Cultivating Humanitarian Relationships and Environmental Change in Transportation. Why Truckers Should Care About DEI Dumps You might’ve heard about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in trucking, but what happens when companies abandon them? Some call it a DEI Dump —when businesses cut back on DEI efforts or remove them altogether. At first glance, it might not seem like something that affects you as a white truck driver, but here’s why it does—and why you should care. 1. Fewer Drivers, More Pressure on You Trucking already faces a massive driver shortage. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA) , the industry was short about 80,000 drivers in 2023 , and that number could grow to 160,000 by 2031 ( ATA Report ). DEI programs help bring in new drivers, including women, younger workers, and people from different backgrounds . If companies dump DEI efforts, fewer people enter trucking, leaving more freight on fewer drivers , meaning longer hours and heavie...

Cultivating Humanitarian Relationships and Environmental Change in Transportation. The U.S. trucking sector is experiencing significant changes, driven by legisl ative measures like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the creation of the Women of Trucking Advisory Board (WOTAB). These initiatives aim to tackle persistent issues such as labor shortages, safety concerns, and the lack of diversity, especially among women and underrepresented groups. Concurrently, technological advancements and regulatory updates are pushing the industry towards enhanced safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Despite these positive steps, there are still considerable obstacles that could impede progress. This analysis examines the industry's evolution, the direction of these efforts, and the challenges that continue to affect their success. How Things Are Changing 1. Inclusion of Women in Trucking Its called Progress and this is what they write about it. Lets see how progressive it a...

  Cultivating Humanitarian Relationships and Environmental Change in Transportation. Introduction In today’s corporate environment, data drives decision-making. Yet, the use of selective data often separates individuals from their true performance, enabling companies to shape narratives that align with their ideals . By focusing on curated data sets and excluding psychographic and individual insights, organizations maintain "business as usual" while avoiding challenges to their established norms. Companies Keep "Business as Usual" by Removing Psychographics Psychographics, which delve into individuals' attitudes, values, personalities, and lifestyles, offer rich insights into human behavior. However, many companies avoid leveraging psychographics in their analysis, citing reasons such as complexity or resource constraints. The real motivation, however, often lies in the potential disruption these insights could bring to entrenched practices and power dynamics. B...

  Cultivating Humanitarian Relationships and Environmental Change in Transportation. Understanding the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) Whistleblower Protections Truck drivers play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services across the United States. However, their work often involves facing immense pressure to meet deadlines, sometimes at the cost of safety or compliance. To protect these essential workers, the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) was enacted. Among its key provisions are whistleblower protections, designed to shield drivers who report safety violations or refuse to engage in unlawful activities. This article delves into these protections, how drivers can recognize coercion, the reporting process, and why these safeguards are critical for both drivers and the American consumer. What Are Whistleblower Protections Under STAA? The STAA prohibits employers in the trucking industry from retaliating against drivers who: Report S...

Newsletter Signup  

              Cultivating Humanitarian Relationships and Environmental Change in Transportation. The trucking industry is a cornerstone of modern commerce, ensuring that goods reach their destinations safely and on time. However, to maintain safety on the road, it is crucial that truck drivers operate within legal limits and are not pressured to violate regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established laws, including 49 CFR 390.5, to protect drivers from being coerced into unsafe practices. This article focuses on the protection against coercion, emphasizing how drivers can recognize coercive behavior, steps for reporting violations, and why this matters to the average consumer. What Is Coercion in the Trucking Industry? Coercion occurs when a trucking company, dispatcher, or other entity pressures a driver to act in a way that violates federal safety regulations. This may include threats of job loss, reduced p...