Washington, D.C. — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has initiated a search for members to serve on its newly established Women of Trucking Advisory Board, or WOTAB. This move directly addresses the fact that women currently occupy only 24 percent of all transportation jobs in the United States. The advisory group was formally launched during Women’s History Month in March, with the explicit mission to recruit, support, and ensure the safety of women commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers across the nation.

The initiative responds to a persistent demographic imbalance in the freight sector. Despite the steady demand for CDL-A drivers and the expansion of OTR truck driver routes, the gender gap remains a significant structural issue. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has previously engaged with the industry through round-table discussions and by riding along with truck drivers to understand on-the-ground challenges. He emphasized that the board’s formation is a collaborative effort working alongside drivers and trucking companies to eliminate the specific obstacles that prevent women from entering and remaining in the profession.

FMCSA Acting Administrator Robin Hutcheson framed the creation of WOTAB as a step toward greater collaboration, equity, and safety. The board is tasked with evaluating existing and potential opportunities for women throughout the supply chain. Its mandate includes analyzing trends that impact female drivers, identifying pathways to expand roles for women, and advising on policies related to education, training, and mentorship. The charter for this advisory group remains active through February 11, 2024, guiding the FMCSA’s regulatory and outreach strategies during that period.

What This Means for Drivers

For professional drivers, this advisory board signals a focused attention on the operational and cultural barriers that affect retention and recruitment. The board will specifically review opportunities to enhance safety protocols, training programs, and mentorship structures that are critical for new and experienced CDL-A drivers. By engaging directly with independent owner-operators and fleet managers, the FMCSA aims to tailor recommendations that reflect the daily realities of those on the road. This could lead to more targeted support systems for women seeking truck driver jobs in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Industry Reaction

The composition of WOTAB is designed to reflect the diverse nature of the trucking industry. Members will represent a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including large trucking companies, nonprofit organizations, business associations, and professional truck drivers. This broad representation ensures that the advice provided to the FMCSA and the transportation secretary encompasses both corporate fleet operations and the perspectives of independent owner-operators. By including voices from various sectors, the board aims to create a comprehensive strategy for increasing the number of women in the industry while maintaining high safety standards.

Key Points

• Women currently hold only 24 percent of all transportation jobs in the U.S., a gap the FMCSA aims to close through targeted initiatives.
• The Women of Trucking Advisory Board (WOTAB) was launched in March with a charter running through February 11, 2024.
• The board will advise on policies regarding education, training, mentorship, and safety to support women CMV drivers.
• WOTAB members will include representatives from trucking companies, nonprofits, business associations, and independent owner-operators.

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