DEVELOPMENT OF BEST PRACTICES PROGRAM FOR A COLLABORATION OF MINORITY TRUCKERS (FHWA-OK-12-03 2217)

Abstract

The Oklahoma Minority Trucking Cooperative Inc. (OMTC) is the first service cooperative in the state of Oklahoma. As a result of this collaborative effort between the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Langston University (LU), this new cooperative of minority truckers has been empowered to enter and thrive in the mainstream transportation industry. Local elected officials, members of the new cooperative and the minority business community tell us that the formation of this new cooperative sends a strong message that ODOT is committed to an all-inclusive supplier base. A few of the LUBCT’s accomplishments in this effort include: • Promoting and substantially increasing the awareness of ODOT in its role, function and support of African American, Asian, Hispanic and Native American owned businesses. Providing unique and alternative custom training seminars to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE’s) e.g. bidding, estimating, record keeping and workman’s compensation which complemented the mission of the ODOT External Office of Civil Rights. • Offering one on one management and technical assistance to firms already certified as DBE’s and certifying the OMTC as a DBE company. • Referring new business to the External Office of Civil Rights for DBE Certification.