Edition 1 | 2020
How do you STAND OUT in Transportation?
Ask our Top Women to Watch!
INSIDE... TOP WOMEN
IN
Transportation
Men and Diversity CAREER
Case Study
SAFETY Best Practices WIT FOUNDATION Scholarships
Accelerate! PREVIEW
WE’VE RAISED THE CEILING ON BEST IN CLASS
Introducing the Model 579 UltraLoft™, with a lightweight integral cab-sleeper design that takes the Model 579 to new levels of driver comfort and performance. The distinctive exterior features a bold, sculpted roofline and aerodynamic enhancements for increased fuel economy. The new interior offers best-in-class headroom, bunk space and storage. The standard PACCAR Powertrain, including the PACCAR MX-13 engine and the advanced PACCAR Automated Transmission, maximizes fuel efficiency and drivability, making the Model 579 UltraLoft the driver’s truck of choice.
To find your nearest dealer, visit peterbilt.com
CLASS PAYS
Inside this issue Published for: Women In Trucking Association P.O. Box 400 Plover, WI 54467-0400 USA Phone: 1-888-464-9482 www.WomenInTrucking.org Published by: MindShare Strategies, Inc. 9382 Oak Ave. Waconia, MN 55387 USA Group Editorial Director and Publisher: Brian Everett, ABC 952-442-8850 x201 brian@WomenInTrucking.org Managing Editor: Michele Wade 612-309-4527 michele@mindshare.bz Editorial Content This Edition: Michele Wade Brynn Elise Everett Carleen Herndon
COVER STORY 8 Top Women to Watch in Transportation MESSAGES 4
WIT’s Strategic Plan for 2020 by WIT President & CEO Ellen Voie
6
How Women are Reshaping Transportation by Brian Everett, Editorial Director
FEATURE STORIES 18
Men Supporting Gender Diversity
20
Tax 2000 Helps Cut Workers’ Comp Costs
22
Steps Toward Career Success at YRC Freight
24
Patriot Lift Improves Safety for Drivers
26
Putting Safety First at NCI
WIT NEWS 28
Benchmarking Gender Diversity
29
Salute Recognizes Women Drivers
30
WIT Expands Leadership Team
Production Managers: Todd Pernsteiner 952-841-1111 todd@pernsteiner.com Amy Pinkston amy@pernsteiner.com
32
Meet WIT’s Driver Ambassador
33
Member Survey Helps Guide Communications
34
Accelerate! Growing Bigger & Better
35
New Sponsor for WIT Foundation Scholarships
Accounting/Administration/Circulation: Karen Everett 952-442-8850 x203 karen@WomenInTrucking.org
36
WIT Partners
36
WIT Calendar of Events
36
Buyer’s Guide
Advertising Sales: Carleen Herndon 1-888-464-9482 carleen@WomenInTrucking.org
© 2020 MindShare Strategies, Inc. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of MindShare Strategies, Inc., nor the Women In Trucking Association. Printed in USA.
www.WomenInTrucking.org 3
GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Setting Goals for the Road Ahead To be effective, goals should be inspiring, believable and actionable. These qualities were top of mind when the Women In Trucking team gathered to create this year’s strategic plan. Our overall goal, which inspires all of us every day, is to increase the percentage of women employed in the trucking industry. WIT staff, board of directors, foundation members and partners met in January and worked together to identify tangible targets to help us get there. We set goals targeting four areas: financial, the marketplace, member value and the WIT brand. Ellen Voie, CAE, President & CEO Women In Trucking Association, Inc.
™
Financial stability and integrity are essential. Many nonprofit associations strive to maintain a three- to four-month operating reserve. Our goal is to have one year’s operations budget in reserve. A third party maintains our accounts payable and receivable activity and reviews all figures in an annual audit. Market share is essential to any organization. To understand better how we can attract and retain both corporate and individual members, we recently asked a third party to conduct a market assessment for Women In Trucking, and, last fall, we completed a member communication survey. (Learn more on page 33.) The goal is to communicate and then listen. We want to
4 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2020
hear from our members, and we want to make the association better based on that feedback. Another area of focus is member value. Why do people join Women In Trucking? The number one reason people join is for the opportunity to network and to meet other women (and men) who have similar roles in other companies. The final concern of the board is the WIT brand. In other words, what do people think of when they hear “Women In Trucking Association”? We’ve always heard the comment that people assume the organization is for female drivers. We’re not “Women In Trucks”! We represent all women who work in the trucking industry. In fact, drivers are a very small part of our organization in numbers, despite being a significant focus in creating change in the industry. All of us at Women In Trucking are committed to taking the necessary steps in each of these areas in order to meet our goals in 2020. We welcome you to join us.
MORE OF IT...
HOME TIME You deserve more of it
Call 866.378.5071 to speak with a recruiter today or apply online at www.tri-nat.com TNi gives their drivers the MOST flexibility when it comes to home time, than any other carrier in the Midwest! Currently with 10 terminals running routes ONLY in the central corridor (NO East/West coast travel), means YOU, as a driver, can get back home quicker if you need to, or stay out as long as you like, the choice is YOURS!
W h a t
d o e s
T N i
o f f e r
D r i v e r s ?
Paid Orientation, less than
Annual pay increases
two days, hotel room with
Monthly safety bonuses
breakfast, lunch included
Health, Dental, Vision Benefits
$6000 Solo Bonus
Excellent practical miles paid weekly
$12000 Team Bonus
Up to $3,500 Driver Referral Bonus
100% No-Touch Freight
Average 3k mile/week Solo and 6k
95% Drop &Hook
miles/week for Teams
New Equipment
Canadian load pay at $0.15 CPM for
(2018-2020 Volvo Tractors)
Ontario if you desire to.
Follow us on.. www.WomenInTrucking.org 5
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Women Who Are Reshaping Transportation Transportation powers the global economy and, in fact, represents approximately 9 percent of the gross domestic product in the United States alone. Commercial freight transportation equates to millions of jobs and trillions of dollars of commerce throughout the world. And the good news is that more women than ever are choosing a career in this industry – whether as management professionals in a business setting or as professional drivers on the road.
Brian Everett, ABC Group Editorial Director and Publisher Redefining the Road magazine
Each and every day, women are doing incredible things in the world of transportation. These women manage teams of people (or even lead companies) to drive business success. They provide creative, innovative ideas. They solve problems. And they help to safely deliver hundreds of thousands of shipments each and every day. This edition of Redefining the Road recognizes 50-plus impressive individuals as Top Women to Watch in Transportation – individuals who have successfully accomplished amazing things in their careers and and exemplify the mission of Women In Trucking (WIT). This edition highlights people like Tammy Gerdes, who has driven tremendous success at one of the most improved operation service centers in the Old Dominion Freight Line network. And Lily Shen, who has recently tripled business as President and Chief Operating Officer of Transfix and has garnered recognition for the company as one
6 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2020
of Forbes’ Next Billion Dollar Startups. Read their stories and those of many others in the cover story starting on page 8. This edition also celebrates the addition of two remarkable women to the WIT staff: Industry veteran Debbie Sparks who has been named Vice President to manage special initiatives such as the Image Team and establishing the Driver Ambassador program, and Kellylynn McLaughlin who has been working as WIT’s Driver Ambassador to highlight opportunities for women in the industry. Cheers to all of the inspirational women of our industry who are featured in this edition – and to the countless others who are making a difference in our lives, in our industry and in our world.
Text
We’re not just transporting valuable cargo. We’re helping to safeguard everyone else’s.
