Women in Trucking named finalist in Pepsi’s $250,000 grant competition

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PLOVER, Wis. — The Women in Trucking Association has been named a finalist in the Pepsi Refresh program, which is offering up millions of dollars for “refreshing ideas that change the world.”

WIT has submitted a $250,000 grant proposal to create a toll free crisis line for professional drivers. The project was approved Nov. 1 and is now open for votes, which will determine which projects are funded.

“The Women in Trucking Association’s mission includes addressing obstacles that might keep women (and men) from succeeding at a career in the trucking industry. One of these obstacles has been identified as driver harassment. This includes negative comments on the CB, in the truck stop or terminal, at loading docks or even in the cab of the truck,” the group said in a release.

WIT officials say the grant would allow the organization to research the need for a national driver crisis line, create a toll free crisis line for drivers and their families, offer educational materials to address health and wellness issues, provide a “best practices” guide for carriers to address driver needs, and develop policies for driver trainer-trainee relationship during over the road training.

“These resources would extend beyond our members to include all professional drivers, both men and women and their families. Small carriers comprise 96% of interstate trucking companies and most do not have the resources to offer this service to their drivers,” said WIT officials in a release. “This project could be implemented in fewer than six months with the help of FEI Behavioral Health, a leading provider of workforce solutions and crisis management programs.”

The voting process will end on Nov. 30 and the grant will be limited to the top two vote getters in the $250,000 category. To vote, visit www.refresheverything.com/womenintrucking or send a text (104025) to Pepsi (73774).

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