Washington, D.C. — The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) rolled out a confidential online survey on September 9, 2026 aimed at uncovering the obstacles that deter women from entering and staying in the trucking profession. The questionnaire will remain open until February 2, 2027, and invites both male and female drivers to share experiences ranging from CDL‑A licensing to daily parking struggles.
Industry leaders have flagged a persistent driver shortage that threatens freight reliability and safety on the nation’s highways. Women currently represent a fraction of the workforce, and their under‑representation fuels concerns about diversity, retention and long‑term stability. By mapping the perceived barriers, ATRI hopes to supply data that can shape recruitment drives, training curricula and workplace policies that make the road a more welcoming place for all drivers.
ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee labeled the study a top priority, noting that the survey will probe not only gender‑specific issues but also universal pain points such as training costs, on‑the‑road ergonomics and parking availability. Respondents are asked to reflect on factors that influence a decision to pursue a trucking career, hurdles encountered while securing a Commercial Driver’s License, and challenges faced during active service. The instrument also reaches out to former drivers to capture why they left the field. Old Dominion Freight Line’s veteran trucker and America’s Road Team Captain Rhonda Hartman urged colleagues to participate, saying the collective voice will drive tangible workplace improvements.
What This Means for Drivers
CDL‑A drivers who complete the survey can help shape recommendations that may lead to more gender‑neutral facilities at truck stops, better lighting in parking lots and clearer signage for loading zones. Owner‑operators stand to benefit from a broader talent pipeline, reducing reliance on costly temporary staffing and improving route coverage. Fleet managers may receive actionable data that supports the design of mentorship programs, flexible scheduling and safety protocols aligned with FMCSA regulations. Ultimately, the findings could inform incentive structures that reward carriers for meeting diversity benchmarks, a factor that many trucking companies hiring now are beginning to weigh in contract negotiations.
Industry Reaction
While the survey itself is the first concrete step, carriers across the nation have already signaled a willingness to address gender gaps. Trade groups note that women now account for roughly 7 % of all truck driver jobs, a number that lags behind other transportation sectors. Companies eager to attract OTR truck drivers and expand their pool of qualified CDL‑A drivers are watching the study closely, anticipating that its results will justify investments in safer rest areas and inclusive hiring practices. Advocates stress that without driver‑driven data, policy makers risk missing the nuances that keep qualified talent out of the cab.
Key Points
- ATRI’s survey opens September 9, 2026 and closes February 2, 2027.
- Both male and female drivers are asked to comment on training, licensing, parking and exit reasons.
- Old Dominion Freight Line’s Rhonda Hartman publicly urged participation, highlighting the survey’s potential impact.
- Results aim to guide carriers, fleet managers and regulators in creating a more inclusive environment for women truck drivers.
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