With innovations like the Detroit Assurance® suite of safety systems, we’re not just making the roads safer for truck drivers, we’re making them safer for everyone. Learn more about all of our safety innovations at Freightliner.com/Safety.
Freightliner
8/19. FTL/MC-A-1594. Competitive financing available through Daimler Truck Financial. For the Freightliner Trucks dealer nearest you, call 1-800-FTL-HELP. Freightliner Trucks is registered to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Copyright © 2019 Daimler Trucks North America LLC. All rights reserved. Freightliner Trucks is a division of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company.
COVER STORY: Top Women to Watch
Women Who STAND OUT in Transportation
Every day, remarkable women are making a difference in the transportation industry – from the driver’s seat to the corner office. Redefining the Road magazine established the Top Women to Watch in Transportation to celebrate these women and their achievements. The following individuals were selected from more than 100 nominees on the basis of their career
8 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2020
accomplishments in the past 18 months and ways in which they exemplify the mission of Women In Trucking (WIT). This year’s Top Women to Watch have contributed their unique talents and perspectives to the industry in a myriad of ways. Here is a closer look at the inspiring stories of just a few of these amazing women.
TAMMY GERDES Service Center Manager, Old Dominion Freight Line Tammy Gerdes recognizes that the transportation industry is dominated by men, but she strongly believes that, through hard work and perseverance, women can hold any position – from dock to driver to office to management. Her career path at Old Dominion Freight Line is living proof.
and tonnage during one of the company’s busiest operating days of the year – the Monday before Thanksgiving.
Gerdes joined the company’s Chicago, Ill., Service Center, as a Dispatch Clerk 27 years ago. Since then, she has assumed roles of increasing responsibility, including Appointment Clerk, OS&D Clerk, Office Manager and Assistant Manager at the Des Plaines, Ill., Service Center.
Not only has she succeeded in growing her own service center, Gerdes also has directly impacted the success of the Midwest North Region and Old Dominion as a whole.
Gerdes was promoted to Service Center Manager for Old Dominion’s Crest Hill, Ill., facility in 2017. It’s no coincidence that, a year later, the facility was named the “Most Improved Operation Service Center” in the Midwest North Region. The DC continues to thrive under her leadership. In 2019, her facility posted record numbers for revenue
Gerdes inspires Old Dominion employees to go above and beyond daily. She is personally committed to the growth of women in the industry and believes that, through cross-training, advancement opportunities and promoting accomplishments, we can continue to bring women to the forefront in trucking.
LILY SHEN President & Chief Operating Officer, Transfix Since joining Transfix in September 2018, Lily Shen has more than tripled the business – and done so profitably. She has been instrumental in helping the company grow with major shippers while also making life better for carriers via the company’s freight-matching products. Her efforts have helped to garner recognition for the company as one of Forbes’ Next Billion Dollar Startups. As a female leader at the head of a transportation tech company, Shen is a role model for women working in “nontraditional” industries. Having worked in tech for nearly 20 years, she understands the challenges of a male-dominated work environment. Shen sees diversity as a “must-have” and strives to make Transfix a place where everyone has a voice. She consistently helps to elevate women
in the workplace through initiatives like monthly “Women of Transfix” meetings that provide a safe space for women employees to network and grow. She also is dedicated to improving conditions and opportunities for female drivers. Shen’s efforts to promote diversity extend beyond the walls of Transfix to the industry at large. She is helping to shape the national conversation about diversity through interviews as well as contributed articles with top industry trade magazines.
JENNIFER HAMMOND Professional Driver, Dixon Bros. Inc. After 16 years of office work in the refined fuels transportation business, Jennifer Hammond decided to make a career change. In July 2018, she earned her Class A CDL with Hazmat and Tanker Endorsements and joined Dixon Bros. Inc.
Mountains of Colorado – a difficult environment with high mountain passes, steep grades and the potential for extreme weather conditions.
When offered a position as a dispatcher, Hammond expressed an interest in driving as well and proposed a driver apprenticeship program. She was a quick study as a trainee, achieving proficiency in a remarkably short time. She has continually challenged herself to learn the nuances of the business and what it takes to load, transport and deliver loads of refined fuels safely and efficiently. She is a consistently high performer and one of the company’s most productive drivers.
Other drivers and office staff alike recognize Hammond as one of the company’s best resources. She is always willing to lend a hand, give advice, train and learn.
Hammond has demonstrated a constant appetite for growth and welcomes new challenges. Her next goal is to learn to drive in the Rocky
Hammond has proven to be an excellent ambassador for women in trucking. While making deliveries, she often answers questions about her career and offers encouragement to prospective drivers who might be interested in hauling fuel. continued on page 10 www.WomenInTrucking.org 9
COVER STORY: Top Women to Watch
TOP WOMEN TO WATCH continued from page 9 The 2020 Top Women to Watch list includes many other individuals with equally interesting stories. Highlights of their achievements are included here. Congratulations to each of these outstanding women! STEVI ALEXANDER Program Management Director Peterbilt Motors Co. Recently promoted and mastering new skills in her career. Also coaches others, helping 6 women achieve new positions/promotions in past 18 months. Instrumental in Peterbilt’s women’s initiative, PBWIN. HEATHER ALLEN Distribution Center Manager YRC Worldwide Driven leader with over 20 years of service at YRC. First female DC Manager. Nominated into advanced leadership development program. Continues to rise in organization and bring other women along with her. APRIL BASSETT Director of Safety Venture Transport, LLC Improving transportation safety for over 20 years. Recently created training course, reduced accidents and implemented a safety recognition program. Encourages staff development and WIT involvement.
ROSIE BERKEMEIER Director of Finance YRC Worldwide Over 20 years of experience in financial management and business analytics. Nominated into company’s selective leadership program for top talent. Makes time to coach and mentor other women at YRC. NIKI BOLTON Senior Truck Auditor & Executive Projects Officer American Truck & Rail Audits, Inc. Inspirational, knowledgeable and forward-thinking leader who supports other women. Member of National Industrial Transportation League Highway Committee and Blockchain in Transport Alliance think-tank. ALEXIS BURNS Controller Veriha Trucking Calm, confident, can-do leader who seeks continuous improvement. Expanded role to oversee IT Department this year and helped to achieve high goals. Team has flourished under her leadership. CAROLYN CHAPLIN Director of Final Operations Mack Trucks Company’s first female operations director. Introduced lean business structure and improved productivity by 20% in one of the most challenging operation areas. Inspires and coaches other women.
For a downloadable PDF, visit WomenInTrucking.org/womentowatch2020 10 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2020
MEGAN CHENEY Director of Pricing & Revenue Manager Veriha Trucking Promoted in 2018 and embracing new challenges, including creation of new Entertainment Division. Working to improve productivity and identify cost savings for fleet. Mentors other women at Veriha. RACHEL CHRISTENSEN Vice President of Intermodal Operations J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. Rapid career progression. Now leading J.B. Hunt’s West Coast region (with more than 1,400 drivers and 120 managers) to deliver strong results. Advisor for employee resource group. WIT Board Member since 2017. SHONDA CLABORN Driver Relations Manager Carter Express Began in dispatch. Started Driver Relations department in 2017. Now managing over 850 drivers. Ensures that drivers feel like family. Reducing driver turnover. Warmly supports women around her.
Take up the challenge!
