News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FMCSA 16-01
Friday, October 5, 2001
Contact: Dave Longo
Telephone: 202-366-0456

Clapp Sworn in as Head of Motor Carrier Safety Agency

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today welcomed Joseph M. Clapp to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as the first Administrator of the department's newest agency, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Clapp was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on September 26 and was sworn in yesterday.

"I am pleased to have someone with Joe's extensive background in the motor carrier industry as the leader of our newest agency," Secretary Mineta said. "His knowledge, experience and leadership will be a great asset for transportation safety and security."

"President Bush and Secretary Mineta have entrusted responsibility to me for leading truck and bus transportation to higher levels of safety and security. I am honored by their confidence in me and am proud for the opportunity to serve with Secretary Mineta and the men and women of FMCSA to help ensure safe motor carrier transportation for America," Clapp said.

He most recently served as the chairman of Roadway Services, Inc. Clapp began his career in trucking as director of safety for Ryder Tank Line, Inc. before joining Roadway Express in 1967. He became district sales manager in the Carolinas and was then named vice president of Roadway Express. In 1985, he became senior vice president of the parent company, Roadway Services, then became vice chairman of corporate services later the same year. He was named vice chairman and president in 1986 and in 1987 he became chief executive officer and chairman.

Clapp served as chairman of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences, was a member of the Federal Highway Research Coordinating Committee, and was chairman of the Regular Common Carrier Conference and chairman of the American Trucking Associations Foundation. He is a three-time recipient of the Wall Street Transcript CEO Gold Award for the trucking industry.

A North Carolina native, he is a graduate of the University of North Carolina.