The Future of Trucking Is Female: 8 Women Leading the Industry Forward
- Kameel Gaines
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
For too long, the trucking and logistics industry has been considered a man’s world, but that world is changing. Women are no longer just making their mark in the industry; they’re redefining leadership, breaking barriers, and reshaping the future.
With Women’s History Month ending, it’s time to celebrate, elevate, and accelerate the rise of women in trucking leadership. From the C-suite to boardrooms, supply chain hubs to logistics powerhouses, women are stepping up, leading boldly, and proving that the road ahead is theirs to conquer.
The Status of Women in Trucking Leadership: A Critical Path Forward
Despite comprising nearly 50% of the overall U.S. workforce, women hold only 24% of executive roles in transportation and logistics and even fewer in trucking-specific leadership. Yet, the data is clear: Trucking businesses flourish when women lead.
Women make up just 10% of executives in trucking, but fleets with diverse leadership teams see higher retention and improved driver satisfaction.
Trucking companies with women in senior leadership outperform their peers in profitability and long-term sustainability.
Female executives in trucking are at the forefront of initiatives in fleet efficiency, workforce engagement, and safety, creating ripple effects across the entire industry.
Trucking is a $940 billion powerhouse, but it’s been missing out on half the talent pool for decades. That’s not just an oversight; it’s a missed opportunity.
Women Who Lead: Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future
Across the industry, women are proving that innovation and resilience, not just grit and horsepower, drive success.
Ellen Voie, founder of the Women In Trucking Association (WIT), has been instrumental in shifting the gender dynamics of the industry. Under her leadership, WIT has launched scholarship programs, mentorship networks, and national awareness campaigns to bring more women into trucking and elevate those already in it.
Shelley Simpson, President and CEO of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, has broken ceilings with her data-driven, people-first approach to leadership. She’s been a critical force behind the company’s digital transformation, making it more efficient, agile, and inclusive.
Kristy Knichel, CEO of Knichel Logistics, took over her family’s intermodal brokerage and scaled it to national success. Her focus on mentorship and inclusion sets her apart as not just a leader but a movement-maker.
Marcia Taylor, CEO of Bennett International Group, transformed the business from a modest operation into a multimillion-dollar logistics empire. With a focus on family values, diversity, and driver support, she has created one of the most admired companies in the industry.
Jill Quinn, President of Centerline Drivers, is a prime example of people-centric leadership in practice. Under her guidance, Centerline has built a strong culture around driver safety and mental health while growing its footprint nationwide.
Shay Lynn Dixon, CEO and co-owner of SCALE Logistics, has built one of the leading minority woman-owned 3PLs in the country. Based in Atlanta, Shay leads with a relationship-first mindset while moving high-value and specialty cargo. Her leadership style blends technical expertise with human connection, and she’s known for mentoring others while advocating for equity and visibility in logistics.
Nicole Ward, President and Co-Founder of the African American Women Trucking Association (AAWTA), has created a vital space for women of color in the trucking industry. With more than 17 years of experience in property inspection and insurance, Nicole brings a unique lens to the logistics world. She also serves on the FMCSA’s Women of Trucking Advisory Board (WOTAB), helping shape inclusive federal policy. Through AAWTA, she’s building a powerful sisterhood that offers advocacy, mentorship, and support for women across all areas of trucking.
Kameel E. Gaines, CEO of Rig on Wheels Broker & Recruitment Services, is a proud Black and Afro-Mexican woman who has spent over 15 years building a company rooted in equity, strategy, and impact. As the host of The Rig on Wheels Show, author of Competing with Giants, and founder of the Trucking Business Accelerator, Kameel is one of the few women in trucking who has merged recruitment, media, and mentorship into a powerful ecosystem for change. Her mission is clear: to help trucking businesses grow while showing young girls, especially those who look like her, that they, too, belong in leadership. As Bishop T.D. Jakes said, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” Kameel embodies that visibility, making space for others to rise.
These women, and many more, are changing the face of trucking. They’re proving that this business isn’t just about trucks but smart, strategic leadership that can scale.
The Business Case for More Women Executives in Trucking
Diversity in leadership isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a business one. Especially in an industry facing massive disruption, the need for fresh leadership perspectives is critical.
1. Future-Proofing Through Leadership Diversity
The trucking industry is facing a critical juncture, highlighting the critical need for leaders capable of pivoting and innovating.
Technology, safety, and sustainability are reshaping fleet operations, and we need adaptive, strategic leaders to guide that transition.
Women bring multidimensional problem-solving, high emotional intelligence, and long-range vision, all critical for the next era of growth.
2. Competitive Advantage in Recruitment and Retention
Women-led companies tend to build stronger cultures rooted in empathy, communication, and trust.
Lower turnover rates among drivers and dispatch teams.
More inclusive workplaces that attract talent across demographics.
Stronger loyalty among employees and contractors, especially those seeking work-life balance and support.
3. Profitability, Performance, and Resilience
According to McKinsey & Co., companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams are 25% more likely to have above-average profitability. That statistic holds true across industries—including trucking.
Better financial results due to diverse risk, pricing, and strategy perspectives.
Stronger customer relationships thanks to leadership that mirrors their diverse client base.
More stable compliance and legal positioning, driven by governance models that emphasize collaboration and ethical leadership.
Final Thoughts: Elevating Women Means Elevating the Industry
Women in trucking aren’t waiting to be invited to the table; they’re building new tables, systems, and futures. However, the industry must make intentional moves for this progress to continue.
Mentorship & Sponsorship: More women must be mentored into leadership tracks and actively sponsored for C-suite roles.
Inclusive Hiring & Promotion Practices: Companies must avoid relying on the same networks and actively seek out female leadership talent.
Industry Accountability: Organizations should measure, track, and publicly report on leadership diversity goals.
Funding & Investment: More capital must be directed toward women-led logistics businesses, innovation projects, and executive training programs.
Building the Next Generation of Women Leaders in Trucking
For long-term impact, we must create intentional pipelines that empower girls and young women to see a future in trucking—not just behind the wheel but in the boardroom, policy, tech, and ownership.
The WIT Mentor Match Program continues to be a beacon for career development.
Leadership programs at major companies like XPO, Ryder, and FedEx Freight are quietly transforming the talent landscape.
Community colleges and trade schools are increasingly building pathways for women to enter the industry through operations, safety, logistics tech, and executive training.
The movement is growing, and it’s being led by women who know the road, know the business, and know how to lead.
A Note from Kameel E. Gaines
Being a woman in trucking leadership takes boldness, grit, and the courage to show up, especially on the hard days. I’m not here because it was easy; I’m here because I refused to shrink. Every move I make is not just for me; it’s for the girls who are watching, wondering if there’s room for them too.
Your future self is watching. Show up boldly. She’s counting on you.
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