Moving Toward the Mission

The Women In Trucking Association’s primary purpose is to increase the percentage of women in the trucking industry. In an effort to provide exposure to young girls who might not have considered a career in trucking, we initiated a Transportation Patch for the Girl Scouts of America.

In partnership with the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, the curriculum was designed to provide the girls with insight into the trucking industry. The event was planned for October 13th, which was Columbus Day and there was no school scheduled.

Olive-Harvey College in the southeast Chicago area hosted the event and provided a meeting area for the girls to listen and learn about trucking, as well as two tractor-trailers for the girls to climb in and learn about. Joanne Ivory is the Associate Dean of the college and coordinated the event.

The day began with a welcome from Ms. Harvey in the auditorium, followed by a short talk about careers in the trucking industry by Women In Trucking President/CEO, Ellen Voie. A video about trucks was provided by J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

The keynote speaker was Dr. H. Lenora Hardee, who talked about her job as Chief Technical Engineer at Navistar, Inc. Dr. Hardee told the girls about the importance of truck cab design and how it relates both to comfort for the driver as well as aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. She explained that a proper fit is crucial and asked the younger girls if they felt comfortable in the auditorium chairs when their feet couldn’t reach the floor. She showed them photos of mannequins in cabs and how the pedals, steering, and seats must allow the driver to be able to reach all of them.

The girls were then led outside to where to tractor-trailers were parked and numerous instructors were available to talk to them about the skills needed to drive a truck. Older Scouts were allowed to climb into the trucks and see the view from the driver’s seat. They learned about the parts of the tractor and trailer and the importance of maintaining the equipment for efficiency and safety.

Ms. Ivory had activities ready for the girls when they returned to the auditorium. First, they were given maps and asked to identify things on the maps and to look at the geography of the rivers, roads, and state borders. They were then provided with cardboard trucks to assemble and to take home after the event.

Averitt Express provided a pizza lunch and snacks of chips were donated by Frito-Lay. The Girls Scout Troop provided fruit drinks for the Scouts and their chaperones.

At the end of the event, each Girl Scout was presented with the first ever Transportation Patch for her sash. They were all surprised to receive goodie bags from Women In Trucking Association with items from corporate members and sponsors. The cost of the patches was paid for by C. H. Robinson, Inc.

There were eighty-four girls ranging in age from four to thirteen who attended the Girl Scout day at Olive-Harvey College. Accompanying the girls were many moms and dads who were also told about potential jobs available in the trucking industry.

The day was truly a historical opportunity to launch an initiative that will introduce the next generation of girls to careers as drivers, mechanics, engineers, managers and company owners.

Women In Trucking Association and the Girls Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana have finalized the curriculum, which will be shared with troops across the country that can offer the same patch in their area.

We are truly proud of initiating this opportunity to share the trucking industry and its importance to these girls. More importantly, we are supporting our mission to increase the percentage of women employed in the trucking industry by introducing these girls to career opportunities at a young age.

For more information about the Transportation Patch and how to present the curriculum to your local troops, call Women In Trucking Association at 888-464-9482.

Let's Get Networking.... Come to AZ to Network from A to Z

Are you registered yet? We look forward to seeing you at the 2014 UTA Annual Convention to be held at the beautiful Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, AZ on November 5 – 8. The convention committee has created an agenda full of valuable presentations, workshops, networking opportunities and some fun! Register today to start networking in AZ from A to Z! Click To Register

Walmart Renews Gold Level Partnerships with Women In Trucking Association.

Since 2007, Women In Trucking Association has accomplished a great deal in their mission to encourage women to consider careers in the trucking industry, address obstacles that might keep women from succeeding and to celebrate the success of its members.

“We are nearing 4,000 members who believe in our quest to share career opportunities with women who might not have considered the trucking industry in the past,” said WIT President/CEO Ellen Voie. “With the support of Walmart and their influence as an internationally recognized leader, we have expanded our reach to include more drivers, carriers, manufacturers, driving schools and suppliers and our numbers continue to grow,” Voie added.

Recent initiatives include the development of a Girl Scout Patch, invitations to ride-alongs with legislators and industry leaders, the I HEART Trucking Image Campaign and research prompting changes to truck cab design to better accommodate female drivers through adaptability. The first “Accelerate! Conference and Expo” is being planned for September 20-22 Dallas, Texas in 2015.

Recently the assoction’s foundation awarded six scholarships to members pursuing careers in trucking. Future goals for the association include a recruiting handbook and additional recognition programs and events. The Women In Trucking Association was recognized by the White House in 2012 as being a “Transportation Innovator” in its “Champions of Change” awards.

