November 4, 2025 • 41 mins
More and more women are entering the trucking industry, but remain underrepresented. They account for only about 10% of truck drivers and 4% in technician roles. In this Talking Transports podcast, Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of the Women in Trucking Association (WIT), joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss what the organization is doing to attract more women into the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite. Access to safe parking and more focused gender amenities would go a long way toward making over-the-road truckling more appealing for women, she says. Hedrick also discusses the association’s work in Washington, DC; members’ outlooks on trucking; outreach programs; and even style advice, suggesting I should rock a red tuxedo at WIT’s upcoming Accelerate Conference.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:07):
Hi everyone, this is Lee Clasgow when We're Talking Transports.
Welcome to Bloomberg Intelligence Talking Transports podcast. I'm your host,
Lee Clascow, senior Freight, transportation and logistics analysts. You Bloomberg Intelligence,
Bloomberg's in house research term of almost five hundred analysts
and strategists around the world. Quick public service announcement. Your
support is instrumental to keep bringing great guests and conversations
to you our listeners, and we need your support. So please,
(00:29):
if you enjoy this podcast, share it, like it and
leave a comment. Also, if you have any ideas, feedback,
or just want to talk transports, I'm always happy to connect.
You can find me on the Bloomberg terminal, on LinkedIn,
or on ex at Logistics. Lee, I'm very excited to
have with us today. Jennifer Headrick. She is the President
and CEO of the Woman In Trucking Association or WIT.
(00:51):
Jennifer has seventeen years of association and leadership experience and
as an Accredited executive by the American Society of Association Executives.
For five years, she led the National Industrial Transportation League
or Ntleague, focusing on issues across highway, rail, and Ocean
Freight Transportation. In that role, she advocated on behalf of
members to create efficiencies throughout commercial freight transportation networks. In addition,
(01:16):
she previously served as Vice president of Association Solutions for MCIUSA,
where she served as executive director and strategy manager for
several associations. She holds a Master's of Arts degree from
Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Science degree from Bridgewater College.
Welcome to the transport, Jennifer.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
Thanks Lee, good to be here.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
So why don't you tell people a little bit about
the organization that you run. Women in Trucking or WIT
as it's also known.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Women in Trucking is a trade association and our goal
is to bring women into trucking profession and that could
be from the driver's seat to the C suite. That's
more of our tagline. And so we have members who
(02:09):
are drivers, who are owner operators, who are drivers for
large fleets, who are presidents and CEOs of companies, who
are technicians, who are HR managers, who are in tree
level accountants, that kind of thing. But everyone is part
of the trucking profession and we're happy to have them
(02:30):
as part of our membership. We have eight thousand members
all across the United States. We have some members in
Canada and a few other countries as well, but we're
primarily a North American based organization.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
Yeah, I've attended some of your conferences over the years,
and I can't tell you how impressed I am about
how much it's grown. I was there last year and
it just blew my mind because it was a couple
of years before that I attended. And you guys are
having another conference coming up, aren't you. We are.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
It's called Accelerate and November night through twelfth in Dallas
and at the Hilton Anatol and it's really a fantastic event.
It brings people from all different parts of Trekking representative
of our membership. We have six different tracks of education,
(03:29):
one hundred and seventy different speakers over the three full
days of the conference and education piece, and then we
also have a truck and trailer show, so we've got
the latest in truck and trailer technology, including our Whitney trailer.
I know we'll touch on that a little bit but
(03:50):
at some point, but our women and Trucking Whitney trailer
which goes around the country and celebrating trekking and providing
education opportunities to people all over the country on the
trucking industry and women in trucking in particular. And we
have a trade show well over one hundred and fifty exhibits,
(04:16):
exhibitors from a range of different professions across trucking as well.
But it's really just a dynamic time. Our broad membership
is women, and our broad attendee list as women is
women as well, and so you get a lot of
(04:37):
that energy. It's just a very different feel for a
conference and it's always a pleasure. It's my favorite week
of the year professionally, and really excited that it's coming
out just now.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
Yeah, And one of the reasons why I like to
attend it as an analyst is that I get the
opportunity to speak to truck drivers that work for Walmart
all the way to you know, people like as you mentioned,
that are in the C suite, So you get to
hear and speak to a lot of different different folks.
So highly recommend it. So let's let's move off the
conference and and and talk about, you know, what you
(05:15):
guys are doing. So can you share some demographics about
you know, women employment in the trucking industry and kind
of how that's growing over the years.
Speaker 2 (05:25):
Yeah, so I'm glad you're talking about that lead. We're
we we have something that we put out that's called
the WIT Index, and it really is a a broad
based scan of what trucking looks like as a whole
for women in this profession, and it's it's something that
(05:49):
we put out by annually and we look at all
the different roles in trucking that you know, representing the
careers that I mentioned previous. But what we're seeing overall
is an increase in perfect in engagement by women in
(06:10):
each role in trucking. And for some it's a little
bit more significant, others it's incremental. But you know, for example,
we're seeing truck drivers, the number of truck drivers. Female
truck drivers has increased in in the last few years,
so we're almost at ten percent of the of the
(06:34):
population of drivers that are female. And then we have
other areas we're seeing increases in the c suite. We're
seeing this on a national level as well, but the
number of women who are entering the C suite has increased,
(06:55):
and uh, you know, people like uh Shelley Simpson of JB. Hunt.
You know, certainly a great example of that was taken
her role as president and CEO UH, a terrific leader
and certainly somebody who's been in trucking for a long
time and has made her way up through the trucking
(07:17):
profession to that leadership role at JB. Hunt. So you know,
those are those are two examples, but other areas, certainly
HR professionals, they they're increased level of women in HR
roles UH. And then we're also looking at technician roles,
(07:38):
which is an area that's predominantly been held by men,
and it's an it's it's a profession where new opportunities
are available and jobs are available, and we're seeing more
and more women go into those roles. But that's really
an area that more we're recruitment could be needed and
(08:03):
is needed, and so companies are looking to more women
to hold those roles. So that's just a little touch
on some of the things we're seeing, but really a
broad brush of opportunities that are available for women across trucking.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
So what does the industry have to do to make
trucking more appealing to women from a driver's standpoint? Because
some may argue that we have too many drivers right
now anyway, so we don't want to encourage anyone to
get into the industry because there's too much supply out there.
But in all seriousness, like from a longer term arc
(08:44):
to get that ten percent number to something that's more
like the population, what does the industry have to do
and kind of what are the biggest concerns that you know,
people have when they look at trucking as a possible
career and they're just like, this is for me, and
this is kind of why.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
I I think there there are a number of companies
who are doing a great job in in recruiting women,
and I you know, a number of those recruitment points
are tied around what women need. So for example, you know, uh,
(09:23):
if if if I'm a mom and I'm caregiving two
kids and two parents who might be ill, I might
have a different need than somebody else who uh doesn't
have those responsibilities. And and a lot of truck trucking
(09:44):
companies carriers are looking at those needs and in offering
some schedules that are flexible in that regard. I would
say a great example of that is is w M.