MISTY DARNELL Vice President of Corporate Development Paschall Truck Lines, Inc. First female and youngest Vice President on leadership staff. Rolled out process improvement programs to improve efficiency and cost savings. Outstanding role model who seeks to improve organization for women.
plans and choices, and work that supports career aspirations and
We have driver opportunities in our Supply Chain and Construction Materials business. As the industry leader, we invite you to bring us your expertise and desire to learn. We offer our employees competitive pay, market leading benefit your daily lifestyle. It’s your chance for an exciting career with a meaning: building the future. Apply now! Visit our Jobs Listing to find out more. www.lafargeholcim.us
continued on page 12
www.WomenInTrucking.org 11 Drivers_Wanted_Ad_Final.indd 1
2020-01-21 11:12 AM
COVER STORY: Top Women to Watch
2020 TOP WOMEN TO WATCH continued from page 11 BREE DAVERN Director of Business Development RFX Inc. Promoted less than a year after joining RFX. Already building a strong in-house business development team along with a dynamic training program. Driven to help women around her grow and succeed. LEAH DAWSON Assistant General Counsel YRC Worldwide Skilled expert with keen ability to build relationships. One of 15 employees nominated into YRC’s leadership program for top talent. Encourages other women to take risks and advocate for themselves.
12 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2020
EVE DRINIS Learning & Development Director Herc Rentals Created programs for career development and improving driver safety and retention. Founding member of women’s resource group at Herc. Helping to launch mentorship program for female employees.
ANGELA ELIACOSTAS President & Founder AGT Global Logistics Leads by example with 75% female employees. Passionate advocate for WIT as Influential Woman of the Year and continues to promote women in transportation. Featured in upcoming PBS documentary.
CHARLYNN DRISCOLL Director, Meetings & Education Consumer Healthcare Products Association Recently joined CHPA. Will be involved with Women’s Leadership Forum and Supply Chain Conference. Actively promoted gender diversity in previous role with International Foodservice Distributors Association.
JESSIE ESSMAN Co-Founder, COO Forager In the past year, secured investors and expanded from three employees to 30 plus. Coaches female employees and formally recognizes achievements. Champions logistics education for underserved population.
MARY JANE EVANS CEO Veritable Vegetable Creative, collaborative leader who instills culture of fairness. Maintains 4:1 ratio between her own salary and entry-level positions. Nearly 50% of overall staff and one-third of the company’s drivers are women.
GABBY FRANCISCO Digital Marketing Strategist CFI Promoted three times in one year. Curated successful social media campaigns promoting diversity and inclusion to support recruiting efforts. Inspires CFI to think more critically and empathetically about diversity.
SUSAN FALL President & Founder Launchit Public Relations Industry veteran with passion for women in trucking. Named PR World’s PR Champion 2018 for helping improve the image of truck drivers. Founding WIT member and board member for several industry organizations.
TISHA GROPP Safety Manager Crete Carrier Corporation Instrumental in modernizing Safety Department through IT initiatives to maximize safety and efficiency. Inaugural member and incoming chairwoman of Nebraska Trucking Association’s Women’s Council.
ARELIS GUTIERREZ President & CEO Aria Logistics LLC Industry newcomer who grew from one delivery truck in 2013 to over 100 trucks and a new 30,000-square-foot warehouse. Women Owned, Minority Certified. Paving a trail for women in the industry. DANA HALL Director of Transportation Procurement Transplace Continually seeking to develop other women and bring them into the field. Starting Women’s Leadership Network at Transplace. Executive in the North Carolina League of Transportation and Logistics. continued on page 14
Our people make every mile matter. Congratulations to our 2020 Top Women to Watch in Transportation. This year, several incredible women across our organization have been recognized for their accomplishments within our industry. Their commitment carries our entire network forward, and we’re excited for what comes next. Thank you, each of you, for all you do. L to R: Sarah Statlander, Ashley Shomin, Marybeth Mack, Heather Allen, Cheryl Saxton, Elaine White and Stacey VandeVusse Seated: Shelly Moore and Melissa Tomlen Not pictured: Leah Dawson and Rosie Berkemeier
© YRC Worldwide Inc. 2020
www.WomenInTrucking.org 13
COVER STORY: Top Women to Watch
2020 TOP WOMEN TO WATCH continued from page 13 AMY ILYES Vice President, Logistics Engineering Penske Logistics Innovative engineering team leader helping to identify savings opportunities for customers and improve driver retention. Instrumental in creating programs to promote women in logistics at Penske. KRISTEN JOHNSON Partner Taylor & Associates Tireless commitment to firm and its clients. Successfully represents transportation industry clients. Spends countless hours recruiting, training and mentoring female attorneys, paralegals and staff. MAURYO JONES Senior Director, Safety, Health & Security Ryder, Inc. Has significantly impacted Ryder’s overall safety performance. Played vital role in expanding safety management into Canada in past year. Promotes and encourages the women on her team. KRISTY KNICHEL CEO Knichel Logistics Honing her leadership skills and training employees (roughly 60% women), so they can grow as well. Offers flexible schedules, supports mentorship/ volunteerism. Intermodal Logistics Conference Chair on the TIA Board of Directors.
KATERINA JONES Senior Director of Marketing and Business Development Fleet Advantage Instrumental in gaining national exposure and industry recognition for company. Leader and mentor for other women. Actively involved in industry organizations to ensure women have a seat at the table.
SHELLY MOORE Vice President, Technology Services YRC Worldwide Heading development of IT infrastructure strategy and roadmap company-wide. Holds leadership role in women’s development program at YRC. Nominates other women for career development opportunities.
MARYBETH MACK Director Accountability, Performance & Operational Excellence YRC Worldwide Efficient, effective leader who produces results. Nominated into YRC’s advanced leadership development program due to performance and potential. Coach, mentor and advocate for women.
ANN MARY MYERS Engineering Supervisor Kenworth Truck Co. Earned Commercial Driver’s License (while working full time) to better design from driver’s perspective. Accepted in highly competitive PACCAR Leadership Development Program. Active in WIT and Society of Women Engineers.
LAURA MANNING Director of Safety & Fleet Services National Van Lines Takes pride in keeping CSA scores below the threshold – now lowest in company’s 90-year history. Committed to continuous learning. Safety Management Committee Chairwoman for American Moving & Storage Association.
BETH POTRATZ President & CEO Drive My Way Passionate about helping people find a meaningful career that fits their lifestyle. Goes above and beyond to encourage them to succeed. True advocate for women in the industry, especially drivers.
JESSICA MOCK Senior Transportation Manager Dot Transportation, Inc. Multiple promotions with increasing responsibility since 2014. Advocates for diversity and inclusion by increasing awareness and affecting change through discussion and action. Coach and mentor.
JILL QUINN President Centerline Drivers, a TrueBlue company Helped to grow to a nationwide operation with more than 4,000 drivers and tripled revenue in less than 10 years. Actively supports diversity. Women comprise 50% of leadership team and 65% of all staff. continued on page 16
For a downloadable PDF, visit WomenInTrucking.org/womentowatch2020 14 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2020
Congratulations to Stevi Alexander Program Management Director
Congratulations to Arelis Gutierrez, President and CEO, Aria Logistics LLC
Peterbilt Motors Co. Recently named a “2020 Top Woman To Watch in Transportation” by WIT’s Redefining The Road.
Recently named a “2020 Top Woman To Watch in Transportation” by WIT’s Redefining The Road.
arialogistics.com
peterbilt.com
CONGRATULATIONS,
JESSICA! Being named a “2020 Top Woman to Watch in Transportation” is a great honor. We are proud to have you in the Dot family. Your dedication and hard work are keys to our success.
