Women In Trucking and TA/Petro partner to bring positive change for women drivers
“We appreciate the opportunity to discuss issues and solutions that will really help women and men be more successful in their career,” said Ellen Voie. “Part of our mission is to reduce obstacles our members face on the road, and this will give TA/Petro a way to assist us in that goal,” Voie added.
The Trucker News Services
9/17/2010
PLOVER, Wis. — Members of Women In Trucking’s (WIT) advisory committee recently met with TravelCenters of America’s President/CEO, Tom O’Brien and his top level management team to discuss business experiences expressed by female professional drivers. O’Brien’s goal is to listen to drivers to better understand their needs on the road through the company's "Driver Council" format.
The WIT advisory committee included Ingrid Brown, Independent Contractor, Susan Durstine, Southern Cal Transport, Sherri Fronko, Wilcox Trucking, Angel Grider, Con-way Truckload, and Sandy Long, Weston Transportation. WIT board member and professional driver, Maggie Peterson, YRCW, joined them. Ellen Voie, WIT’s president and CEO, also participated in the conference.
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The drivers discussed issues regarding everything from safety in the parking areas to towels and showerheads. The call continued for nearly two hours and Mr. O’Brien and his colleagues listened and responded to the comments made by the drivers.
The driver advisory members were especially impressed with the changes TA/Petro has implemented already. From fuel desk efficiency to healthy menu choices, O’Brien and his leadership team have been listening. The issues most addressed by drivers are to help them succeed, stay healthy, be informed, offer amenities and give them the respect they deserve as professionals.
"I am excited to be a part of the WIT driver advisory panel," Sherri Fronko, "it's encouraging to know that a major travel plaza network like TA/Petro is interested in understanding the needs of drivers. It’s refreshing in this economy to have a company willing to make improvements in order to accommodate the true needs of its consistent as and loyal drivers, and women in particular. Mr. O'Brien and his team should be applauded for their focus on issues we face on the road."
“We appreciate the opportunity to discuss issues and solutions that will really help women and men be more successful in their career,” said Ellen Voie. “Part of our mission is to reduce obstacles our members face on the road, and this will give TA/Petro a way to assist us in that goal,” Voie added.
The members of the TA/Petro leadership team included executives from the travel stores, restaurants, truck service, fuel supply, and sales areas. The WIT driver advisory team was composed of six female professional drivers with a total of 121 years of driving experience.
Dorothy Cox of The Trucker staff may be contacted to comment at dlcox@thetrucker.com.