You know, they're they've been extremely cognizant of of of
(10:07):
the of the women population who wants to drive but
may not want to drive over the road. And and
so they've created some opportunities for women who need to
come in early and be home in the middle of
the day and they can work for w M and
(10:27):
and and and run a route in their local community
UH and then be home in the afternoon or early evening.
They may not want to be over the road, but
there are women who who do want to be over
the road and so and and they they thrive. And
we have so many members UH of Women and Treking
(10:50):
who do that and it's it's fun to talk to
them and and hear about their journeys. But but what
what they want and what they need is access to
UH truck parking and a safe environment UH to be
able to be at a truck stop and get what
they need in terms of healthy food and a shower
(11:14):
and a break in in in an environment that is
safe where they don't have to worry about you know,
odds and ends, you know, at the end of at
the end of their driving day. And so those those
are the things that we advocate for as an organization,
(11:36):
and we ask uh trucking companies to focus on and
and many of them are and in a way that
will bring women more women into trucking. And and I'll
say just a quick a quick other comment on that question,
Lee is, uh, you know, we we hear so many
(11:56):
times that women come into trucking because of stories that
they hear about from other women and their experiences. And
so when women have positive experiences that they can tell
others in a recruitment effort or just in tangential conversations,
(12:19):
that really helps the industry and helps that growth and
opportunity for both company and professionals overall.
Speaker 1 (12:25):
So, just to clarify WM as waste management, I'm assuming
waste management.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
Yes they go buy WM now.
Speaker 3 (12:34):
Yeah, I did not know that they do. Yeah, yes,
I see their trucks in my neighborhood every once in
a while. Would you say, like the large national truck
stops are doing a good job of meeting their needs
or do you think that there's more that can be done.
And obviously, if they're meeting the needs of women driver,
they're probably it's probably great for the men drivers as
(12:56):
well because and also like a clean, safe facility as.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
Well, Right, Yeah, and I I think there are. I mean,
I think overall, you know, if we've we've certainly got
a collaborative group of of truck stops across the country,
and you know a number of different associations that are
tied to truck stops, and we've got members who are
(13:23):
who are part of Women at Trucking who are doing
a great job there. I think the biggest thing that
we all are focused on across trucking and across the
associations that represent groups like women and truking and others
is making sure that truckers have parking and and that
(13:46):
is not only for women, of course, but all all
truck drivers, and that that's a crucial piece of not
only safety, but security and uh ensuring that drivers can
stop when they need and get going when they need
in a way that's not interfering with their workflow and time.
Speaker 3 (14:09):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
I'm going to probably get this wrong, but I remember
a stat I heard that there's only one trucking spot
for every eleven trucks on the road something something.
Speaker 3 (14:20):
It's either eleven or nine, but it's what it is.
It's it's not great, and it definitely needs to be yea.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
And for those that want to go back to listen
to an old podcast episode, we did one with truck
Parking dot Com and their founder and CEO and then
what they're trying to do through technologies I kind of
mitigate those issues. So sore, are there companies that are
that are doing you think, uh an excellent job with
(14:50):
recruiting and retaining women in the industry. And also, you know,
I'm assuming it's still large companies, you know, whether it's
your JB Hunts here or Walmarts of the world, but
are could you like maybe talk about, you know, some
smaller mid sized companies that people really might not know
in what they're doing.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
I'll talk about one of our members who is Tracy Rushing,
and she's with Ari Garrison, and they do a great job,
I know for sure, and I'm just calling her out.
She's one of one of many, and her company is
one of many that you know, they they want to
(15:31):
make sure that they're in the know about what's happening overall,
and and so you know, appreciate her engagement with us.
Tracy's a leader in our organization, chairs one of our committees.
But they're they're incredibly meaningful about their recruitment and making
(15:55):
sure that people when they come into the industry they understand,
they have expectations of what is occurring and what the
industry looks like and and that folks are a good fit.
And I think that's truly important. Uh, it's it's important
to be honest. It's it's important to share facts and
(16:16):
and really to talk to drivers about what they want.
And and as I said, you know, talking about w M,
there are drivers that want to drive, you know, for
the day, and they love it. But there are drivers
who want to drive across the country, uh, for days
and weeks at a time, and and that's their priority.
So there's so many opportunities and I think understanding that
(16:40):
and explaining that is crucial. And Tracy is one of
those folks of many who does a great job of that.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
Is there anything going on on the equipment side that
you know is important to WYT you know, are you guys?
I have no idea like do they have to make
the seats differently or the the buttons different I'm probably
gonna get in trouble for somebody, but.
Speaker 2 (17:05):
No, it's a it's a great it's a great question
and and and I'll say to you, you know there
I'm not going to call out any particular companies here,
but but there there is a focus, there has been
a focus uh. You know, women in trucking. We've been
around since two thousand and seven and founded by Ellen Voya,
(17:28):
and she she was one of the first people to
call out that, you know, women women need different seats,
they need a different infrastructure in the cab there. They
don't want a three XL shirt to wear, those those
(17:51):
kinds of things, and and and I think in in
in response to that, there's there's been a lot to change,
which is great. You know, there are there are companies
out there who are very particular about uh sizing of
seats and and those kinds of things. You know, we've
(18:12):
we one.
Speaker 1 (18:13):
Of our.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
We have a number of drivers that represent us UH
in in different ways, but one of them is five
foot one and and so you can imagine a five
foot one woman versus a six foot five man, and
how that would be different, uh driving a truck in
the in the needs that so uh So I think
(18:38):
those kinds of things there, As I said, there are
companies who are focusing on making sure equipment, making sure clothing,
you know, all all of those different things that just
make a job easier and and are important to everyone
(18:59):
to be included and in their in their job, in
their company, but also just to do do a job
safely and effectively.
Speaker 1 (19:10):
And I'm assuming like the newer technologies you know, also
reduce some of those hurdles trucks. I'm not going to
say it's like driving a car, but it's more like
driving a car today than it was twenty years ago,
that's for sure. So let's let's turn our attention to Washington.
You know, what are the women in trucking's biggest priorities
in Washington right now?
Speaker 2 (19:32):
So we've talked about truck parking that that's certainly an
area we've we've been fortunate to work with O I
O O I d A over the years and at
a on on truck parking legislation that you mentioned you've
(19:53):
talked about recently in a recent podcast, but that that's
certainly important. We've got a illustrator, Derek Barrs who has
just been confirmed at f m C s A and
was was pleased to have a conversation with him recently,
and he's really eager to get going and has shared
(20:16):
his support for women and our organization. Uh, and we're
we're excited to get going there. Obviously, the shutdown, the
federal government shutdown is is hemming things up a little bit,
(20:36):
as we all know. But I I think he really
has some good ideas and can bring some some solid
uh uh solid progress what we're in, what we're seeing
already from d O T and just uh different different
topics that they're focusing on, uh as well. I will
(21:01):
I'll also add, you know, we've it's been an interesting time.
