The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is launching a new contracting process that will promote the use of disadvantage business enterprise (DBE) trucking companies.

Information on the program, the  types of trucks,  locations will be post on a public website, with the goal to attract a more diverse group of trucking companies for MDOT projects.

MDOT will be able to track information on DBE truckers on construction contracts.

State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba adds: "We hope companies will be comfortable with this process and it will provide DBE trucking companies and the industry as a whole a greater sense of financial security and better information about their agreements with MDOT construction contractors. It also is anticipated this process will result in paperwork reduction in the future as MDOT will be automating the systems to streamline its procedures." 

MDOT has been advised by the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association (MITA).

"MITA is committed to initiatives that improve the MDOT DBE Program and will support the department with their implementation of these substantive changes," explains MITA Executive Vice President Rob Coppersmith.

Trucking firms are imperative for the construction of roads, buildings, and bridge projects, for construction as well as demolition. The trucking firms move around dirt, rocks, gravel, sand, building materials, and demolition debris.

MDOT's DBE Program is a federal government required program developed to make sure that firms owned and controlled by minorities, women, and other socially and economically disadvantaged persons have the opportunity to grow and become self-sufficient through participation in federally funded MDOT contracts. 

Every year, DBE firms must submit a report to MDOT to maintain their cert status. 

Find more on the MDOT website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/