PLOVER, Wisconsin – Women In Trucking Association (WIT) Redefining the Road magazine published its 2020 list of the association’s top companies for women to work for on October 2. According to Ellen Voie, President and CEO of WIT, the magazine launched the award in 2018 to promote the performance of companies focused on employing women in the trucking industry.
Brian Everett, editor of the magazine, said the recognized companies on the list have several key characteristics, including corporate cultures that promote gender diversity, competitive pay and benefits, flexible work and work requirements, professional development opportunities and career opportunities.
“This is the third year for this award, which is largely market driven,” said Everett. “The sheer number of people in the industry who participated in the process underscores the importance that practitioners in the industry attach to this award.”
More than 13,000 votes were cast to identify the companies on the list. The companies represent a variety of businesses in the commercial freight market, including motor companies, third-party logistics companies, and OEMs. These companies will participate in the upcoming virtual WIT Accelerate! Conference & Exhibition 12.-13. November.
Averitt Express, based in Tennessee, is one of the companies featured on the list. Elise Leeson, vice president of human resources at Averitt, said the company is working hard to keep women drivers safe and service on the road.
“This recognition is very important to us at Averitt because we value our professional women in transportation so much. It is a priority for us to offer women in trucking an outstanding career that offers a good life, room to grow and a supportive corporate atmosphere, ”she said. “We have hundreds of safe, clean, and convenient service centers in 21 states to ensure our drivers can park safely almost anywhere their route takes them.”
PACCAR and Kenworth were on the list along with Peterbilt. According to a statement from PACCAR, the company provides a range of resources for women in the industry, including a women’s association, diversity councils and special leadership training.
“Kenworth has a strong commitment to creating and promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace,” said Kevin Baney, vice president of PACCAR and general manager of Kenworth. “Our diversity program helps to create a safe space for different perspectives and ideas. This enables our employees to have dynamic discussions about the innovative products, the corporate culture and the company’s global business. “
Another company on the list, Palmer Trucking, based in Indianapolis, employs approximately 80 women, including Donna Woodson, who acts as the company’s training coordinator.
“I stand by our core values and believe that the company is doing the same to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Talent is recognized and team members, including women, are promoted from within, ”said Woodson. “The family atmosphere, respect for everyone in the team and mutual fairness make Palmer Trucks a really wonderful place to work. I am grateful to call this organization my home. “
Florida-based Ryder System Inc., also named a Top Employer for Women by Forbes, has more than 1,300 women in leadership positions in the United States and Canada.
“Accepting diversity of all kinds is at the heart of Ryder’s culture, and we have recognized the tremendous value of having diversity in every part of our business,” said Karen Jones, Ryder’s chief marketing officer. “Ryder prides itself on being a company that values the impact women have on our industry, and we continue to advocate a culture of diversity and inclusion for all of our employees. While there is always more to do, we are proud of what we have achieved in promoting more women to the ranks of Ryder. “
Kansas-based YRC Worldwide (YRCW) made the list for the third year in a row. According to a company statement, YRCW actively seeks to attract and promote top female talent in various roles within the company.
“We are incredibly honored that YRCW has once again been recognized by the Women In Trucking Association as a Top Company for Women in Transportation,” said Darren Hawkins, CEO of YRCW. “This is truly an achievement to celebrate across the company and an opportunity to recognize the incredible dedication and values of our people and our leaders. You are responsible for ensuring that YRCW receives such an award. “
Other companies included in WIT’s 2020 list of “Top Women in Transportation” are, in alphabetical order: AGT Global Logistics, American Central Transport, Aria Logistics LLC, Artur Express Inc., Auction Transportation Services, BR Williams Trucking Inc., Bennett International Group LLC, Big M Transport, Booster Fuel, Boyle Transport, Brenny Transportation Inc., CalArk International Inc., Carbon Express Inc., Gütertransporter Inc., Carter Express Inc., Carvana, centreline driver, Certified Express Inc ., CFI – Contract Freighters Inc., clean ports, 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, Frito-Lay, Garner Trucking, Gulf Relay LLC, Herc Rentals Inc., JB Hunt Transport Services Inc., JF Moran, JR Kays Trucking Inc., JX Enterprises, Kenco, Knichel Log istics, 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 Center, Penske Transportation Solutions, PGT Trucking Inc., Prime Inc., ReedTMS Logistics Inc., Rihm Family Business, Riverside Transport Inc., Roehl Transport, RPM, Schneider, Sunrise Transport Inc., Sunset Transportation Inc ., Total Transport from Mississippi, Trailer Transit, Transfix, Transplace, Transport America, Transport Services Inc., Trimac Transportation Inc., Trimble, Tri-National Inc., Trinity Logistics Inc., Truckstop.com, US Xpress, US AutoLogistics, Volvo Group North America, Wal-Mart Transportation, Waste Management, and Werner Enterprises.
