Arlington, VA — The American Trucking Associations’ Women in Motion Council (WIM) officially launched its inaugural industry-wide survey on September 9, 2026, aimed at identifying the specific hurdles women face in the trucking profession. This data collection effort marks a formal attempt by the ATA to quantify the experiences of female personnel across all levels of the supply chain, from the driver’s seat to corporate logistics roles.
Recruitment and retention remain persistent headaches for carriers struggling to maintain capacity. By digging into the daily realities of women currently working in the sector, WIM intends to build a roadmap for fleets to improve their workplace environments. The survey asks participants to weigh in on what actually works to keep talent in the industry and what factors currently drive professionals toward other sectors.
Sarah Rajtik, ATA Chief Operating Officer and co-chair of WIM, emphasized that the initiative is not exclusive to women. The council is inviting all trucking professionals to contribute their perspectives to ensure the final report reflects a complete picture of the industry’s current landscape. The goal is to use this input to refine how trucking companies hire and support their staff, ultimately creating a more stable workforce.
What This Means for Drivers
For the average CDL-A driver, this survey represents a rare opportunity to provide direct feedback to the industry's most influential trade organization. If you have faced specific challenges regarding equipment, safety, or work-life balance, these results could influence future policy recommendations. Improved retention strategies often lead to better equipment and more flexible scheduling options for every OTR truck driver on the road today. Carriers looking to remain competitive in a tight labor market will likely look at these survey findings to adjust their retention bonuses and operational practices.
Industry Reaction
While the industry has historically struggled to improve diversity numbers, this move by the ATA signals a shift toward data-driven policy rather than generalized awareness campaigns. Advocates note that understanding the nuances of the driver experience is critical for long-term growth. As more trucking companies are hiring, the ability to offer a supportive environment is becoming just as important as base pay and per-mile rates in attracting experienced talent.
Key Points
- The Women in Motion Council survey is the first of its kind initiated by the ATA to analyze gender-specific experiences in trucking.
- Participation is open to all industry employees, not just women, to ensure a comprehensive dataset.
- The project aims to identify tangible best practices for improving recruitment and long-term career growth.
- Results will be used to advocate for a more inclusive environment across the entire trucking sector.
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