Of course, there's been some executive orders that have talked
a little bit about uh, gender diversity, in in in
in different professions, and and we've looked at that and
(21:24):
committed to continuing on with what we're doing and increasing
opportunities for women. And I feel like we've got support
from the DOT and the fm C s A for
that as well.
Speaker 1 (21:37):
So you know, outside of the you know, the cab,
the trucking cab, you know, where are the well, I
guess what is the industry trying to do to get
more women into trucking? Is it? Are you do you
deal with like the universities, like the supply chain programs,
(21:59):
at different universe. He's like, how are you targeting you know,
I guess younger folks when they're trying to figure out
what they want to do when they grow up.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
Yeah, all all, all of the above, but we are
one of One of the things that I want to
want to talk to you about is are We have
this trailer Whitney that I that I mentioned before and uh,
it's a she we call her she, but she's an
(22:27):
educational trailer that goes across the country. And inside of Whitney,
we have kiosks where you can learn about the trucking
profession and understand if if this might be a career
for you, and hearing stories of other people in trucking
(22:49):
who have been really successful, other women in particular who
have been successful in trucking are successful.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (22:57):
And then we have a a simulator in in the
trailer as well, where which is sponsored by at S
and uh it's it's really awesome. And you can sit
down and in a in a chair and grab the
stealing steering wheel and and look at a console and
(23:20):
three panel console and and really feel like you're driving
a truck and and so you're driving with you know,
current gaming technology available to you, uh to drive this truck.
And and so it's that's that's been a really phenomenal
educational tool for us that we take across the country,
(23:43):
as I mentioned, But not only do we offer that
for uh, you know folks who are uh, you know,
maybe in in trucking already, but to girl scout troops
or scouting organizations, schools, community colleges, trade schools, that kind
of thing to really showcase what it's like to be
(24:06):
in trucking and to show that as a career. And
Whitney is uh, it is a free resource. And so
you know, to your listeners who might be interested in this,
just encourage them to contact us and we can bring
Whitney to your facility if you if you want, that's great.
Speaker 1 (24:27):
So you know, like like are you do you guys
also work with undergraduate programs with supply chain.
Speaker 2 (24:34):
We do, and we do and and we see and
and it's really exciting because we're seeing a lot more
women jump into that now and we're super excited about that.
And and and we have opportunities to educate them about
(24:54):
you know, careers that they can go into and and
talk to them and offer them uh sort of firsthand
experience from our members who are already in those careers.
And we have, you know, some of those students who
(25:15):
will volunteer with the Whitney trailer, for example, and and
talk to others within that trailer about their experiences and
opportunities and trucking as well. So we want to collaborate
as much as we can with the variety of resources
and communities across trucking. And it's really exciting and I
(25:40):
think we I think you know, certainly, we we love
doing that as an organization, but we want to encourage
more and more folks and organizations to get involved with
us to do that as well.
Speaker 1 (25:55):
So I know you guys aren't in the business of
predicting the future as it relates to the trucking And
but you do tell all your members are involved in
trucking kind of what's the temperature would you say in
terms of your members on you know, the industry, you know,
are they optimistic? Are they pessimistic? Are they cautious? Are
they I don't know, a different adjective. How would you
(26:16):
describe the membership when you're talking to them about their businesses?
Speaker 2 (26:23):
I ariight, So I'm going to combine a bunch of
the words that you just use. But I would say
cautiously optimistic.
Speaker 1 (26:30):
There you go. Yes, there's the headge.
Speaker 2 (26:33):
Answer, the headge answer. You know. I we've obviously Freate's
been in a in a downturn. For somebody mentioned today
that in their career had been the longest downturn in
forty or fifty years, for sure. But so we're we're
(26:58):
pressing on, and you know, I don't know what to
say honestly, other than that we continue, We talk to
folks such as you and others and get our guidance
in terms of where the industry is going. But we're
hoping for a solid twenty twenty six. I'm hearing mixed
(27:22):
things about what Q one will look like, it could
look like. But you know, I'm giving you the biggest
non answer of course here whatsoever. But I think it's
cautious optimism is really the summary.
Speaker 1 (27:41):
Has the downturn impacted women more than men? In Chuck,
I'm guessing not, But I figured i'd.
Speaker 2 (27:48):
Ask I, Yeah, it's a great it's a great question.
We have not we have not seen that, And I
would say wholeheartedly that it doesn't change the efforts of
the companies that are part of women trucking to recruit
women and to continue to build up the resources that
they have and there workers. But uh yeah, it's uh
(28:15):
I think everyone's affected it and it feels like everyone
has been affected equally in that right.
Speaker 1 (28:21):
So how did you know? I mentioned earlier when I
did the introduction that you you know actually it's where
I met you years ago when you're running the netleak.
How did you end up in transportation?
Speaker 2 (28:35):
I've I've been in the association world my entire career
in Washington, d C. And been working with various different
associations and other nonprofit organizations and have have just loved it,
and particularly trade associations because there's focused on policy and
(29:00):
impact in that way. And I as as I mentioned before,
you just you just alluded to as well. I worked
with NIT League and we we had a lot of
a lot of solid effort on so many different areas
that are still that the League is still focusing on today,
(29:20):
particularly in in on the rail side. But the focus
of the League was rail and is rail, ocean and
and truking and and I just loved I loved that job.
I loved working with the people there. I loved the
issues and and really learned quite a bit about transportation.
(29:43):
And when this job and then worked there for over
five years I think six six or so years actually,
and then went on to work with a few other organizations,
and then when this job came up, I thought, Wow,
this is, you know, something I want to be part of,
(30:04):
a part of. I enjoyed transportation and I thought Ellen
had built such a good, good organization and wanted the
opportunity to continue the work that she had been doing
in the best way that I could. And they picked
me to do it. And so you know, I've been
(30:25):
been very grateful for that. I've been here for almost
three years now, and it's been really one of the
most it's been challenging and but one of the most
exciting opportunities in my career.
Speaker 1 (30:39):
And I CEO of Women and Trucking. Where do you
hope the organization is in long term? Five years?
Speaker 2 (30:48):
I and And isn't that funny? Like long term used
to be like twenty years and now it's five years.
And but yeah, absolutely, I think we were continuing to
do what we do, and you know, we one of
the things that we focus on is sort of demystifying
(31:08):
trucking for a number of people, and making sure that
women are part of the conversation, that women are holding
these jobs and and that that are being considered. I
continue to talk to folks who don't consider women as
viable options for truck drivers or in other roles, and so,
(31:33):
you know, continue to do work there. We have work
to do there, you know, I think ultimately and talk
to Ellen about this, you know, a couple of years ago.
