1 00:00:07,360 --> 00:00:10,000 Speaker 1: Hi everyone, this is Lee Clasgow when We're Talking Transports. 2 00:00:10,039 --> 00:00:12,960 Speaker 1: Welcome to Bloomberg Intelligence Talking Transports podcast. I'm your host, 3 00:00:13,039 --> 00:00:17,240 Speaker 1: Lee Clascow, senior Freight, transportation and logistics analysts. You Bloomberg Intelligence, 4 00:00:17,280 --> 00:00:20,640 Speaker 1: Bloomberg's in house research term of almost five hundred analysts 5 00:00:20,640 --> 00:00:23,920 Speaker 1: and strategists around the world. Quick public service announcement. Your 6 00:00:23,960 --> 00:00:27,200 Speaker 1: support is instrumental to keep bringing great guests and conversations 7 00:00:27,240 --> 00:00:29,840 Speaker 1: to you our listeners, and we need your support. So please, 8 00:00:29,920 --> 00:00:32,120 Speaker 1: if you enjoy this podcast, share it, like it and 9 00:00:32,200 --> 00:00:36,400 Speaker 1: leave a comment. Also, if you have any ideas, feedback, 10 00:00:36,520 --> 00:00:39,080 Speaker 1: or just want to talk transports, I'm always happy to connect. 11 00:00:39,120 --> 00:00:41,320 Speaker 1: You can find me on the Bloomberg terminal, on LinkedIn, 12 00:00:41,400 --> 00:00:43,879 Speaker 1: or on ex at Logistics. Lee, I'm very excited to 13 00:00:43,880 --> 00:00:47,000 Speaker 1: have with us today. Jennifer Headrick. She is the President 14 00:00:47,040 --> 00:00:51,120 Speaker 1: and CEO of the Woman In Trucking Association or WIT. 15 00:00:51,520 --> 00:00:54,800 Speaker 1: Jennifer has seventeen years of association and leadership experience and 16 00:00:54,840 --> 00:00:59,880 Speaker 1: as an Accredited executive by the American Society of Association Executives. 17 00:01:00,240 --> 00:01:03,800 Speaker 1: For five years, she led the National Industrial Transportation League 18 00:01:03,840 --> 00:01:07,880 Speaker 1: or Ntleague, focusing on issues across highway, rail, and Ocean 19 00:01:07,920 --> 00:01:11,319 Speaker 1: Freight Transportation. In that role, she advocated on behalf of 20 00:01:11,360 --> 00:01:16,400 Speaker 1: members to create efficiencies throughout commercial freight transportation networks. In addition, 21 00:01:16,520 --> 00:01:22,560 Speaker 1: she previously served as Vice president of Association Solutions for MCIUSA, 22 00:01:22,640 --> 00:01:26,120 Speaker 1: where she served as executive director and strategy manager for 23 00:01:26,240 --> 00:01:30,360 Speaker 1: several associations. She holds a Master's of Arts degree from 24 00:01:30,440 --> 00:01:33,960 Speaker 1: Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Science degree from Bridgewater College. 25 00:01:34,120 --> 00:01:35,959 Speaker 1: Welcome to the transport, Jennifer. 26 00:01:35,640 --> 00:01:37,000 Speaker 2: Thanks Lee, good to be here. 27 00:01:37,319 --> 00:01:41,039 Speaker 1: So why don't you tell people a little bit about 28 00:01:41,360 --> 00:01:45,039 Speaker 1: the organization that you run. Women in Trucking or WIT 29 00:01:45,240 --> 00:01:46,399 Speaker 1: as it's also known. 30 00:01:47,800 --> 00:01:53,360 Speaker 2: Women in Trucking is a trade association and our goal 31 00:01:53,600 --> 00:01:59,640 Speaker 2: is to bring women into trucking profession and that could 32 00:01:59,640 --> 00:02:03,360 Speaker 2: be from the driver's seat to the C suite. That's 33 00:02:03,600 --> 00:02:09,600 Speaker 2: more of our tagline. And so we have members who 34 00:02:09,680 --> 00:02:12,800 Speaker 2: are drivers, who are owner operators, who are drivers for 35 00:02:12,960 --> 00:02:17,079 Speaker 2: large fleets, who are presidents and CEOs of companies, who 36 00:02:17,080 --> 00:02:22,800 Speaker 2: are