DriveForDot.com
Transportation, Inc.
www.WomenInTrucking.org 15
COVER STORY: Top Women to Watch
2020 TOP WOMEN TO WATCH continued from page 14 SHARON REYNOLDS Chief Information Security Officer Omnitracs Cybersecurity advocate helping to educate and raise awareness. Role model for young women interested in trucking industry and IT/ security. Working to bring more women into these fields. MARI ROBERTS Senior Director of Transportation Frito-Lay (division of PepsiCo) Promoted in 2018 to head up entire Frito-Lay HQ and Field Transportation organization. Focused on improving representation of women at all levels. Sponsor of professional development program for women.
DIANA ROSSI Chief Operating Officer RFX Inc. A 15-year veteran of RFX recently promoted to “front woman.” Instrumental in planning for aggressive growth. Added women to leadership and operations teams this year and secured Woman-Owned Business certification.
CHERYL SAXTON Vice President Terminal Network Solutions YRC Worldwide Proven leader at YRC Worldwide with 30 years of experience in operations and IT. Recently promoted. One of 20 employees nominated into YRC’s 12-month advanced leadership development program.
GINA RYAN Sales Manager, Mid-Market KeepTruckin Led under-performing team to become top-performing team in segment through education and relationship building. Involved in KeepTruckin Women’s Group. Supportive advocate for other women.
SUSAN SCHMERHEIM Professional Driver Ecclestone Horse Transport One of just a few women in the U.S. who hauls horses commercially via semi-trucks. Handles everything from paperwork to driving to caring for horses. Constantly promoting transportation careers for women.
Congratulations to Dana Hall Director of Transportation Procurement
Congratulations to Kristy Knichel, CEO Knichel Logistics
Transplace Recently named a “2020 Top Woman To Watch in Transportation” by WIT’s Redefining The Road.
Recently named a “2020 Top Woman To Watch in Transportation” by WIT’s Redefining The Road.
www.knichellogistics.com
16 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2020
transplace.com
AMANDA SCHUIER Senior Vice President Quality Transport Recently promoted. Graduate of the TMC Leaders of Tomorrow. Mentors others in organization. Takes on interns who are interested in the industry, sharing her experiences and helping them succeed.
STACEY VANDEVUSSE Human Resources Director YRC Worldwide High-performing team member at Holland for 32 years. Recently promoted. Champion for professional development of her mostly female team. Actively advocates for and sponsors women across YRC.
ASHLEY SHOMIN Assistant Treasurer YRC Worldwide Leads by example. Recently promoted. One of 15 employees nominated into 18-month leadership program for top talent. Coaches and mentors as part of YRC’s women’s development program. SARAH STATLANDER Vice President, Human Capital & Talent Acquisition YRC Worldwide One of 15 employees nominated into leadership program for top talent. Holds leadership role in women’s development program at YRC. Finds opportunities to let her team’s strengths shine. MELISSA TOMLEN Vice President, Accountability & Performance YRC Worldwide Instrumental in driving change throughout the organization. Launched WE at YRC, an employee resource group focused on women. Advocates for and sponsors women at all levels and all roles.
ELAINE WHITE Regional Sales Manager YRC Worldwide Joined YRC in 2000 after serving as Military Intelligence Officer in U.S. Army. Received President’s Award, YRC’s highest recognition. Leads with integrity and brings out the best in those around her. Read more about White on p. 22. n
Congratulations Angela Eliacostas on being named a 2020 WIT
Woman to Watch in Transportation Follow Angela’s 2020 initiatives as she promotes: Women in the workplace Specialized logistics internships Mentorship Employee wellness
JULIE VAN DE KAMP Vice President, Customer Experience U.S. Xpress Managed creation of customer experience team to better serve customers. Values worklife balance and encourages her team to leverage opportunities for personal and professional growth and development.
3PL best practices
www.agt3pl.com
AGT Global Logistics
@AGTGlobalLogistics
@AGTGlobal
www.WomenInTrucking.org 17
Text FEATURE: Engaging Men in Diversity
Engaging Men in Gender Diversity Approximately 75 percent of executives in the transportation industry are men, according to the 2019 Women In Trucking (WIT) Index. In such a male-dominated environment, it’s critical to enlist the support of male leaders in efforts to help bring more gender diversity to the industry.
How can women engage men in improving gender diversity in the workplace? “Awareness building is an important first step in winning men’s support,” says Kelly Wolf González, Director of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at KeepTruckin Inc., who addressed the topic in her presentation at the 2019 Accelerate! Conference & Expo. “Studies show that the higher men’s awareness of gender bias, the more likely they are to recognize the importance of achieving gender equality.” González recommends that women seek out potential allies – men who understand their own advantages, recognize the need for greater diversity and want to share their support. From their current position of greater power and privilege, men have a platform to help transform unequal power relations between men and women in the workplace, González explains.
20 REDEFINING 18 REDEFININGTHE THEROAD ROAD Edition Edition11| |2020 2020
They can help effect change in four key ways: • Listen with empathy and seek to understand different perspectives. • Ask about others’ experiences and share their own. • Show up by being present, engaged and committed. • Speak up as an advocate and evangelize.
Men as Allies in the Real World Fortunately, more and more men in the transportation industry are recognizing the value of greater gender representation and showing interest in increasing diversity in the workplace. For example, about 14 percent of active Women In Trucking (WIT) members are male, and five of the association’s board members are men. Championing Professional Development Jim Taber, National Account Manager at Arrow Truck Sales Inc., is one of the newest male
members of the WIT board of directors. He welcomed the opportunity to take on the role this year, succeeding Jim Stevenson, the company’s Vice President of Business Development. “Our industry is clearly dominated by men, so we, as men, need to be involved in promoting gender diversity,” Taber explains. “It’s up to us to act as champions for our female colleagues and be their advocates. We need to help bring awareness to their skills and attributes, give them access to people they might not have access to, and include them in future visions for the company.” Taber sees value in involving more women in leadership. “If you don’t have different points of view, you can all tend to start rowing in the same direction. You need to have a variety of perspectives and life experiences at the table,” he says.
Text
Arrow Truck’s career pathway initiative can be particularly helpful in guiding the professional development of women employees, Taber points out. Online training and intranet career portals that offer guidance and identify steps for advancement are available. Annual reviews, regular meetings to discuss goals for growth and opportunities for stretch assignments also help women to move forward. It’s also important to walk the talk on a daily basis when meeting with female direct reports
Jason Williams joins WIT’s Ellen Voie and the National Transportation Institute’s Leah Shaver who recently spoke at an Expediter Services event.
and women on other teams, Taber says. “I listen attentively, avoid making assumptions and think about what they’re really saying. And I always give my female colleagues credit for their good ideas and promote them to upper management.” Incorporating the Female Perspective Jason Williams, President, Expediter Services LLC and WIT Board Member, got involved with Women In Trucking about four years ago. He spent time with President and CEO Ellen Voie and began attending the Accelerate! Conference & Expo, listening and asking questions to learn more about the perspective of women in the industry. He wanted to understand the unique needs of the women the company is recruiting to be owner-operators and contract drivers. He learned about their concerns regarding cash flow, breaking down on the road, etc. He also discovered that women prefer more educational, cooperative interactions than men. He changed his approach accordingly. “With women, we now take a more collaborative approach: ‘We can do this together,’” he
Arrow Truck Sales’ Jim Stevenson and Jim Taber and WIT’s Ellen Voie presented the keys to a new Volvo truck to Driver Tiffany Hanna. explains. “We speak to their fears and share information. We help to educate them.” Understanding that obtaining funding can be one of the biggest challenges for female entrepreneurs led Expediter Services to team up with WIT in 2018 to provide financial support and education to help women in the industry become successful small business owners. The future of gender diversity looks promising with support from men like these who are ready to listen, ask, show up and speak up. n
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
PROUD TO DRIVE LIKe a WOMAN anda BOSS! At Dart, we provide opportunities with women in mind. Like home time options to see more of your family, and the freedom to take your pet with you on the road!