If if we could, you know, not exist as an
organization where you don't have to talk about women, you know,
you're just talking about people and trucking and and not
(31:57):
having to having to fight, uh to get men into
the industry, that would certainly be ideal. Yeah, but we
have so many things that we're excited about and that
five year trajectory just seems short. But it'll be here
before we not.
Speaker 1 (32:15):
And if there was one like change you can make
across the industry tomorrow that would have the biggest impact
on women in the industry, what would the change that
you would like to see done?
Speaker 2 (32:28):
I would say, overall, consider women, Okay, I mean I
don't know how to explain it.
Speaker 3 (32:34):
Any are there that are there that many companies that
just don't consider there there there.
Speaker 2 (32:39):
Are companies that yeah, I would say that, you know,
but I would also say that there are women who
don't consider trucking as a profession at all. And I
think that that's really changing. You know, you talked about
colleges and you know, truck driving schools, and I think
(33:00):
they're doing a great job of bringing the attention to
the profession and you know, I think we can we'll
continue to see that rise, which is terrific.
Speaker 1 (33:16):
Well, well, you know, I've seen, you know, the progress
that that you know, organizations like you have made. You know,
when I first started covering the space. You know, whether
I go to an ATA conference, you know, the demographics
are much different than they were twenty twenty five years ago,
or you know, if I go to a manifest or
a freeways conference or an FTR conference, you need to
(33:37):
see a lot more you know, women involved in transportation
and a trucking than you definitely did. So I think
your organization is having a positive impack. So so thank you,
thank you for that. Thanks Lee, Yeah, my pleasure. You know,
And I have a random question, So you know at
your conference, I've been there, everyone dresses in red? Why
(33:58):
do people dress in red?
Speaker 2 (34:00):
Rock the red is red. The red is a thing
that we do on on Monday, which is our big
hiccoff day. Red is a color of empowerment. And yeah,
so we encourage you to rock the red. And and
I love it because you know, you tell people to oh, yeah,
(34:22):
you know, wear this or where that, and and the
women show up and red. I absolutely love it. And
it's not just red jackets, it's you know, these extravagant
outfits and uh, it really is a fun time.
Speaker 1 (34:40):
So and when I when I go down there, I
can wear my red tuxedo. Have to get it out
of the dry cleaner. Do it?
Speaker 2 (34:47):
Do it?
Speaker 1 (34:48):
Lea? Do it super look like like the guy guys
from Dumb and Dumber and a red taxi?
Speaker 2 (34:54):
No, no, no, you'll you'll fit in. You know you'll
fit in.
Speaker 1 (34:58):
You know, I know, I know, I know and so
and and I guess you know because you know, you
talked to so many people. And again it's not just
about uh, women getting to become drivers. But you know
what would advice would you give women aspiring to executive
roles and transportation logistics or trucking One.
Speaker 2 (35:19):
Of one of the things that we do well, I
think as as an organization, amongst many uh is is
encouraging women and all of our members, not just women
but men as well, to get mentors. And you know,
I don't know about you, but I've just benefited so
(35:43):
much from mentors over the year, absolutely and across different
different spheres and platforms and careers. And so we really
encouraged that. And and I would say anyone at whatever
stage are in, have a mentor who can ask you
the tough questions and give you feedback and and that
(36:07):
kind of thing. Some people are are are in a
straight line to executive leadership, and some people aren't. And
and and I think a mentor can tell you that
I've I know, in my in my career, I've benefited
from a particular mentor who said, you know, Jennifer, you
(36:28):
you are doing this, and you you can do this.
You're doing X, but you can do X plus Y
and be better and and and I think that kind
of feedback is incredibly valuable. We offer those programs within
UH Women and Trucking a mentor match, which is a
(36:51):
connection amongst UH members, which is terrific. But I would
really encourage that you know, it's you're not going to
get there on your own, and absolutely work with people
who've been there before you and can help you get
stronger and better.
Speaker 1 (37:07):
Yeah, and like outside of you know, the programs that
you have, like you mentioned mentor match, I mean, you know,
if you're if you go to a conference and hear
somebody speak and they inspire, you should reach out to
them on LinkedIn and ask them to be your mentor
they can, they can, they can ignore you or say no,
and you never know they might say yes.
Speaker 2 (37:26):
Yeah, absolutely, you're absolutely right, absolutely, yes.
Speaker 1 (37:30):
Yeah, So you just you just never you never know
who who will respond to you and who's who's in
a giving mood. And some people like to pay it forward,
so agree people. So I guess you know, I like
to ask this question of all my guests. Is there
a book that you have that you've read, either what's
on transportation or leadership that's kind of close to your heart.
Speaker 2 (37:49):
Well, I I've got a couple of things that I'm
reading right now. I I've just finished. I would be
remiss not to men. Our founder Ellen Voya has written
a book From Dispatcher to Disruptor about her journey and trucking,
and that's been informative to me. You know, I've had
(38:13):
the benefit of of working with Ellen, but it's always
intriguing and interesting to hear someone's journey. And I love
those kinds of books where you you know, understand where
something came from and and how how it got there
and so so that's been informative to me, not just
(38:37):
as somebody who's interested in that kind of thing and
interested in transportation, but in my own journey at women
and trekking, so certainly want to flag that. And then
I had a this is a little a little bit
less on topic, but I recently was at a conference
where I heard a woman name Havin Germa speak and
(39:04):
she is a woman who is deaf and blind, and
she shared her journey of her life as a person
in the world, as a person who is deaf and
blind in the world. She went to Harvard Law School,
she's been advocating and graduated, and she's been advocating on
(39:28):
for a number of different populations over her career. She's
in her I think she's early forties, but had an
opportunity to listen to her presentation and am reading her
book now about her journey and it's about adversity and
how to overcome that. And I've found it very compelling
(39:51):
as a leader and certainly helpful as we determine how
we communicate with all audiences. I think she has a
very unique and remarkable story and of success.
Speaker 1 (40:04):
And you know we mentioned we mentioned Ellen a couple
of times. Is she still involved at Women Are Trucking?
Speaker 2 (40:09):
She continues to We have a Women and Trucking has
a radio show, okay and on the Serious Network and
Ellen hosts that. So yeah, she continues to be involved
in that way.
Speaker 1 (40:24):
Very cool, very cool. All right, Well that we're coming
up on the end of our time, Jennifer, I really
want to thank you for your timing insights today and
I look forward to seeing a Dallas in a couple
of weeks.
Speaker 2 (40:33):
Yeah, thanks Lee, Thanks for being a continuing speaker. We
love that about you.
