Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/730311
58 October 2016 BestDriverJOBS www.bestdriverjobs.com Women In Trucking W o men are changing trucking. That was the theme and message delivered during a festive gathering at Transport America in Eagan, Minnesota Thursday. "This event is at its core about celebrating the magic that happens when talented people come together to make things happen within the trucking industry at a company that cares more than anything about its culture," said Megan Gaffney, director of marketing for Transport America. Many of those making that magic happen are the women who drive for this truckload carrier. Company officials, drivers, staff and guests assembled under a tent for a few speeches, the debut of a new company video about its women drivers, some barbecue and music. It was also a time to recognize — and surprise — one driver in particular. Gaffney continued: "We are a com- pany committed to culture. A culture that encourages and embraces creativity and ingenuity, that cultivates collabora- tion and inspires opportunity. Oppor- tunity for all employees — drivers, shop workers, support center staff, office employees — regardless of race, age, gender, reli- gion or national origin. As a member of the Transport America family, you are given equal opportunity not only to succeed in your career but excel in that career." That is especially true for women, said Gaffney. She said TA has 1,717 drivers, 247 of whom are women. That equates to 17 percent, or just shy of three times the national average for women in the industry. Gaffney added that the company's fig- ures for owner/operators is even higher. TA has 158 total owner-operators; 32, or 25 percent, of them are women. Several of Transport America's woman drivers were on hand to deliver personal perspectives. Sheryl Lanier, a driver trainer based in Birmingham, Alabama, was one of them. She had been an administrative assistant for corporate executives in by David Hollis Transport America event salutes its women drivers Sheryl Lanier, a Transport America driver trainer based in Birmingham, Alabama, and her specially-wrapped truck.