Congratulations to Tisha Gropp on being named a “2020 WIT Woman to Watch in Transportion.” We’re grateful for Tisha’s contributions to the success of Crete Carrier Corporation— and the leadership of talented women throughout the Crete, Shaffer and Hunt family.
CALL TODAY TO APPLY!
866-907-2385
www.WomenInTrucking.org www.WomenInTrucking.org 19 21
ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT: Tax 2000
A Tax Strategy for Saving Thousands on Workers’ Compensation Premiums rs rke p m Co
Wo
One of the largest expenses trucking companies are faced with today is the rising cost of workers’ compensation. This employee benefit is required by law in every state. To adhere to federal law, companies who employ independent contractors (owner-operators) must carry workers’ compensation insurance on these contractors if they do not provide their own policy.
What many trucking companies don’t realize is that they can drastically reduce the amount of workers’ compensation premiums they pay by strategizing how they issue 1099s to their owner-operators. How is this possible? If a trucking company provides settlement statements to its owner-operators (i.e., company fuel used, bobtail insurance, etc.), they are able to deduct the expenses on the settlement statement from the contractor’s gross income and 1099 them for the difference left after settlement expenses are deducted.
income amount on that 1099 issued, thereby lowering the price of workers’ compensation premiums. While there is no way to get around the crushing cost of workers’ compensation premiums, a company can save thousands of dollars annually by implementing this tax strategy with their independent contractors. n
Sheri Atkins President Tax 2000
This helps save thousands of dollars because workers’ compensation premiums are based upon the amount of income on the 1099 that a company issues to its contractor. By deducting the settlement statement expenses from the contractor’s gross income, it reduces the
DEFEND YOUR DIESEL DIESEL DEFENDER
WITH
THOROUGHLY TESTED TO PROVIDE 2.5X MORE LUBRICITY & SUPERIOR CLEANING FOR UNRIVALED PERFORMANCE
ROBERT B. HOWES II Chief Testing Officer
CLEANS FUEL INJECTORS 20 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2020
®
ADDS 2.5X LUBRICITY
BOOSTS FUEL ECONOMY
REMOVES WATER
TAX & ACCOUNTING SERVICES OVER THE ROAD
Annual Tax Filing Annual Reporting Bookkeeping Payroll Taxes Quarterly Taxes Audit Protection Accounting Wage Garnishments Bank Levys WWW.TAX2000INC.COM
828-559-2613 www.WomenInTrucking.org 21
FEATURE: Career Case Study
Smart Steps for Success: A Career Case Study Elaine White knows a thing or two about professional advancement. In her 27-year career at YRC Freight, she has held a variety of positions in both operations and sales, including Sales Account Executive, Terminal Manager, Sales Development Manager and Area Sales Manager. Today, she serves as Regional Sales Manager for North Carolina and Virginia.” White began her career journey as a Military Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army. After serving in Operation Desert Storm, she began exploring opportunities to transfer her skills to a civilian organization. When she met with YRC Freight at a job fair, she knew the company would be a good fit.
22 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2020
Elaine White accepts the President’s Award, YRC’s highest recognition. I realized that I could learn from everyone in the organization, my leadership skills really took off.” In each subsequent position, White has continued to acquire valuable skills that have helped her to advance in the company. For additional support, she takes advantage of YRC’s curriculum for those in leadership and training opportunities designed to help employees progress to the next level. She also credits YRC’s clear career pathway and the support of leaders in the organization for her professional development.
Upon completing YRC’s management trainee program, White became a Dock Supervisor.
“I am amazed by the number of people who have wanted to invest in me and helped me determine a roadmap for the next steps I needed to take,” she says.
“It was the best learning opportunity I ever had,” she says. “I learned from those who did things very well and from those who did not. When
Throughout her career, White also has made it a point to proactively communicate her career goals and create opportunities for herself.
Reaching out to leaders she admired resulted in hands-on mentorships that helped to prepare her for key transitions. Volunteering for special projects allowed her to share her strengths while learning new skills. Today, White is highly regarded in the YRC organization and recently received the President’s Award, the company’s highest recognition. She is actively involved in YRC’s Women in Action Leadership Development Program and has been named one of Redefining the Road’s 2020 Top Women to Watch in Transportation. White offers valuable advice for other women seeking to advance in the industry: “You have to put yourself out there. That sounds simple, but, in reality, it can be very difficult. You can’t expect people to come to you. When you know what you want, be vocal about your goals and connect with those who can help you get where you want to be.” n
Interested in advancing in your own career? Develop strong sales, leadership and service skills through WIT’s Professional Development Certification Program.
http://wit.training
SEPT. 23–25, 2020 REGISTER NOW!
www.WomenInTrucking.org 23 2020-0204 Glass Ceiling Ad-2/3 island.indd 1
2/4/20 3:14 PM
ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT: Patriot Lift
ON-LIFT Technology Contributes to Hiring, Retention and Safety repetitive cranking of landing gear is $17,000. Because the technology significantly reduces injuries, OSHA endorsed air-powered landing gear as an alternative to manually raising and lowering landing gear in 2017.
The physical demands of trucking often can be a barrier to those interested in entering the industry. Manually operating the landing gear can be one of the most physically taxing tasks drivers face. “Studies show that the incidence of driver injuries due to manually operating the landing gear is 2.5 percent per year. The percentage increases to 10 percent for drivers who are 50 or older, as well as for female drivers,” says Dave Rivers Jr., President of Patriot Lift Co. According to OSHA, the average worker’s compensation settlement for an injury due to
24 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2020
“We are the world’s leader in landing gear automation, which reduces the incidence of injury from as much as 10 percent to zero. ON-LIFT eliminates the manual cranking with 50 to 100 pounds force and at least 50 cranks with the light force of raising a lever. The timing is less than 10 seconds for raising or lowering the landing gear,” he explains. “ON-LIFT air automation significantly improves the ability to hire drivers of all ages, sex, and physical handicaps, and it contributes greatly to retaining existing drivers,” Rivers says. “We have noticed many customers are installing the automation just to retain older, semi-disabled, trained drivers.” As part of their commitment to safety and to the mission of Women In Trucking (WIT),
Patriot Lift Co. has donated the ON-LIFT system to the trailer for WIT’s new Driver Ambassador program, and $50 will be donated for every ON-LIFT purchase with “Support WIT” on the purchase order. “We are proud to say that we support Women In Trucking and we are made in the USA,” Rivers concludes. n Dave Rivers Jr. President Patriot Lift Co.
ON-LIFT – The World Leader in AIR POWERED LANDING GEAR AUTOMATION for the Trucking Industry The On-Lift automatic air powered gear for trailers (pneumatic) raises & lowers landing gear of a fully loaded trailer in less than 10 seconds. The air supply comes directly from the existing emergency air brake line.