Speaker 1 (40:39):
Thank you my pleasure. It's one of my favorite conferences
to do. Awesome. Thanks, and I also want to thank
you for tuning in. If you'd like the episode, please
subscribe and leave a review. We've lined up a number
of great guests for the podcast, so please check back
to your conversations with c sweet executives, shippers, regulators and
decision makers within the freight markets. Also, if you want
to learn more about free transportation markets, check out our
(41:01):
work on the Bloomberg Terminal, at bi go and on
social media. This is Lee Glasgow signing off. Thanks for
talking transports with me. Talk to you next week.
Hi everyone, this is Lee Clasgow when We're Talking Transports.
Welcome to Bloomberg Intelligence Talking Transports podcast. I'm your host,
Lee Clascow, senior Freight, transportation and logistics analysts. You Bloomberg Intelligence,
Bloomberg's in house research term of almost five hundred analysts
and strategists around the world. Quick public service announcement. Your
support is instrumental to keep bringing great guests and conversations
to you our listeners, and we need your support. So please,
(00:29):
if you enjoy this podcast, share it, like it and
leave a comment. Also, if you have any ideas, feedback,
or just want to talk transports, I'm always happy to connect.
You can find me on the Bloomberg terminal, on LinkedIn,
or on ex at Logistics. Lee, I'm very excited to
have with us today. Jennifer Headrick. She is the President
and CEO of the Woman In Trucking Association or WIT.
(00:51):
Jennifer has seventeen years of association and leadership experience and
as an Accredited executive by the American Society of Association Executives.
For five years, she led the National Industrial Transportation League
or Ntleague, focusing on issues across highway, rail, and Ocean
Freight Transportation. In that role, she advocated on behalf of
members to create efficiencies throughout commercial freight transportation networks. In addition,
(01:16):
she previously served as Vice president of Association Solutions for MCIUSA,
where she served as executive director and strategy manager for
several associations. She holds a Master's of Arts degree from
Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Science degree from Bridgewater College.
Welcome to the transport, Jennifer.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
Thanks Lee, good to be here.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
So why don't you tell people a little bit about
the organization that you run. Women in Trucking or WIT
as it's also known.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Women in Trucking is a trade association and our goal
is to bring women into trucking profession and that could
be from the driver's seat to the C suite. That's
more of our tagline. And so we have members who
(02:09):
are drivers, who are owner operators, who are drivers for
large fleets, who are presidents and CEOs of companies, who
are technicians, who are HR managers, who are in tree
level accountants, that kind of thing. But everyone is part
of the trucking profession and we're happy to have them
(02:30):
as part of our membership. We have eight thousand members
all across the United States. We have some members in
Canada and a few other countries as well, but we're
primarily a North American based organization.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
Yeah, I've attended some of your conferences over the years,
and I can't tell you how impressed I am about
how much it's grown. I was there last year and
it just blew my mind because it was a couple
of years before that I attended. And you guys are
having another conference coming up, aren't you. We are.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
It's called Accelerate and November night through twelfth in Dallas
and at the Hilton Anatol and it's really a fantastic event.
It brings people from all different parts of Trekking representative
of our membership. We have six different tracks of education,
(03:29):
one hundred and seventy different speakers over the three full
days of the conference and education piece, and then we
also have a truck and trailer show, so we've got
the latest in truck and trailer technology, including our Whitney trailer.
I know we'll touch on that a little bit but
(03:50):
at some point, but our women and Trucking Whitney trailer
which goes around the country and celebrating trekking and providing
education opportunities to people all over the country on the
trucking industry and women in trucking in particular. And we
have a trade show well over one hundred and fifty exhibits,
(04:16):
exhibitors from a range of different professions across trucking as well.
But it's really just a dynamic time. Our broad membership
is women, and our broad attendee list as women is
women as well, and so you get a lot of
(04:37):
that energy. It's just a very different feel for a
conference and it's always a pleasure. It's my favorite week
of the year professionally, and really excited that it's coming
out just now.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
Yeah, And one of the reasons why I like to
attend it as an analyst is that I get the
opportunity to speak to truck drivers that work for Walmart
all the way to you know, people like as you mentioned,
that are in the C suite, So you get to
hear and speak to a lot of different different folks.
So highly recommend it. So let's let's move off the
conference and and and talk about, you know, what you
(05:15):
guys are doing. So can you share some demographics about
you know, women employment in the trucking industry and kind
of how that's growing over the years.
Speaker 2 (05:25):
Yeah, so I'm glad you're talking about that lead. We're
we we have something that we put out that's called
the WIT Index, and it really is a a broad
based scan of what trucking looks like as a whole
for women in this profession, and it's it's something that
(05:49):
we put out by annually and we look at all
the different roles in trucking that you know, representing the
careers that I mentioned previous. But what we're seeing overall
is an increase in perfect in engagement by women in
(06:10):
each role in trucking. And for some it's a little
bit more significant, others it's incremental. But you know, for example,
we're seeing truck drivers, the number of truck drivers. Female
truck drivers has increased in in the last few years,
so we're almost at ten percent of the of the
(06:34):
population of drivers that are female. And then we have
other areas we're seeing increases in the c suite. We're
seeing this on a national level as well, but the
number of women who are entering the C suite has increased,
(06:55):
and uh, you know, people like uh Shelley Simpson of JB. Hunt.
You know, certainly a great example of that was taken
her role as president and CEO UH, a terrific leader
and certainly somebody who's been in trucking for a long
time and has made her way up through the trucking
(07:17):
profession to that leadership role at JB. Hunt. So you know,
those are those are two examples, but other areas, certainly
HR professionals, they they're increased level of women in HR
roles UH. And then we're also looking at technician roles,
(07:38):
which is an area that's predominantly been held by men,
and it's an it's it's a profession where new opportunities
are available and jobs are available, and we're seeing more
and more women go into those roles. But that's really
an area that more we're recruitment could be needed and
(08:03):
is needed, and so companies are looking to more women
to hold those roles. So that's just a little touch
on some of the things we're seeing, but really a
broad brush of opportunities that are available for women across trucking.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
So what does the industry have to do to make
trucking more appealing to women from a driver's standpoint? Because
some may argue that we have too many drivers right
now anyway, so we don't want to encourage anyone to
get into the industry because there's too much supply out there.
But in all seriousness, like from a longer term arc
(08:44):
to get that ten percent number to something that's more
like the population, what does the industry have to do
and kind of what are the biggest concerns that you know,
people have when they look at trucking as a possible
career and they're just like, this is for me, and
this is kind of why.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
I I think there there are a number of companies
who are doing a great job in in recruiting women,
and I you know, a number of those recruitment points
are tied around what women need. So for example, you know, uh,
(09:23):
if if if I'm a mom and I'm caregiving two
kids and two parents who might be ill, I might
have a different need than somebody else who uh doesn't
have those responsibilities. And and a lot of truck trucking
(09:44):
companies carriers are looking at those needs and in offering
some schedules that are flexible in that regard. I would
say a great example of that is is w M.