Jeff Hammonds, Vice President of Walmart (walmart.com) Transportation, also serves as a director, “Walmart is a global leader in diversity and inclusion. Our mission is to deliver on the promise of saving customers money and helping them live better. An inclusive workplace gives us a competitive advantage as we explore challenges from different perspectives to meet the needs of our customers.”

“Our partnership with Women in Trucking is part of Walmart’s on-going commitment to empowering women and helping them achieve career goals in the non-traditional roles of logistics and transportation,” Hammonds added.

Women In Trucking Association, Inc. is a nonprofit association established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry. Membership is not limited to women, as 16 percent of its members are men who support the mission. Women In Trucking is supported by its members and the generosity of Gold Level Partners: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Daimler Trucks NA, Great Dane Trailers, and Walmart. Follow WIT on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. For more information, visit http://www.WomenInTrucking.org or call 888-464-9482.

The Best Kept Secret in Truck Shows

The Mackinac Bridge is a five mile structure that connects the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with the lower portion of the state. Every year on the second weekend in September, you can watch nearly 200 trucks cross the bridge to celebrate the Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show “Parade of Lights.”

Nineteen years ago, the small town of St. Ignace, Michigan, on the north side of the bridge, hosted the first Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show. Mr. Crane was an entrepreneur who had a passion for training folks who wanted to become professional drivers. His son, Rick Crane, and daughter, Fran Bernard, continue to honor their father with the help of Ed Reavie, a local car and truck enthusiast, and the citizens of St. Ignace, who welcome them each September with open arms.

Outside of the Upper Peninsula, however, very few are familiar with the event. It’s one of the best kept secrets in truck shows. 

This year’s event was the biggest ever in the history of the show. The National Association of Show Trucks (NAST) ran the truck “beauty contest” competition and reported nearly 150 trucks and tractor-trailer combinations in the show. With the added vendor units in the parade, estimates range near 170 vehicles crossing the bridge at dusk. 

The Mackinac Bridge is supported by tolls, and the $5 per axle fee is sponsored by Bill Hutchins, a journalist in the trucking industry, and his wife, Wilda Dodson, supporters of the show.

Ellen Voie, President/CEO of Women In Trucking Association, was this year’s Parade Marshall and had the opportunity to ride in one of the lead trucks owned by Reefer Service Inc. 

Voie also awarded the first ever, Women In Trucking Award for show truck competition to Anita Dewiche (pictured) of Dorchester, Wisconsin, owner-operator of Gentle Rain Transport. Anita pulls a flat bed trailer and hauls lumber products throughout the Midwest. 

Meredith Ochs of Sirius/XM’s Freewheelin’ Show on Road Dog Trucking broadcasted live from the show and was able to interview Anita and other drivers at the Women In Trucking booth. Ochs was able to ride in a convoy across the Mackinac Bridge as well.

Fran Bernard, owner of International Trucking School in Canton, Michigan and long time member of the Women In Trucking Association coordinated the award and arranged Voie’s spot as Parade Marshall.

Bernard’s goal is to increase the awareness of the Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show and to invite even more drivers, vendors, and attendees to the show for their 20th anniversary next year.

This truck show is one of the most well organized, fun, and family friendly events in the country. Let’s not keep it a secret any longer. Mark your calendar for the 20th anniversary Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show, the second weekend in September, 2015.

J. J. Keller Supports Women in Trucking; CEO Gains Insight Into Driver Challenges

In order to understand the unique challenges women in the industry face, Keller-Krikava rode along with Deb Anderson from Schneider National of Green Bay, Wis. and Bree Eubanks from Roehl Transport of Marshfield, Wis.

“We were excited to offer Ms. Keller-Krikava the opportunity to ride with female professional drivers to get a glimpse into life on the road, and more importantly, to better understand how the regulatory environment affects drivers personally,” said Ellen Voie, President/CEO of Women In Trucking. “She was able to interact with the very individuals her company’s products and services impact on a day-to-day basis.”

“Spending time with these women was a terrific, eye-opening experience,” said Keller-Krikava. “Both women clearly shared a passion for the independence the profession offers but it was also evident they face some key challenges such as increasing regulation, distracted drivers, and finding safe overnight parking. With the help of organizations like Women In Trucking, we will continue to make strides in addressing these issues and recruiting more women to the profession.”

Anderson has been driving for Schneider for three and half years on a dedicated account, while Eubanks has been with Roehl for seven months and hauls a variety of freight with a curtainside trailer. Hotel accommodations were made by Hotels4Truckers.

