Washington, D.C. — 18 women trucking leaders from 10 states gathered this week for the inaugural Women In Motion Call on Washington, marking a milestone for the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the broader industry.

The event, organized by ATA’s Women In Motion (WIM) initiative, brought together drivers, fleet managers, and executives who shared a common goal: to influence federal policy on issues that directly affect the daily lives of truckers and the viability of owner‑operators. WIM’s focus on women’s perspectives offers fresh insights into long‑standing challenges such as truck parking shortages and the classification of independent contractors.

Over two days, participants held roundtable discussions with members of the House Education and the Workforce Committee and staff from House Republican leadership. They also met for a breakfast with Members of Congress, secured a meeting at the White House, and held one‑on‑one conversations with key Capitol Hill figures, most notably Congressman Rick Larsen, ranking member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. WIM leaders pressed lawmakers for support of the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act and a resolution to overturn the U.S. Department of Labor’s independent contractor rule, both measures aimed at safeguarding the livelihoods of more than 350,000 truckers, many of whom are women.

What This Means for Drivers

The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act would require trucking companies to provide safe, accessible parking for drivers, reducing the risk of accidents caused by illegal or unsafe overnight stops. For CDL‑A holders, this translates into fewer incidents of driver fatigue and lower liability exposure. Owner‑operators stand to benefit from clearer regulations that protect their status as independent contractors, preserving their ability to negotiate rates and maintain control over their schedules. Fleet managers will see reduced compliance costs as federal standards for parking and contractor classification become more consistent across the industry.

Industry Reaction

ATA officials noted that the WIM Call on Washington demonstrates the growing influence of women in trucking and the sector’s readiness to address safety and workforce issues. Industry groups have praised the initiative for amplifying voices that often go unheard in policy discussions. The broader trucking community acknowledges that improving parking infrastructure and contractor protections are essential steps toward attracting and retaining talent, especially as the industry faces a nationwide driver shortage.

Key Points

• 18 women leaders from 10 states met Capitol Hill and the White House during the inaugural Women In Motion Call on Washington.
• Participants advocated for the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act and a resolution to overturn the Department of Labor’s independent contractor rule.
• WIM leaders compiled a booklet of testimonials from women truckers nationwide to support their legislative push.
• Key figures met included Congressman Rick Larsen and members of the House Education and the Workforce Committee.

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