PLOVER, Wis. — The Women In Trucking Association’s (WIT) Redefining the Road magazine on Oct. 2 released the association’s 2020 list of top companies for women to work for in transportation. According to Ellen Voie, president and CEO of WIT, the magazine created the award in 2018 to promote the accomplishments of companies that are focused on employing women in the trucking industry.
Brian Everett, publisher of the magazine, said the companies recognized on the list are distinguished by several key features, including corporate cultures that foster gender diversity, competitive compensation and benefits, flexible hours and work requirements, professional development opportunities, and career advancement opportunities.
“This is the third year for this award, which is largely driven by the marketplace,” Everett said. “The sheer number of individuals in the industry who participated in the process underscores the importance practitioners in the industry place on this award.”
More than 13,000 votes were cast to identify the companies named to the list. The companies represent a diverse range of business sectors in the commercial freight transportation marketplace, including motor carriers, third-party logistics companies and original equipment manufacturers. These companies will be recognized at the upcoming virtual WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo Nov. 12-13.
Tennessee-based Averitt Express is one of the companies noted on the list. Elise Leeson, vice president of human resources for Averitt, said the company works hard to provide women drivers with safety and service on the road.
“This recognition is very important to us at Averitt because we value our professional women in transportation so highly. It’s a priority for us to provide outstanding careers for women in trucking that offer a good living, room to grow and a supportive company atmosphere,” she said. “We have hundreds of safe, clean, convenient service centers throughout 21 states to make sure our women drivers can park safely nearly anywhere their route takes them.”
PACCAR and Kenworth both made the list, along with Peterbilt. According to a statement from PACCAR, the corporation provides a number of resources for women in the industry, including a women’s association, diversity councils and specialized leadership training.
“Kenworth has a strong commitment to provide and promote an environment of inclusivity and diversity in the workplace,” said Kevin Baney, vice president of PACCAR and general manager for Kenworth. “Our diversity program helps to foster a safe space for various perspectives and ideas. This empowers our employees to engage in dynamic discussions about the company’s innovative products, corporate culture and global business.”
Another company on the list, Palmer Trucking, based in Indianapolis, employs about 80 women, including Donna Woodson, who serves as the company’s corporate training coordinator.
“I stand by our core values, and believe the company does as well, to create a safe and welcoming environment for all. Talent is recognized, and team members inclusive of women are promoted from within,” Woodson said. “The family atmosphere, respect for all amongst the team, and fairness shown to each other make Palmer Trucks a truly wonderful place to work. I’m thankful to call this organization my home.”
Also noted as a top employer of women by Forbes, Florida-based Ryder System Inc. has more than 1,300 women serving in leadership roles throughout the U.S. and Canada.
“Embracing diversity of every kind is at the heart of Ryder’s culture, and we have seen the tremendous value of having diversity across every part of our business,” said Karen Jones, Ryder’s chief marketing officer. “Ryder is proud to be a company that values the impact that women have in our industry and we remain committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion among all our employees. While there is always more work to be done, we are proud of what we have accomplished with advancing more women in the ranks of Ryder.”
Kansas-based YRC Worldwide (YRCW) made the list for the third consecutive year. According to a company statement, YRCW actively seeks to attract and promote top female talent in a variety of roles within the company.
“We are incredibly honored to see YRCW awarded the ‘Top Companies for Women to Work for in Transportation’ honor again from the Women In Trucking Association,” said Darren Hawkins, CEO of YRCW. “This is truly an accomplishment to celebrate company-wide and is an opportunity to recognize the incredible dedication and values of our employees and our leaders. They are the ones responsible for YRCW earning an award like this.”
Other companies named to WIT’s 2020 “Top Companies for Women to Work for in Transportation” list include, in alphabetical order: AGT Global Logistics, American Central Transport, Aria Logistics LLC, Artur Express Inc., Auction Transport Services, B.R. Williams Trucking Inc., Bennett International Group LLC, Big M Transportation, Booster Fuel, Boyle Transportation, Brenny Transportation Inc., CalArk International Inc., Carbon Express Inc., Cargo Transporters Inc., Carter Express Inc., Carvana, Centerline Drivers, Certified Express Inc., CFI – Contract Freighters Inc., Clean Harbors, Cumberland International Trucks Inc., Day & Ross, Dedicated Systems Inc., Dot Transportation Inc., Dupré Logistics, Dynacraft (A PACCAR Co.), Epes Transport System LLC, EROAD, Estes Express Lines, FedEx Freight, Fifth Wheel Freight, Frito-Lay, Garner Trucking, Gulf Relay LLC, Herc Rentals Inc., J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., JF Moran, JR Kays Trucking Inc., JX Enterprises, Kenco, Knichel Logistics, Landstar System Inc., Matheson Trucking, May Trucking Company, McLeod Software, Michelin North America, NAPA Transportation Inc., National Carriers, Inc., Navajo Express, NFI Industries, Odyssey Logistics & Technology, Old Dominion Freight Line, Omnitracs LLC, OTR Capital LLC, Peach State Truck Centers, Penske Transportation Solutions, PGT Trucking Inc., Prime Inc., ReedTMS Logistics Inc., Rihm Family Companies, Riverside Transport Inc., Roehl Transport, RPM, Schneider, Sunrise Transport Inc., Sunset Transportation Inc., Total Transportation of Mississippi, Trailer Transit, Transfix, Transplace, Transport America, Transport Services Inc., Trimac Transportation Inc., Trimble, Tri-National Inc., Trinity Logistics Inc., Truckstop.com, U.S. Xpress, US AutoLogistics, Volvo Group North America, Wal-Mart Transportation, Waste Management and Werner Enterprises.
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