Arlington, VA — The American Trucking Associations’ Women in Motion Council (WIM) launched its inaugural industry-wide survey on September 9, 2026, targeting the current experiences and professional hurdles faced by women in the trucking sector. This data collection effort marks a formal attempt to catalog the specific recruitment and retention challenges that continue to plague the transportation industry.

Trucking has long struggled to diversify its workforce, with women still representing a small fraction of the total driver population. By opening this survey to all industry participants, the ATA aims to move beyond anecdotal evidence and establish a clearer picture of the environment facing female drivers and office staff. The results are intended to provide a blueprint for carriers looking to improve their retention rates and create more inclusive workplaces for any qualified CDL-A driver.

Sarah Rajtik, ATA Chief Operating Officer and co-chair of WIM, noted that the initiative is designed to highlight the perspectives of women while gathering input from the entire labor force. The council plans to use the feedback to develop best practices that help trucking companies hire and retain talent more effectively. This move comes as many fleets scramble to address persistent labor shortages and high turnover rates across the board.

What This Means for Drivers

Drivers should view this as an attempt by major industry stakeholders to identify why so many professionals leave the industry after short stints. If you are an OTR truck driver or an owner-operator, your input helps shape the policies that carriers might adopt regarding facilities, safety, and compensation structures. Participation is open to everyone, regardless of gender, which allows for a more accurate assessment of the daily realities of life on the road. Carriers that act on these findings may soon offer more competitive benefits packages to attract talent.

Industry Reaction

The launch of this survey underscores a growing recognition that the industry must evolve its internal culture to remain competitive in a tight labor market. While many trucking companies are hiring, the industry has historically struggled to retain new entrants who find the lifestyle or the workplace environment unsustainable. By prioritizing the voices of women, the ATA is signaling that the path forward requires a shift in how fleets support their employees, moving from basic recruitment to long-term career development.

Key Points

• The Women in Motion Council is conducting the first-ever comprehensive survey regarding women's experiences in trucking.
• The ATA intends to use the gathered data to create a stronger future for women within the transportation sector.
• The survey is open to all trucking professionals, not just women, to ensure a full understanding of industry dynamics.
• The initiative focuses on finding practical ways to improve recruitment and long-term career growth for all employees.

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