WESTLAKE, Ohio — TravelCenters of America (TA) honored International Women's Day on March 8 by announcing new site safety initiatives.
TA, taking inspiration of the 2024 Women's Day theme "Inspire Inclusion," is focusing on "understanding and valuing women's experiences and viewpoints, in an effort to create positive industry change."
Women make up about 12% of professional drivers and 43% of America's workforce, TA said.
The company has launched a Women's Safety Advisory Group made up of professional drivers and members of the trucking industry to discuss making even safer TA, Petro or TA Express travel centers and services.
Though the advisory group focuses on women's perspectives, feedback and information received will be used to create safer sites for all guests and employees, regardless of gender, TA said, noting that it will offer regular updates on progress related to the Women's Safety Advisory Group and other site safety initiatives.
Our sites serve as a home away from home for the millions of professional drivers in our nation and we are committed to ensuring they feel as safe and secure while visiting us as they do in their own home," TA CEO Debi Boffa said. "Safety is our top priority, and we look forward to learning how we can foster an even safer environment for all travelers and our team members, regardless of gender."
Later this spring, Retail Operations Support Vice President Debbie Shelton will take a week-long over-the-road trip alongside Violet Helferich of ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co., going from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Brandon, South Dakota, to load freight, and then onwards to a wind farm in the southern U.S.
"During this immersive experience, Debbie Shelton aims to gain firsthand insights into the daily challenges and experiences of female professional drivers," TA said.
