Clapp sworn in as FMCSA head

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

Clapp most recently served as chairman of Roadway Services Inc. He began his career in trucking as director of safety for Ryder Tank Line Inc. before joining Roadway Express in 1967.

"Secretary Mineta and President Bush have entrusted responsibility to me for leading truck and bus transportation to higher levels of safety and security,” Clapp said. “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 has served as chairman of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences, was a member of the Federal Highway Research Coordinating Committee, was chairman of the Regular Common Carrier Conference and was 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.