Significantly improves the ability to Hire & Retain drivers regardless of age, sex and physical handicaps. Ellen Voie, CEO, Women in Trucking, has been a strong supporter of the technology since it eliminates one of the Barriers for women entering into the truck driver professions Many customers are installing ON-LIFT to retain the older / semi disabled trained drivers.
Eliminates injuries at landing gear operation & reduces Workers Compensation Cost while delivering operational productivity improvements.
OSHA HAS EMBRACED THE TECHNOLOGY OF AIR OPERATED LANDING GEAR AUTOMATION Studies show that the incidence of drivers injured due to manually operating the landing gear is 2.5% per year. The percentage increases 4-fold to 10% for drivers ages 50 or older, as well as for female drivers. ON-LIFT reduces the incidence of injury from up to 10% down to zero.
MANUAL CRANKING
ON-LIFT AUTOMATION
WOMEN IN TRUCKING MEMBERS: Patriot will donate $50 per ON-LIFT unit to WIT when you add SUPPORT WIT on your purchase order. ON-LIFT will be demonstrated at Innovative trailers booth #18080 MATS Louisville, KY. The unit will be installed on the Ambassador trailer later this year.
www.patriotlift.com 207-703-8433 Email: info@ONLIFT.com P.O. Box 1029 York Beach, Maine 03910
FEATURE: Safety Strategies
Real-Life Strategies for Safety Safety is a priority at National Carriers Inc. (NCI), a diversified motor carrier based in Irving, Texas. Redefining The Road recently caught up with Jill Maschmeier, Director of Safety and Compliance at NCI and member of the Women in Trucking Image Team, to discuss the company’s best practices.
Take Safety Personally Recognizing that issues at home can impact performance on the road, Maschmeier says she makes it a priority to get to know the company’s drivers and learn about their personal lives. She maintains an open-door policy and is always ready to talk through any challenges that they might be facing. “We want to know our drivers well enough to get them home if they’re sick or need to take care of their kids,” she explains. “We want to help diffuse issues, so they’re not distracted on the road.”
Prioritize Training Education is also critical. NCI provides quarterly web-based training that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Drivers can earn a bonus if they complete the training modules and are accident-free. Additional training is scheduled when regulations change, such as hours of service or drug clearance.
26 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2020
NCI requires hands-on training on an as-needed basis when an event occurs, such as a driver backing into a wall. The company often uses the cameras in its trucks to help coach drivers. “Cameras allow us to see what the driver actually did. They can be a wonderful training tool,” Maschmeier says. To help gage the effectiveness of training initiatives, drivers are asked to complete an online safety quiz. The results help to show how well they’ve understood the material.
Involve Employees To stay current with safety issues, NCI regularly invites input from employees. The company hosts a bi-weekly meeting for driver managers and the customer service team and a monthly forum for drivers to share what they’re seeing with regards to safety. If drivers prefer to share concerns anonymously, they can do so electronically, using the com-
pany’s Hound Dog technology. This has helped NCI address a number of issues, Maschmeier says. NCI also communicates regularly with employees via social media and email re- Jill Maschmeier, NCI garding safety messages, training and security. They also use these outlets to talk about potential challenges and direct employees to available resources. To celebrate successes, the company recognizes Million Mile safe drivers, awards Drivers of the Month with $1,000, and honors a Driver of the Year with a $10,000 award each year. Safety is no accident. It comes from putting safety first and adopting practices like these. n
CAREER MOVE Up to a
$3,000 Sign-on Bonus!
Efficient power-only trucking: No loading, No unloading. Just hook, haul, and go.
Become a power-only driver
Excellent compensation and benefits Respect and consideration you deserve Flexibility to stay on your schedule ™
800.368.8789
www.PowersourceTrans.com
™
SA W,
HEWAN SKATC
SE
JA
MORE THAN A JOB! - 2020
TRIMACJOBS.COM
1945
EST. IN MOO
• • •
1-833-837-6801 www.WomenInTrucking.org 27
...WIT News Briefs..................... WIT Index Provides Benchmark for Gender Diversity New research conducted by the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) in partnership with publisher FreightWaves promises to help better measure gender diversity in the transportation industry.
Source: 2019 WIT Index
25% At least 25 percent of executives at transportation companies are women.
10% Only 10 percent of professional drivers are women.
The organizations conducted an online survey of FreightWaves readers to determine the number of women drivers, executives and staff employed in transportation. A total of 884 respondents from across the industry completed the survey in September 2019.
Is Your Business Out Of Cash Flow Due To Sales On Credit?
The data shows that 10 percent of professional truck drivers today are women.
Receivable Financing in 3 Days
Approximately 25 percent of transportation industry executives are female. And women make up 43 percent of the non-executive workforce. This group includes recruiters, driver managers, dispatchers, salespeople and administrative workers. Women are particularly well represented in safety departments, with 38 percent of fleet safety for all trucking categories managed by women. Just 4 percent of diesel technicians and mechanics are women. Women are also needed in freight technology companies where just 16 percent of teams are women. “This new study gives us a baseline for measuring the success of our efforts to improve gender diversity,” says WIT President and CEO Ellen Voie. “I look forward to watching the percentage of women in the industry rise as we all work together to raise awareness of the opportunities available.”
Financing Rates at 0.69% to 4% No Monthly Requirements ‚ No Financials Needed ‚ No Setup Fees Why Choose Us? Receivable Financing is our Business. • • • • • • • • •
Finance Rates at 0.69% - 1.59% We Make Same Day Decisions Credit Lines at $5,000 to $10 million No Up-Front Fees to Set Up Set Up Account in 3 to 5 Working Days No Financials to Set Up an Account No Facility Fees or Audit Fees No Monthly Minimums - No Hidden Fees Customer referrals upon your request
Detailed survey results are available at WomenInTrucking.org/wit-index. n
www.invoicefactoring.biz • 844-716-LOAN 28 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2020
....WIT News Briefs..................... Professional Drivers, We Salute You Friday, March 27 from 4-6 p.m. (a new day/time to accommodate drivers’ schedules). In addition to refreshments, prizes, networking with exhibitors, and the iconic driver photo, the inaugural Women In Trucking Female Driver of the Year, sponsored by Walmart, will be announced. Every year, the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) brings together hundreds of professional female drivers and their loved ones to celebrate their collective years of driving experience and safety accomplishments. “A Salute is a sign of respect,” says Ellen Voie, WIT President and CEO. “We created our annual Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event 11 years ago to honor professional drivers for their commitment to the industry. Without them, our economy would come to a halt.” This year’s event takes place in Louisville, Ky., at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) on
“I attend the Salute event because I love the energy in the room and the opportunity to connect with other female drivers who share similar experiences,” explains Shannon Riffle, Professional Driver for Action Resources, Inc. “I am proud of what I do, and the recognition from Women In Trucking and the partner companies means a lot.” The Salute is free for all commercial drivers and their families. Stop by WIT Booth #40672 in the atrium at MATS to pre-register. For more information, visit WomenInTrucking. org/salute-to-women. n
2020 SALUTE SPONSORS DIAMOND
RUBY PetroChoice
EMERALD Brenny Transportation Howes Lubricator J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. Landstar Penske Logistics Red Roof Sherwin-Williams Total Transportation of MS TravelCenters of America Trinity Logistics United States Postal Service
SAPPHIRE J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. Michelin North America Omnitracs Uber Freight
FRIENDS OF WOMEN IN TRUCKING BreakerOne9, LLC Channel 21 Ministries Rand McNally Safety4her Trucker Buddy International Truckers Against Trafficking Women In Trucking Foundation
www.WomenInTrucking.org 29
...WIT News Briefs.................... Industry Veteran Debbie Sparks Named WIT Vice President Since founding the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) in 2007, President and CEO Ellen Voie has been a powerful voice for gender diversity in the transportation industry. The organization has made great strides in advancing its mission to increase the number of women employed in trucking and provide the resources for them to succeed. Under Voie’s guidance, WIT has experienced dramatic growth and now has nearly 5,500 individual and corporate members in 10 countries. In anticipation of Voie’s retirement in the coming years, establishing a succession plan was a top priority for the WIT board of directors. With that in mind, a new vice president position was created, and industry veteran Deborah Ruane Sparks was selected for this role. “Ellen Voie has such a remarkable passion for our mission,” says Laura Roan Hays, current WIT Board Chairwoman. “It was a priority for the board to find a successor with that same level of commitment. Debbie Sparks is the perfect
candidate. She was instrumental in helping to establish WIT in 2007 and served on the association’s original board of directors. We are thrilled that she is returning to help lead the organization and work with Ellen to ensure a seamless transition as the future face of the Women In Trucking Association.” Sparks has been involved in the transportation industry for nearly two decades. For the past 10 years, she has served as Vice President, Business Development, for the Truckload Carriers Association, while supporting Wreaths Across America as Director of Transportation and Community Outreach. Previously, she served as Director of Marketing at the American Trucking Associations. Since joining WIT in January, Sparks has focused on a number of projects, including establishing the Driver Ambassador program (learn more on page 32), managing WIT’s U.S. and Canadian Image Teams, and continuing to build relationships with WIT partners and sponsors.