You know, they're they've been extremely cognizant of of of
(10:07):
the of the women population who wants to drive but
may not want to drive over the road. And and
so they've created some opportunities for women who need to
come in early and be home in the middle of
the day and they can work for w M and
(10:27):
and and and run a route in their local community
UH and then be home in the afternoon or early evening.
They may not want to be over the road, but
there are women who who do want to be over
the road and so and and they they thrive. And
we have so many members UH of Women and Treking
(10:50):
who do that and it's it's fun to talk to
them and and hear about their journeys. But but what
what they want and what they need is access to
UH truck parking and a safe environment UH to be
able to be at a truck stop and get what
they need in terms of healthy food and a shower
(11:14):
and a break in in in an environment that is
safe where they don't have to worry about you know,
odds and ends, you know, at the end of at
the end of their driving day. And so those those
are the things that we advocate for as an organization,
(11:36):
and we ask uh trucking companies to focus on and
and many of them are and in a way that
will bring women more women into trucking. And and I'll
say just a quick a quick other comment on that question,
Lee is, uh, you know, we we hear so many
(11:56):
times that women come into trucking because of stories that
they hear about from other women and their experiences. And
so when women have positive experiences that they can tell
others in a recruitment effort or just in tangential conversations,
(12:19):
that really helps the industry and helps that growth and
opportunity for both company and professionals overall.
Speaker 1 (12:25):
So, just to clarify WM as waste management, I'm assuming
waste management.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
Yes they go buy WM now.
Speaker 3 (12:34):
Yeah, I did not know that they do. Yeah, yes,
I see their trucks in my neighborhood every once in
a while. Would you say, like the large national truck
stops are doing a good job of meeting their needs
or do you think that there's more that can be done.
And obviously, if they're meeting the needs of women driver,
they're probably it's probably great for the men drivers as
(12:56):
well because and also like a clean, safe facility as.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
Well, Right, Yeah, and I I think there are. I mean,
I think overall, you know, if we've we've certainly got
a collaborative group of of truck stops across the country,
and you know a number of different associations that are
tied to truck stops, and we've got members who are
(13:23):
who are part of Women at Trucking who are doing
a great job there. I think the biggest thing that
we all are focused on across trucking and across the
associations that represent groups like women and truking and others
is making sure that truckers have parking and and that
(13:46):
is not only for women, of course, but all all
truck drivers, and that that's a crucial piece of not
only safety, but security and uh ensuring that drivers can
stop when they need and get going when they need
in a way that's not interfering with their workflow and time.
Speaker 3 (14:09):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
I'm going to probably get this wrong, but I remember
a stat I heard that there's only one trucking spot
for every eleven trucks on the road something something.
Speaker 3 (14:20):
It's either eleven or nine, but it's what it is.
It's it's not great, and it definitely needs to be yea.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
And for those that want to go back to listen
to an old podcast episode, we did one with truck
Parking dot Com and their founder and CEO and then
what they're trying to do through technologies I kind of
mitigate those issues. So sore, are there companies that are
that are doing you think, uh an excellent job with
(14:50):
recruiting and retaining women in the industry. And also, you know,
I'm assuming it's still large companies, you know, whether it's
your JB Hunts here or Walmarts of the world, but
are could you like maybe talk about, you know, some
smaller mid sized companies that people really might not know
in what they're doing.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
I'll talk about one of our members who is Tracy Rushing,
and she's with Ari Garrison, and they do a great job,
I know for sure, and I'm just calling her out.
She's one of one of many, and her company is
one of many that you know, they they want to
(15:31):
make sure that they're in the know about what's happening overall,
and and so you know, appreciate her engagement with us.
Tracy's a leader in our organization, chairs one of our committees.
But they're they're incredibly meaningful about their recruitment and making
(15:55):
sure that people when they come into the industry they understand,
they have expectations of what is occurring and what the
industry looks like and and that folks are a good fit.
And I think that's truly important. Uh, it's it's important
to be honest. It's it's important to share facts and
(16:16):
and really to talk to drivers about what they want.
And and as I said, you know, talking about w M,
there are drivers that want to drive, you know, for
the day, and they love it. But there are drivers
who want to drive across the country, uh, for days
and weeks at a time, and and that's their priority.
So there's so many opportunities and I think understanding that
(16:40):
and explaining that is crucial. And Tracy is one of
those folks of many who does a great job of that.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
Is there anything going on on the equipment side that
you know is important to WYT you know, are you guys?
I have no idea like do they have to make
the seats differently or the the buttons different I'm probably
gonna get in trouble for somebody, but.
Speaker 2 (17:05):
No, it's a it's a great it's a great question
and and and I'll say to you, you know there
I'm not going to call out any particular companies here,
but but there there is a focus, there has been
a focus uh. You know, women in trucking. We've been
around since two thousand and seven and founded by Ellen Voya,
(17:28):
and she she was one of the first people to
call out that, you know, women women need different seats,
they need a different infrastructure in the cab there. They
don't want a three XL shirt to wear, those those
(17:51):
kinds of things, and and and I think in in
in response to that, there's there's been a lot to change,
which is great. You know, there are there are companies
out there who are very particular about uh sizing of
seats and and those kinds of things. You know, we've
(18:12):
we one.
Speaker 1 (18:13):
Of our.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
We have a number of drivers that represent us UH
in in different ways, but one of them is five
foot one and and so you can imagine a five
foot one woman versus a six foot five man, and
how that would be different, uh driving a truck in
the in the needs that so uh So I think
(18:38):
those kinds of things there, As I said, there are
companies who are focusing on making sure equipment, making sure clothing,
you know, all all of those different things that just
make a job easier and and are important to everyone
(18:59):
to be included and in their in their job, in
their company, but also just to do do a job
safely and effectively.
Speaker 1 (19:10):
And I'm assuming like the newer technologies you know, also
reduce some of those hurdles trucks. I'm not going to
say it's like driving a car, but it's more like
driving a car today than it was twenty years ago,
that's for sure. So let's let's turn our attention to Washington.
You know, what are the women in trucking's biggest priorities
in Washington right now?
Speaker 2 (19:32):
So we've talked about truck parking that that's certainly an
area we've we've been fortunate to work with O I
O O I d A over the years and at
a on on truck parking legislation that you mentioned you've
(19:53):
talked about recently in a recent podcast, but that that's
certainly important. We've got a illustrator, Derek Barrs who has
just been confirmed at f m C s A and
was was pleased to have a conversation with him recently,
and he's really eager to get going and has shared
(20:16):
his support for women and our organization. Uh, and we're
we're excited to get going there. Obviously, the shutdown, the
federal government shutdown is is hemming things up a little bit,
(20:36):
as we all know. But I I think he really
has some good ideas and can bring some some solid
uh uh solid progress what we're in, what we're seeing
already from d O T and just uh different different
topics that they're focusing on, uh as well. I will
(21:01):
I'll also add, you know, we've it's been an interesting time.
