ATA Pushes Forward With Women in Motion Program
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) recently launched a program designed to encourage women to enter the trucking industry while also addressing industry issues that affect female drivers.
On July 15, the ATA debuted the Women in Motion (WIM) program designed to “accelerate the rise of women throughout the industry and help eliminate the roadblocks that stand in their way.”
An Industry Lagging Behind
7.8% of truck drivers are women, according to a fact sheet on the program. While this is historically high, the ATA says that trucking is “still lagging behind the national average for workforce participation for women.” The program will involve partnerships with coalition partners, policy makers, and businesses to advocate on issues like diversity and safe parking to provide female truckers with a more stable workplace. WIM will also highlight the contributions of women in the industry and work to demonstrate that trucking can be a financially rewarding career path for women.
Women in Motion (WIM) Explained
“The trucking industry relies on women – whether in the boardroom, as a technician, or behind the wheel – and we believe that by highlighting the many contributions the women already in trucking make, we can demonstrate what a rewarding and lucrative career path it can be for millions of others,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “The name Women in Motion is an apt description of our industry, and I’m pleased that ATA is recognizing these individuals who are critical to our industry, and looking for solutions to make their jobs even more gratifying and more secure.”
“As a woman in this industry, I know firsthand that while trucking can be a tough job – it is a rewarding and important one,” said Cari Baylor, President, Baylor Trucking. “I’m glad to see ATA launching this new initiative to celebrate the contributions of the many women in our industry and advocate for issues such as safe truck parking that our industry deserves.”
Women In Trucking
Women In Trucking is a prominent non-profit organization for women within the industry that encourages the employment of women in the trucking and transportation industry. For over a decade, the they have been focused on a clear mission to encourage employment, address obstacles and celebrate success. WIT is guided by a Board of Directors and Ellen Voie serves as the President and CEO of a full staff.
WIT has created a secure online platform that provides easy ways to post a question, network, and find involvement opportunities through virtual connections. There are opportunities to become a mentor or a mentee as well. Take a look at their How Can You Be More Involved in Women In Trucking blog too.
Not All Is Safe For Women In Trucking Yet
Over the weekend, officials investigated the death of a female trucker at a truck stop in Mississippi. The body of the trucker from Florida was found at the Pilot Travel Center in New Albany, Mississippi on July 17th. Union County Coroner Pam Bowman told WTVA News that the woman was 55 years old, but the woman’s name has not yet been released pending notification of family. No cause of death has been announced and no further information has been released.
Image credit: Oprah.com
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