About J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.Since its beginning as a one-man consulting firm in 1953, J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. has grown to become the most respected name in safety and regulatory compliance. Now over 1,300 associates strong, J. J. Keller serves over 420,000 customers — including over 90% of the Fortune 1000. The company’s subject-matter expertise spans nearly 1,500 topics and its diverse solutions include E-Logs and mobile technology; training via online courses, streaming video or DVD; online management tools; managed services; consulting services; publications; forms and supplies.

Transportation professionals rely on J. J. Keller™ in-house expertise and wide selection of products and services to reduce risk and improve regulatory compliance, performance management and operational efficiency. For more information, visit JJKeller.com,JJKellerELogs.com and JJKellerservices.com.

For more information, contact:

Mary Borsecnik

Corporate Marketing Communications Specialist

J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

1-800-843-3174, ext. 7050

Email: mborsecnik@jjkeller.com

Schweiss Doors has ‘Back-Up’ Systems for your Door in Case of Power Outage

Before placing an order for a hydraulic or bifold door, have you given any thought to how you would get that big, heavy door open in case of a power outage. This is an important consideration, not only for knowing how you will get your door opened or closed if you need to, but as a safety precaution as well. Schweiss Doors, the leading manufacturer of hydraulic and bifold liftstrap doors, has you covered on this. Schweiss has backup systems that come standard with your door and additional ones you may also consider. Hydraulic tractor fittings come standard on all Schweiss hydraulic doors. In addition to that the Schweiss hydraulic door can be opened or closed with a DC Battery-Motorized back-up control station that operates with the press of a button. The new compact hydraulic unit is also designed with a drill-driven back-up using a 7/16” hex head — just attach a socket to raise and lower your door at any time or from any position. Emergency door lowering can also be as simple as turning a screw on the pump. Your large moving door will close at a controlled, safe speed, no matter the situation or emergency. It’s that easy, no mess, no oil drains back into the tank. All Schweiss bifold doors have an electrical disconnect to allow manual operation by an emergency back-up system if power is lost. Bifold doors can be manually operated in the event of a power outage using an emergency back-up hand crank, powered generator, battery powered drill, tractor-powered hydraulic coupler fittings or 12 Volt D.C. emergency back-up. Included is an electrical disconnect device to completely disable the door for service, maintenance and emergency back-up operations. This will prevent the motor from operating when manually operating the door. For years Schweiss has been manufacturing only the highest quality doors and we never fail to innovate new products in the door market. For more information on Schweiss Doors, go to www.schweissdoors.com or call us at 800-746-8273.

Cutlines:

Backup systems are available for schweiss bifold and hydraulicdoors in case of a power outage.

The new powerful Schweiss hydraulic door pump unit is all self-contained and can be mounted on the wall or tucked away anywhere on the building floor. Hydraulic doors feature three back-up systems.

WIT Careers Hiring Hints

Tip 1: Use a descriptive job title — job seekers often search by keyword.
Tip 2: Review your employer account on WIT Careers. Make sure all your information is up-to-date and easily accessible — from contact information to applying for a position at your company.
Tip 3: Source candidates proactively, don't wait for them to apply. Search our resume database for the best candidates and reach out to them. 

WIT - Attention Trucking Companies!

Encourage your drivers to submit a two-minute video for WIT's I HEART TRUCKING contest. Winners will be announced at the Great American Trucking Show in August.

WIT Member of the Month • July 2014 • Robin Grapa • So Many Miles

I began dreaming up grand adventures I could take in this thing we call life after nearly losing it all to Aplastic Anemia when I was 18 years old. It’s a bone marrow disease (not cancer), where in simple terms, your body stops making blood. I suffered some serious seizures, which were a rare side effect of my treatment, and the doctors weren’t sure I’d pull through afterward. But I did. View Full Article Here

QUICK TIPS: For Trucking Beginners

Truck drivers are an essential part of the shipping industry, transporting goods and raw materials to retail locations, distribution centers, warehouses, and front doors. Becoming a truck driver offers access to a steady source of income and freedom for those who enjoy being on the open road. Drivers have a responsibility to the company they work for, pedestrians, and other drivers on the road to drive in a responsible manner. For new drivers just breaking into the industry, there is a lot to learn in order to be a proficient driver and find steady work.

• Trucking School Tips
• Tips for FInding Jobs
• Fuel Saving Tips
• Safety Tips
• Accident Preparedness Tips
• Miscellaneous Trucking Tips