The US representatives have introduced a bill to support women in the trucking industry. There has never been a better time for women to join trucking than now. Just like in any other workplace, all genders must be well represented. Unfortunately, the numbers of women behind the wheels have been very low for far too long. Therefore, the US representatives thought of coming up with a way to encourage more women to take up this profession.

The Bill and its Benefits

The US Representative Sharice Davids of Kansas introduced the bill to support women in trucking. The bill stated some demands that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration must meet. First, it requires FMCSA to develop an advisory board that will create opportunities for women in the trucking industry.

The bill would provide a conducive environment for more women in the trucking industry. It would provide education, training, mentorship, or outreach to women in the trucking industry. It would also mean that trucking companies would recruit more women, retain them and even help them rise within the ranks of the industry.

Driver shortage

The pandemic badly affected the supply chain in the entire world. It led to global shortages of many different goods and services as well. For instance, gas and grocery shortages were the most prevalent. The causes of the deficiencies are many; however, the driver shortage is the biggest. Davids said they did not give the transportation workforce and infrastructure due attention. That's why she came up with the bill to encourage more women to join the industry.

Congress felt that it was their duty to ensure that the trucking industry hired, trained, and made it comfortable for more women to venture into the industry. The gap between drivers retiring and those being recruited is vast. Therefore, the government must enact the bill as soon as possible. One trainer stated that she has a few ladies lined up for her next driving classes.

Truck driving is an actual profession, just like any other. Therefore, it deserves all the support from the authorities to make sure it grows. More so, women have had it tough as far as truck driving is concerned. Therefore, creating a conducive environment would attract more women to take up the driving roles. Therefore, the bill is essential and would open up the industry to more women.