2017 Women in Transportation

For time out of mind, the transportation and logistics world remained one dominated by men, in both managerial and front-line positions as drivers, dockworkers, dispatchers, and the like.

But that’s changing—and changing fast.

Today, women comprise roughly 5.1% of over-the-road truck drivers and make up 21.1% of transportation, storage, and distribution managers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  And though those percentages have fluctuated in recent years, more and more women are choosing to establish careers in transportation and logistics-related industries.

Fleet Owner began profiling a cross-section of these women last year, a tradition we’re carrying on in our second annual “Women In Transportation” issue, where we highlight women serving in a host of different jobs including chief executives at trucking companies large and small, and those running heavy-duty truck dealerships and truck manufacturing firms. We profile a designer of trucks, engines and trailers as head of a major manufacturer’s engineering department. And, of course, women also pile up the miles as long-haul drivers on the open road. All are just a small sampling of the many roles women now fulfill in trucking, supply chain management, vehicle engineering, and beyond.

For several women you’re about to meet within these pages, their careers evolved from deep personal connections to this industry. For example, more than a few are now running companies started by their fathers and grandfathers, carrying on a family legacy of pride and tradition by operating trucks and trailers far and wide across the U.S.

Even the family history of U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, the highest-ranking woman in the industry, is deeply entwined in the movement of goods and people as her father, Dr. James S.C. Chao, began his career as a merchant mariner and became one of the youngest sea captains of his time at the age of 29.

Yet the traits required to succeed in transportation are immutable, regardless of gender, race or creed, and for the women you are about to meet, leadership is perhaps the most critical characteristic.

“One of the most important aspects of leadership is to possess a solid foundation of core beliefs or principles,” Chao noted in a speech delivered in June at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY.

“Often, a leader is not the smartest person in the room,” she explained. “A leader is the person who possesses a fundamental set of beliefs and principles and sets a personal example for others. Without a strong moral compass, it is too easy to be swayed by a clever argument, be led astray, or just follow the crowd. A good leader is someone who knows what is right and has the courage to do the right thing and lead others along the way.”

When one is young, Chao stressed, that may be hard to understand.  But at the end of a long life, one’s reputation and the love, affection and respect commanded from family, friends and peers are the most important treasures in life. 

“There are many examples of principled leaders all around you. Look around for the inspiring leaders in your family, and among your teachers and mentors, and learn from them,” she said. “Leadership is not easy; it takes hard work and practice. The encouraging news is, none of us are born with leadership abilities. But through practice, we can become better leaders.”

—Sean Kilcarr, editor-in-chief

Click on the names below to meet some of the leaders working in the trucking industry of today.