Debbie Sparks WIT Vice President “To support WIT’s growth, we have expanded our team to include five employees in addition to our association management firm, MindShare Strategies,” Voie says. “Now, with Debbie on board, we can further advance our mission and position Women In Trucking for continued growth. She will be an amazing asset in our efforts to increase gender diversity in the transportation industry.” n
Reach Qualified Buyers. Advertise.
For more information, contact: Carleen Herndon: 615-696-1870 Carleen@WomenInTrucking.org
30 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2020
.
goes the distance For some, going the extra mile is a rarity. But for others, it’s what makes us great. Over a century ago, we made a commitment to stand by our customers and our products, on and off the road. Because for us, going the extra mile isn’t an exception, it’s the rule. Great Doesn’t Stop. GreatDane.com Great Dane and The Oval are registered trademarks of Great Dane LLC. 742 DMD 0319
GDane GoesDistance RTR HalfP.indd 1
9/3/19 11:56 AM
www.WomenInTrucking.org 31
...WIT News Briefs..................... WIT Driver Ambassador to Highlight Opportunities for Women the ideal candidate for this role,” says WIT President and CEO Ellen Voie. “This new position will help to amplify our efforts to raise awareness of the need for gender diversity, educate the public about driver issues, increase the number of women behind the wheel, and remove barriers that prevent them from succeeding.”
Kellylynn McLaughlin WIT Driver Ambassador Thousands of professional female drivers are engaged with Women In Trucking, either as members or as part of WIT’s online social community. To give a voice to these drivers, the organization has enlisted Kellylynn McLaughlin, a professional over-the-road CMV Driver and Training Engineer for Schneider National, to be the official WIT Driver Ambassador. Before she got in the driver’s seat, McLaughlin had a career in interior design, served in the Peace Corps and started a family. It was as the Director of Logistics for her children’s marching band that she discovered her love of driving a truck and the problem-solving it entailed. McLaughlin joined Schneider National as a professional driver five years ago. While she enjoyed many aspects of the job, she quickly realized that life on the road as a female driver has its challenges. “Trucking is an incredibly rewarding career, and there is so much opportunity, especially for women,” says McLaughlin. “As the Women In Trucking Ambassador, it is my mission to effect change in this industry in a positive way for women and for men — for every driver.” Initially, McLaughlin will focus on promoting the ambassador program within the trucking industry, but, ultimately, her goal is to share WIT’s message with other industries to recruit more women to trucking. “Kellylynn’s perspective and knowledge of life on the road, passion for the industry, and tireless advocacy for professional drivers made her 32 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2020
McLaughlin will drive a WIT-branded truck featuring a history of women in trucking and other educational resources to trade shows, truck stops, driving schools and other events. She also will share her stories of life on the road through a blog, provide media interviews, give rides to legislators, regulators, and media, and work to increase WIT’s driver membership. n
IN IT TOGETHER Together, Schneider and WIT are increasing the number of women truck drivers Schneider driver and training engineer Kellylynn was recently appointed the Women In Trucking Driver Ambassador – a role designed to encourage women to consider a career in the trucking industry.
Schneider offers women Respect for the work you do Driving opportunities to fit every lifestyle Superior home time, including daily to weekly A safe nationwide network of facilities with top driver amenities Comfortable, safe and easy-to-use equipment
sni.jobs/wit
800-44-PRIDE
....WIT News Briefs..................... Member Survey Helps to Guide WIT Communications In the past three years, Women In Trucking Association (WIT) membership has more than doubled. To ensure that the organization can best serve the needs of its growing and evolving member base, WIT recently conducted a communications audit.
“We’re grateful to everyone who participated in the survey. Understanding the communication needs and preferences of WIT’s audience will enable us to develop the right content in the right channels to improve the member experience,” explains Brian Everett, Publisher of Redefining the Road magazine. n
The research was designed to assess WIT members’ communication needs and preferences, gauge the effectiveness of current communication channels, and identify editorial topics of greatest interest for the future. An online survey was distributed via email to WIT members and prospective members in late September. A total of 216 respondents completed the survey, including Drivers, Corporate Leadership, Operations/Safety/Compliance, Sales & Marketing and Human Resources/Talent Management professionals. While all the communications channels rated quite well among readers, the most popular are WIT e-News, Redefining the Road magazine, social media and the WIT website. However, respondents’ preferences vary significantly by job function, signaling a need for multiple channels. Topics of greatest interest to members include: Industry News (40%), Leadership (36%), Safety (35%), Regulations (32%), Staying Healthy/Managing Stress (32%) and Professional Development/Advancement (31%).
SEPT. 23–25, 2020 REGISTER NOW!
www.WomenInTrucking.org 33
...WIT News Briefs..................... WIT Conference 2020: Accelerating Change
help us stay current with our customers and prospects.” Conference attendees can expect:
They say that “Everything is bigger in Texas,” and this year’s Accelerate! Conference & Expo Sept. 23-25 in Dallas will be no exception. With an anticipated 1,400 transportation professionals expected to attend, it will be bigger and better than ever before. As the only conference of its kind, the event serves to elevate the issue of gender diversity. It also provides professional development opportunities for women leaders and allows attendees to explore ways to leverage a diverse workforce effectively and engage and retain more females in the industry. “The Accelerate! Conference provides a forum for individuals to learn about issues that are unique to women, but it also transcends that,” says past attendee Amrita Patel, National Sales Manager for Wells Fargo Commercial Vehicle Group. “Continuous education is important to
years
• Over 60 educational sessions featuring six areas of focus: Professional Development, Leadership, Operations, HR/Talent Management, Sales and Marketing, and Professional Driver Issues. • Networking opportunities with peers and top executives in the industry, including women and men with responsibilities in transportation and supply chain management at all levels. • Resources through the Expo, including HR/talent management specialists, consultants, technology innovators, motor carriers, third-party logistics and OEMs. • Technology Truck Tour to see first-hand the new technologies in trucking and learn from the experts onsite. Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are available. n For more information and to register, visit WomenInTrucking.org/accelerate-conference.
