Steps Toward Career Success at YRC Freight

Smart Steps for Success: A Career Case Study

Elaine White accepts the President’s Award, YRC’s highest recognition.

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.

Upon completing YRC’s management trainee program, White became a Dock Supervisor.

“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 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.

“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.

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

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