associations’ Women In Motion Council held its third annual Call on Washington, using the event to present specific policy demands to members of Congress and federal agency leaders. The delegation included professionals from motor carriers, suppliers, and various transportation businesses, all focused on securing long-term solutions for the freight industry.

The discussions were driven by immediate operational challenges facing professional drivers and fleet managers alike. A primary focus was the urgent need for a comprehensive surface transportation reauthorization bill that addresses infrastructure gaps. Beyond parking, the group highlighted the critical importance of protecting independent contractor opportunities, which remain a cornerstone for many owner-operators seeking to avoid the regulatory burden of employment status. They also raised concerns about staged vehicle crashes, a growing tactic that inflates insurance premiums across the sector and erodes profitability for small and mid-sized carriers.

Federal officials participated directly in the policy shaping process, providing regulatory context and hearing industry feedback firsthand. FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs delivered a briefing on current and future safety regulations, offering insight into how federal rules will evolve in the coming years. The council also met with Acting Department of Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to discuss workforce issues. On the legislative side, the group secured individual meetings with Senators Joni Ernst, Todd Young, and John Boozman, as well as Representatives Adelita Grijalva, Steve Womack, and Mike Collins. These face-to-face interactions allowed the council to explain the real-world impact of proposed legislation on daily freight operations.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL-A holders and OTR truck drivers, the push for more parking facilities directly impacts safety and compliance with hours-of-service rules. When safe parking is scarce, drivers are forced to make difficult decisions about where to rest, often risking violations or unsafe stops. Protecting independent contractor status is equally vital for owner-operators, as it ensures they can maintain business autonomy and avoid the higher costs associated with employee classification under FMCSA regulations. Furthermore, addressing staged crashes could lead to lower insurance rates, which is a significant financial relief for small carriers and independent drivers who bear the brunt of rising liability costs.

Industry Reaction

Cait Hone, director of Women In Motion, emphasized that bringing industry professionals directly into these discussions provides lawmakers with a clearer picture of the challenges on the road. Hone noted that the council’s members offered practical solutions aimed at boosting safety and strengthening the workforce, rather than just identifying problems. This approach aligns with the broader industry sentiment that regulatory bodies must work with, not against, the people who keep the supply chain moving. By highlighting the daily realities of freight transportation, the council aims to ensure that new policies support the industry’s long-term sustainability and workforce development.

Key Points

• The Women In Motion Council met with federal officials and lawmakers to address truck parking shortages and infrastructure funding.
• FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs provided a regulatory briefing to the council, outlining the direction of federal safety standards.
• Members pushed for the protection of independent contractor status to support owner-operators and small carriers.
• The event marked the third annual Call on Washington, highlighting the growing influence of women in trucking leadership.

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