Of course, there's been some executive orders that have talked
a little bit about uh, gender diversity, in in in
in different professions, and and we've looked at that and
(21:24):
committed to continuing on with what we're doing and increasing
opportunities for women. And I feel like we've got support
from the DOT and the fm C s A for
that as well.
Speaker 1 (21:37):
So you know, outside of the you know, the cab,
the trucking cab, you know, where are the well, I
guess what is the industry trying to do to get
more women into trucking? Is it? Are you do you
deal with like the universities, like the supply chain programs,
(21:59):
at different universe. He's like, how are you targeting you know,
I guess younger folks when they're trying to figure out
what they want to do when they grow up.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
Yeah, all all, all of the above, but we are
one of One of the things that I want to
want to talk to you about is are We have
this trailer Whitney that I that I mentioned before and uh,
it's a she we call her she, but she's an
(22:27):
educational trailer that goes across the country. And inside of Whitney,
we have kiosks where you can learn about the trucking
profession and understand if if this might be a career
for you, and hearing stories of other people in trucking
(22:49):
who have been really successful, other women in particular who
have been successful in trucking are successful.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (22:57):
And then we have a a simulator in in the
trailer as well, where which is sponsored by at S
and uh it's it's really awesome. And you can sit
down and in a in a chair and grab the
stealing steering wheel and and look at a console and
(23:20):
three panel console and and really feel like you're driving
a truck and and so you're driving with you know,
current gaming technology available to you, uh to drive this truck.
And and so it's that's that's been a really phenomenal
educational tool for us that we take across the country,
(23:43):
as I mentioned, But not only do we offer that
for uh, you know folks who are uh, you know,
maybe in in trucking already, but to girl scout troops
or scouting organizations, schools, community colleges, trade schools, that kind
of thing to really showcase what it's like to be
(24:06):
in trucking and to show that as a career. And
Whitney is uh, it is a free resource. And so
you know, to your listeners who might be interested in this,
just encourage them to contact us and we can bring
Whitney to your facility if you if you want, that's great.
Speaker 1 (24:27):
So you know, like like are you do you guys
also work with undergraduate programs with supply chain.
Speaker 2 (24:34):
We do, and we do and and we see and
and it's really exciting because we're seeing a lot more
women jump into that now and we're super excited about that.
And and and we have opportunities to educate them about
(24:54):
you know, careers that they can go into and and
talk to them and offer them uh sort of firsthand
experience from our members who are already in those careers.
And we have, you know, some of those students who
(25:15):
will volunteer with the Whitney trailer, for example, and and
talk to others within that trailer about their experiences and
opportunities and trucking as well. So we want to collaborate
as much as we can with the variety of resources
and communities across trucking. And it's really exciting and I
(25:40):
think we I think you know, certainly, we we love
doing that as an organization, but we want to encourage
more and more folks and organizations to get involved with
us to do that as well.
Speaker 1 (25:55):
So I know you guys aren't in the business of
predicting the future as it relates to the trucking And
but you do tell all your members are involved in
trucking kind of what's the temperature would you say in
terms of your members on you know, the industry, you know,
are they optimistic? Are they pessimistic? Are they cautious? Are
they I don't know, a different adjective. How would you
(26:16):
describe the membership when you're talking to them about their businesses?
Speaker 2 (26:23):
I ariight, So I'm going to combine a bunch of
the words that you just use. But I would say
cautiously optimistic.
Speaker 1 (26:30):
There you go. Yes, there's the headge.
Speaker 2 (26:33):
Answer, the headge answer. You know. I we've obviously Freate's
been in a in a downturn. For somebody mentioned today
that in their career had been the longest downturn in
forty or fifty years, for sure. But so we're we're
(26:58):
pressing on, and you know, I don't know what to
say honestly, other than that we continue, We talk to
folks such as you and others and get our guidance
in terms of where the industry is going. But we're
hoping for a solid twenty twenty six. I'm hearing mixed
(27:22):
things about what Q one will look like, it could
look like. But you know, I'm giving you the biggest
non answer of course here whatsoever. But I think it's
cautious optimism is really the summary.
Speaker 1 (27:41):
Has the downturn impacted women more than men? In Chuck,
I'm guessing not, But I figured i'd.
Speaker 2 (27:48):
Ask I, Yeah, it's a great it's a great question.
We have not we have not seen that, And I
would say wholeheartedly that it doesn't change the efforts of
the companies that are part of women trucking to recruit
women and to continue to build up the resources that
they have and there workers. But uh yeah, it's uh
(28:15):
I think everyone's affected it and it feels like everyone
has been affected equally in that right.
Speaker 1 (28:21):
So how did you know? I mentioned earlier when I
did the introduction that you you know actually it's where
I met you years ago when you're running the netleak.
How did you end up in transportation?
Speaker 2 (28:35):
I've I've been in the association world my entire career
in Washington, d C. And been working with various different
associations and other nonprofit organizations and have have just loved it,
and particularly trade associations because there's focused on policy and
(29:00):
impact in that way. And I as as I mentioned before,
you just you just alluded to as well. I worked
with NIT League and we we had a lot of
a lot of solid effort on so many different areas
that are still that the League is still focusing on today,
(29:20):
particularly in in on the rail side. But the focus
of the League was rail and is rail, ocean and
and truking and and I just loved I loved that job.
I loved working with the people there. I loved the
issues and and really learned quite a bit about transportation.
(29:43):
And when this job and then worked there for over
five years I think six six or so years actually,
and then went on to work with a few other organizations,
and then when this job came up, I thought, Wow,
this is, you know, something I want to be part of,
(30:04):
a part of. I enjoyed transportation and I thought Ellen
had built such a good, good organization and wanted the
opportunity to continue the work that she had been doing
in the best way that I could. And they picked
me to do it. And so you know, I've been
(30:25):
been very grateful for that. I've been here for almost
three years now, and it's been really one of the
most it's been challenging and but one of the most
exciting opportunities in my career.
Speaker 1 (30:39):
And I CEO of Women and Trucking. Where do you
hope the organization is in long term? Five years?
Speaker 2 (30:48):
I and And isn't that funny? Like long term used
to be like twenty years and now it's five years.
And but yeah, absolutely, I think we were continuing to
do what we do, and you know, we one of
the things that we focus on is sort of demystifying
(31:08):
trucking for a number of people, and making sure that
women are part of the conversation, that women are holding
these jobs and and that that are being considered. I
continue to talk to folks who don't consider women as
viable options for truck drivers or in other roles, and so,
(31:33):
you know, continue to do work there. We have work
to do there, you know, I think ultimately and talk
to Ellen about this, you know, a couple of years ago.
If if we could, you know, not exist as an
organization where you don't have to talk about women, you know,
you're just talking about people and trucking and and not
(31:57):
having to having to fight, uh to get men into
the industry, that would certainly be ideal. Yeah, but we
have so many things that we're excited about and that
five year trajectory just seems short. But it'll be here
before we not.