Davis Express is a proud su pporter of WI Woman have T. seen their rol e become more to the trucking vital industry and the turn has bec industry in ome more dep endent on our and leadership. skills My dad has always encour me to think for aged myself. His unw avering suppo has taught me rt that I can ac hieve anything set out to ac I complish. It’s been an honor to work at Davis Expre and I apprec ss iate the opport unity to work side-by-side with my dad Jimmy. Togeth we have built er a solid compan y for over 40 years.
Davis Express will continue to support WI because of its T support of the woman in this indust
-Kayla
ry.
Simply put, Davis Express is . Now looking for Drivers. 36 REDEFINING 34 REDEFININGTHE THEROAD ROAD Edition Edition11| |2020 2020
(844) 828-5079 drivedavis.com
Davis Express, Inc. Starke, FL
....WIT News Briefs..................... FedEx Freight Sponsors WIT Foundation Scholarship Program
The Women In Trucking Foundation welcomes a new resource in its efforts to support women who are pursuing a career in transportation. As a new corporate sponsor, FedEx Freight recently contributed $24,000 to help provide WIT Foundation Scholarships. “Through this engagement with the Women In Trucking Foundation, FedEx Freight is making a substantial commitment to affordable education Tracci Schultz and career development FedEx Freight opportunities for women who are striving to make a career in transportation,” says Tracci Schultz, Senior Vice President of
Strategic Planning, Engineering & Operational Solutions at FedEx Freight and a WIT board member. Since 2013, the Women In Trucking Foundation has awarded nearly $100,000 in scholarships to more than 100 recipients, including nearly $20,000 awarded in the spring of 2019.
“We greatly appreciate FedEx Freight’s generous gift, as it will enable the Foundation to increase the number of scholarships awarded this year and offer additional support to women as they seek careers in transportation or expand their knowledge base in our industry,” says WIT Foundation Chair Debora Babin Katz, Vice President, TrucBrush Corporation. n
EMPOWER
YOUR FUTURE
Congratulations to 2019 Scholarship Winners! WIT Foundation Scholarship DRIVING Lakesha Hoover Kimberly Hook Katherine Flamang‐Field Heather Pinter Monica Wellington Kathleen Larson LEADERSHIP Kristi Barron Kenya Stewart Esther Namatovu TECHNICAL Adrianna Isbell Julia Mazza Ryder WIT Foundation Scholarship DRIVING Shanika Hines MaryBeth Raddatz TECHNICAL Sabrin Godwin Sabrina Depue
Join Our Winning Team Benefits Include: • Career Opportunities • Training & Development • Employee Recognition • Major Medical/Dental/Vision • 401K Company Match • Flexible Spending Accounts • Paid Time Off & Holidays • Basic Life Insurance • Long-Term Disability Insurance • Employee Assistance Program • Home Daily
PROVENSUCCESS PetroChoice.com/Careers 267-637-9294 www.WomenInTrucking.org www.WomenInTrucking.org 35 37
THANKS TO WOMEN IN TRUCKING PARTNERS: GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC FritoLay TVC Pro-Driver Uber Freight 36 REDEFINING THE ROAD Edition 1 | 2020
Mark your calendar for these events! MARCH 25 2020 HD Repair Forum, Fort Worth, TX MARCH 26–28 2020 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) Louisville, KY MARCH 27 Salute to Women Behind the Wheel 2020 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) APRIL 1–4 TIA Capital Ideas Conference, Austin, TX APRIL 6–8* Trucking Association of New York Conference, Saratoga Springs, NY APRIL 14 McLeod Women In Trucking Event Birmingham, AL APRIL 16–18 TruckWorld Mississauga, ON, Canada APRIL 24 Recruiting and Retention Conference Toronto, Canada APRIL 30* DRI Trucking Law Committee, Austin, TX MAY 1* Commercial Vehicle Training Association Conference, Austin, TX MAY 5* American Supply Chain Conference Dallas, TX MAY 13* Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation Webinar JUNE 3–4* Home Delivery World Conference Expo Pittsburgh, PA JUNE 5–6* Success in Trucking Expo SITE Indianapolis, IN JUNE 7–10 TMSA Logistics Marketing and Sales Conference, Nashville, TN JUNE 16–18* Supply Chain USA, Chicago, IL JULY 6* Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association Stevens Point, WI *WIT’s Ellen Voie presenting
WIT ON THE AIR at SiriusXM 146 WOMEN IN TRUCKING SHOW WITH ELLEN VOIE Saturdays at 11a.m. Eastern DAVE NEMO SHOW WITH ELLEN VOIE Mondays (Eastern time) Next up: March 16 (9:30 a.m.); April 13 (9 a.m.) May 11 (9 a.m.); June 8 (9:30 a.m.)
Redefining the Road BUYER’S GUIDE Advertisers in this Edition AGT..............................................................17 Aria Logistics............................................15 Crete Carrier Corporation....................19 Dart..............................................................19 Davis Express...........................................34 Dot Transportation................................15 Epes Transportation System............. C3 Expediter Services..................................23 EZ Winder..................................................31 Fleet Advantage.....................................12 Freightliner................................................. 7 Great Dane................................................31 Gully............................................................30 Herberg Capital.......................................28 Howes.........................................................20 Kenco..........................................................24 Knichel Logistics.....................................16 LafargeHolcim.........................................11 Landstar.................................................... C3 NASTC.........................................................29 Patriot Lift Company.............................25 Penske.......................................................... 2 Peterbilt (2)....................................... C1, 15 PetroChoice..............................................35 Powersource Transportation.............27 RFX...............................................................15 Schneider..................................................32 TA-Petro....................................................... 1 Tax 2000.....................................................21 Transplace.................................................16 Trimac.........................................................27 Tri-National Inc. - TNI............................... 5 Velocity Truck Centers..........................33 Walmart.................................................... C4 YRC Worldwide.......................................13
For a full list of WIT Corporate Members, visit WomenInTrucking.org
•VAN/REEFER •STEP DECK •FLATBED •HOT SHOT •EXPEDITED •HEAVY/ SPECIALIZED LANDSTAR’S LIVE LOAD BOARD DEMONSTRATIONS
recruiter@landstar.com or 1-877-237-3442
WWW.LEASETOLANDSTAR.COM
1-877-237-3442
Follow us on Twitter @LandstarNow www.facebook.com/LandstarOwnerOperators
• Earn a share of the revenue for every load hauled.
THE LANDSTAR ADVANTAGE
• Non-forced dispatch
• Thousands of loads available every day
• Big fuel discounts at the point-of-sale.
“ The best thing about
working for Walmart
is being part of this team of drivers. I love these drivers. I remember right after I got hired, I told my husband that and he said, “What do you mean? Isn’t this just a job?” And I told him, “You don’t understand. I’m a Walmart truck driver.” -Allyson Hay Walmart Driver for 16 Years
As one of the largest private fleets in the world, Walmart takes pride in knowing that it’s also one of the most diverse. Working as a gold partner of Women In Trucking, we empower women to reach their full potential. With some of the best pay and benefits in the industry, we’re not only challenging the status quo of Women In Trucking, we’re changing perceptions both on and off the road.
drive4walmart.com
Walmart Redefining the Road Mag Ad Final 2.indd 1
1/31/19 7:43 AM