ATA Opens Applications for Diversity Equity and Inclusion Change Leader Award

Washington, DC… The American Trucking Associations announced it was opening applications for the Federation’s newest award – the ATA Diversity Equity and Inclusion Change Leader Award.

“ATA is leading the charge to make the trucking industry more diverse, and part of that is recognizing carriers and companies that are doing their part to create welcoming, equitable workplaces for their employees,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “It is one thing to talk about improving diversity, but the Change Leader Award identifies industry leaders that are walking the walk every day.”

ATA Diversity Equity and Inclusion Change Leader Award will recognize ATA members who make a commitment to a culture of acceptance and belonging for their employees.

“We hope the creation of this award encourages continued improvement in the industry’s longstanding commitment to equal opportunity from behind the wheel to the boardroom,” Spear said.

“An award that recognizes those in our industry who are working hard to increase diversity shows that we, collectively as an industry, are serious about these considerations. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are more than a passing issue – they are existential components of competition,” said USA Truck President, CEO and Director James Reed, chairman of the ATA Diversity and Inclusion Working Group. “Our industry will be well-served by increased diversity, and in turn, individuals and our communities will benefit as we strive to bring the great careers our industry offers to more workers.”

“I know the trucking industry will be the place where all people can find a place to belong,” said former ATA Chair Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, president and CEO of Garner Trucking. “The DEI Change Leader Award will highlight those motor carriers, allied partners and individuals’ hard work by challenging others to be bold and be the change leader in their own organization.” 

Nominations for the ATA Diversity Equity and Inclusion Change Leader Award are due by September 10, and award recipients will be honored this October at ATA’s annual Management Conference & Exhibition in San Diego, California.

For more information on the ATA Diversity Equity and Inclusion Change Leader Award, or to submit an application, visit https://www.trucking.org/DEI-Award.