Speaker 1 (32:15):
And if there was one like change you can make
across the industry tomorrow that would have the biggest impact
on women in the industry, what would the change that
you would like to see done?
Speaker 2 (32:28):
I would say, overall, consider women, Okay, I mean I
don't know how to explain it.
Speaker 3 (32:34):
Any are there that are there that many companies that
just don't consider there there there.
Speaker 2 (32:39):
Are companies that yeah, I would say that, you know,
but I would also say that there are women who
don't consider trucking as a profession at all. And I
think that that's really changing. You know, you talked about
colleges and you know, truck driving schools, and I think
(33:00):
they're doing a great job of bringing the attention to
the profession and you know, I think we can we'll
continue to see that rise, which is terrific.
Speaker 1 (33:16):
Well, well, you know, I've seen, you know, the progress
that that you know, organizations like you have made. You know,
when I first started covering the space. You know, whether
I go to an ATA conference, you know, the demographics
are much different than they were twenty twenty five years ago,
or you know, if I go to a manifest or
a freeways conference or an FTR conference, you need to
(33:37):
see a lot more you know, women involved in transportation
and a trucking than you definitely did. So I think
your organization is having a positive impack. So so thank you,
thank you for that. Thanks Lee, Yeah, my pleasure. You know,
And I have a random question, So you know at
your conference, I've been there, everyone dresses in red? Why
(33:58):
do people dress in red?
Speaker 2 (34:00):
Rock the red is red. The red is a thing
that we do on on Monday, which is our big
hiccoff day. Red is a color of empowerment. And yeah,
so we encourage you to rock the red. And and
I love it because you know, you tell people to oh, yeah,
(34:22):
you know, wear this or where that, and and the
women show up and red. I absolutely love it. And
it's not just red jackets, it's you know, these extravagant
outfits and uh, it really is a fun time.
Speaker 1 (34:40):
So and when I when I go down there, I
can wear my red tuxedo. Have to get it out
of the dry cleaner. Do it?
Speaker 2 (34:47):
Do it?
Speaker 1 (34:48):
Lea? Do it super look like like the guy guys
from Dumb and Dumber and a red taxi?
Speaker 2 (34:54):
No, no, no, you'll you'll fit in. You know you'll
fit in.
Speaker 1 (34:58):
You know, I know, I know, I know and so
and and I guess you know because you know, you
talked to so many people. And again it's not just
about uh, women getting to become drivers. But you know
what would advice would you give women aspiring to executive
roles and transportation logistics or trucking One.
Speaker 2 (35:19):
Of one of the things that we do well, I
think as as an organization, amongst many uh is is
encouraging women and all of our members, not just women
but men as well, to get mentors. And you know,
I don't know about you, but I've just benefited so
(35:43):
much from mentors over the year, absolutely and across different
different spheres and platforms and careers. And so we really
encouraged that. And and I would say anyone at whatever
stage are in, have a mentor who can ask you
the tough questions and give you feedback and and that
(36:07):
kind of thing. Some people are are are in a
straight line to executive leadership, and some people aren't. And
and and I think a mentor can tell you that
I've I know, in my in my career, I've benefited
from a particular mentor who said, you know, Jennifer, you
(36:28):
you are doing this, and you you can do this.
You're doing X, but you can do X plus Y
and be better and and and I think that kind
of feedback is incredibly valuable. We offer those programs within
UH Women and Trucking a mentor match, which is a
(36:51):
connection amongst UH members, which is terrific. But I would
really encourage that you know, it's you're not going to
get there on your own, and absolutely work with people
who've been there before you and can help you get
stronger and better.
Speaker 1 (37:07):
Yeah, and like outside of you know, the programs that
you have, like you mentioned mentor match, I mean, you know,
if you're if you go to a conference and hear
somebody speak and they inspire, you should reach out to
them on LinkedIn and ask them to be your mentor
they can, they can, they can ignore you or say no,
and you never know they might say yes.
Speaker 2 (37:26):
Yeah, absolutely, you're absolutely right, absolutely, yes.
Speaker 1 (37:30):
Yeah, So you just you just never you never know
who who will respond to you and who's who's in
a giving mood. And some people like to pay it forward,
so agree people. So I guess you know, I like
to ask this question of all my guests. Is there
a book that you have that you've read, either what's
on transportation or leadership that's kind of close to your heart.
Speaker 2 (37:49):
Well, I I've got a couple of things that I'm
reading right now. I I've just finished. I would be
remiss not to men. Our founder Ellen Voya has written
a book From Dispatcher to Disruptor about her journey and trucking,
and that's been informative to me. You know, I've had
(38:13):
the benefit of of working with Ellen, but it's always
intriguing and interesting to hear someone's journey. And I love
those kinds of books where you you know, understand where
something came from and and how how it got there
and so so that's been informative to me, not just
(38:37):
as somebody who's interested in that kind of thing and
interested in transportation, but in my own journey at women
and trekking, so certainly want to flag that. And then
I had a this is a little a little bit
less on topic, but I recently was at a conference
where I heard a woman name Havin Germa speak and
(39:04):
she is a woman who is deaf and blind, and
she shared her journey of her life as a person
in the world, as a person who is deaf and
blind in the world. She went to Harvard Law School,
she's been advocating and graduated, and she's been advocating on
(39:28):
for a number of different populations over her career. She's
in her I think she's early forties, but had an
opportunity to listen to her presentation and am reading her
book now about her journey and it's about adversity and
how to overcome that. And I've found it very compelling
(39:51):
as a leader and certainly helpful as we determine how
we communicate with all audiences. I think she has a
very unique and remarkable story and of success.
Speaker 1 (40:04):
And you know we mentioned we mentioned Ellen a couple
of times. Is she still involved at Women Are Trucking?
Speaker 2 (40:09):
She continues to We have a Women and Trucking has
a radio show, okay and on the Serious Network and
Ellen hosts that. So yeah, she continues to be involved
in that way.
Speaker 1 (40:24):
Very cool, very cool. All right, Well that we're coming
up on the end of our time, Jennifer, I really
want to thank you for your timing insights today and
I look forward to seeing a Dallas in a couple
of weeks.
Speaker 2 (40:33):
Yeah, thanks Lee, Thanks for being a continuing speaker. We
love that about you.
Speaker 1 (40:39):
Thank you my pleasure. It's one of my favorite conferences
to do. Awesome. Thanks, and I also want to thank
you for tuning in. If you'd like the episode, please
subscribe and leave a review. We've lined up a number
of great guests for the podcast, so please check back
to your conversations with c sweet executives, shippers, regulators and
decision makers within the freight markets. Also, if you want
to learn more about free transportation markets, check out our
(41:01):
work on the Bloomberg Terminal, at bi go and on
social media. This is Lee Glasgow signing off. Thanks for
talking transports with me. Talk to you next week.
Host
Lee Klaskow
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