The ATA Diversity and Inclusion Working Group recently drafted guidelines it plans to distribute to fleets in an effort to promote inclusion and increase female participation in the trucking industry.
In 2021, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) working group began crafting measures to help boost the number of women in the sector. USA Truck CEO James Reed, who serves as chairman of the ATA working group, pointed out that mom-and-pop operations rarely have the resources to build a diversity program. Using information from carriers, the guidelines are reportedly designed to provide scalable functionality for operations of all sizes.
“We realized when we got together — especially those of us that are at bigger firms — that we have more resources for these types of things. But we also, in creating this group, are extraordinarily mindful of the membership of ATA — it does include the big guys. So, we really wanted to do something that would serve the needs of the entire constituency,” Reed reportedly said. “Our hope in getting this out is that this is not the end, it’s the beginning. That people will take this information as a catalyst — and I might even say an inspiration — to think differently about diversity, equity and inclusion, as it pertains to their business. By forming this group, we think it gives a platform for great ideas.”
In July, the ATA created an award prompting carriers to be more mindful of workforce diversity and foster a positive environment. Called the ATA Diversity Equity and Inclusion Change Leader Award, nominations are being accepted through Sept. 10. The winner will be announced at the organization’s Management Conference & Exhibition planned for Oct. 22-25 in San Diego.
“I know the trucking industry will be the place where all people can find a place to belong. The DEI Change Leader Award will highlight those motor carriers, allied partners and individuals’ hard work by challenging others to be bold and be the change leader in their own organization,” Garner Trucking CEO and former ATA chair Sherri Garner Brumbaugh reportedly said.
Truck driver demographics indicate the field remains overwhelmingly male-oriented. But demand for CDL holders, economic opportunities, and technology have created seismic shifts in recent years. The number of women truckers increased by a reported 68 percent from 2000 to 2018, and recent estimates peg the number of female over-the-road drivers between 13-16 percent. That figure increased from 10 percent in 2019 alone. Women employed in the trucking sector have nearly balanced that of their male counterparts, with nearly 40 percent now holding leadership positions.
“We are competing in our industry for a very precious limited resource, which is human resources. If we, as an industry, can’t be seen as progressive and forward-thinking — and ahead of this existential issue of diversity, equity and inclusion — then we’re going to lose in the long run,” Reed reportedly said. “It’s to our mutual interest to be out front here, and that’s all this is. It is just a platform to get us talking about it. I really think you’re seeing the tip of the iceberg.”
https://6069071.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6069071/WIT%20Index/2022-WIT-Index-Results.pdf
https://www.ttnews.com/articles/ata-makes-headway-trucking-diversity-plans
https://www.zippia.com/professional-truck-driver-jobs/demographics/
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