Members of the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Women In Motion council recently traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with federal lawmakers and advocate for key issues affecting the trucking industry. The annual fly-in brought together women leaders from across the transportation sector to discuss legislative priorities, strengthen relationships with policymakers, and highlight the critical role trucking plays in supporting the U.S. economy. The event also showcased the growing influence of women within the industry while encouraging greater collaboration between government leaders and transportation professionals.
During meetings with members of Congress and congressional staff, Women In Motion representatives emphasized several policy priorities that continue to shape the trucking industry. Among the top issues discussed were expanding truck parking capacity, addressing workforce shortages, improving highway infrastructure, reducing supply chain inefficiencies, and supporting policies that strengthen the movement of freight. Participants stressed that practical, long-term solutions are needed to help carriers operate safely and efficiently while ensuring that drivers have the resources they need to perform their jobs.
One of the primary concerns raised during the discussions was the nationwide shortage of safe truck parking. Drivers continue to spend valuable time searching for legal parking locations after reaching their federally mandated hours-of-service limits. Industry leaders explained that expanding truck parking not only improves safety but also enhances productivity, reduces stress for drivers, and strengthens supply chain reliability. ATA has consistently advocated for increased federal investment in truck parking infrastructure as part of broader transportation funding initiatives.
The delegation also discussed workforce development and recruitment. As the trucking industry continues facing challenges related to driver shortages and an aging workforce, Women In Motion highlighted the importance of attracting more individuals to careers in transportation. The council encouraged lawmakers to support programs that expand career opportunities, improve workforce training, and reduce barriers to entry while promoting trucking as a rewarding profession for people from diverse backgrounds.
Infrastructure investment remained another major topic during the Capitol Hill meetings. Participants emphasized that maintaining and modernizing highways, bridges, and freight corridors is essential to supporting economic growth and improving transportation efficiency. Reliable infrastructure allows trucks to move goods more safely, reduces congestion, lowers operating costs, and improves service for businesses and consumers across the country.
The Women In Motion council also highlighted the increasing leadership role women are playing throughout the trucking industry. Today, women serve in executive leadership positions, fleet management, operations, safety, maintenance, logistics, and professional driving roles. Through mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and professional development initiatives, the council continues working to expand leadership opportunities while encouraging more women to pursue long-term careers in transportation.
ATA leaders noted that direct engagement with lawmakers provides valuable opportunities to explain how federal policy decisions affect carriers, drivers, and supply chains. Face-to-face discussions help policymakers better understand the operational realities of the trucking industry while allowing industry professionals to offer practical recommendations for improving transportation policy.
The Capitol Hill advocacy event demonstrates ATA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that trucking’s voice is represented during the legislative process. By bringing experienced women leaders together to discuss workforce development, infrastructure, safety, and regulatory priorities, Women In Motion continues strengthening the industry’s role in shaping policies that support a safe, efficient, and resilient freight transportation system while encouraging greater leadership diversity throughout the trucking profession.
Source: https://www.trucking.org/news-insights/atas-women-motion-brings-truckings-priorities-capitol-hill
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