TravelCenters of America announced on International Women’s Day initiatives aimed at elevating safety at its travel center sites.

The announcement noted that women make up approximately 12% of professional drivers (according to a Women in Trucking survey) and 43% of TA’s workforce. The new initiatives focus on understanding and valuing women’s experiences and viewpoints.

TA has launched a Women’s Safety Advisory Group, which brings together professional drivers and members of the trucking industry to discuss topics regarding safer TA, Petro or TA Express travel centers and services. While the advisory group specifically focuses on female perspectives, any feedback and information received will be used to create safer sites for all guests and team members, regardless of gender.

Safe truck parking is of particular concern for women drivers.

Understanding Women's Safety Concerns

In late spring, Retail Operations Support Vice President Debbie Shelton will embark on an over-the-road trip alongside Violet Helferich from ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co. Shelton aims to gain firsthand insights into the daily challenges and experiences of female professional drivers.

The week-long journey will start in Oklahoma City, with the two heading to Brandon, South Dakota, to load freight, and then to a wind farm in the southern U.S.

“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,” said Debi Boffa, CEO of TA. “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.”

TA plans to provide regular updates on progress related to the Women’s Safety Advisory Group and other site safety initiatives.

Part of a Larger Trucking Industry Trend Focusing on Women's Concerns

There has been increased industry and government focus on women in the trucking industry the past couple of years, including how to reduce barriers to entry for female truck drivers.

• In 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced a new Women of Trucking Advisory Board designed to help the agency develop best practices and policies to recruit, retain, support, and ensure the safety of women commercial motor vehicle drivers and strengthen the trucking industry as a whole. 

• Safety, sexual harassment, and assault were the key focus of that board's first meeting.

• Currently the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is working on developing a study to better understand sexual harassment and assault in the industry.

• The American Transportation Research Institute this year also is doing a survey seeking to learn more about barriers to entry for women drivers.