technicians, who are HR managers, who are in tree 37 00:02:22,880 --> 00:02:27,600 Speaker 2: level accountants, that kind of thing. But everyone is part 38 00:02:27,600 --> 00:02:30,840 Speaker 2: of the trucking profession and we're happy to have them 39 00:02:30,880 --> 00:02:33,200 Speaker 2: as part of our membership. We have eight thousand members 40 00:02:34,240 --> 00:02:38,920 Speaker 2: all across the United States. We have some members in 41 00:02:38,960 --> 00:02:43,160 Speaker 2: Canada and a few other countries as well, but we're 42 00:02:43,200 --> 00:02:46,519 Speaker 2: primarily a North American based organization. 43 00:02:46,960 --> 00:02:50,240 Speaker 1: Yeah, I've attended some of your conferences over the years, 44 00:02:50,440 --> 00:02:54,359 Speaker 1: and I can't tell you how impressed I am about 45 00:02:54,360 --> 00:02:56,760 Speaker 1: how much it's grown. I was there last year and 46 00:02:56,960 --> 00:02:58,720 Speaker 1: it just blew my mind because it was a couple 47 00:02:58,760 --> 00:03:01,800 Speaker 1: of years before that I attended. And you guys are 48 00:03:01,840 --> 00:03:04,960 Speaker 1: having another conference coming up, aren't you. We are. 49 00:03:05,560 --> 00:03:10,800 Speaker 2: It's called Accelerate and November night through twelfth in Dallas 50 00:03:11,120 --> 00:03:17,160 Speaker 2: and at the Hilton Anatol and it's really a fantastic event. 51 00:03:17,200 --> 00:03:22,959 Speaker 2: It brings people from all different parts of Trekking representative 52 00:03:23,200 --> 00:03:28,919 Speaker 2: of our membership. We have six different tracks of education, 53 00:03:29,360 --> 00:03:33,560 Speaker 2: one hundred and seventy different speakers over the three full 54 00:03:33,639 --> 00:03:38,440 Speaker 2: days of the conference and education piece, and then we 55 00:03:38,480 --> 00:03:41,640 Speaker 2: also have a truck and trailer show, so we've got 56 00:03:41,680 --> 00:03:47,240 Speaker 2: the latest in truck and trailer technology, including our Whitney trailer. 57 00:03:47,560 --> 00:03:49,880 Speaker 2: I know we'll touch on that a little bit but 58 00:03:50,880 --> 00:03:53,800 Speaker 2: at some point, but our women and Trucking Whitney trailer 59 00:03:53,880 --> 00:03:59,520 Speaker 2: which goes around the country and celebrating trekking and providing 60 00:03:59,640 --> 00:04:04,520 Speaker 2: education opportunities to people all over the country on the 61 00:04:04,520 --> 00:04:09,640 Speaker 2: trucking industry and women in trucking in particular. And we 62 00:04:09,680 --> 00:04:15,480 Speaker 2: have a trade show well over one hundred and fifty exhibits, 63 00:04:16,600 --> 00:04:23,480 Speaker 2: exhibitors from a range of different professions across trucking as well. 64 00:04:24,560 --> 00:04:28,919 Speaker 2: But it's really just a dynamic time. Our broad membership 65 00:04:29,560 --> 00:04:34,039 Speaker 2: is women, and our broad attendee list as women is 66 00:04:34,120 --> 00:04:37,240 Speaker 2: women as well, and so you get a lot of 67 00:04:37,279 --> 00:04:42,719 Speaker 2: that energy. It's just a very different feel for a 68 00:04:42,800 --> 00:04:47,360 Speaker 2: conference and it's always a pleasure. It's my favorite week 69 00:04:47,360 --> 00:04:52,679 Speaker 2: of the year professionally, and really excited that it's coming 70 00:04:52,720 --> 00:04:53,320 Speaker 2: out just now. 71 00:04:54,160 --> 00:04:55,800 Speaker 1: Yeah, And one of the reasons why I like to 72 00:04:55,839 --> 00:04:57,680 Speaker 1: attend it as an analyst is that I get the 73 00:04:57,680 --> 00:05:01,640 Speaker 1: opportunity to speak to truck drivers that work for Walmart 74 00:05:01,680 --> 00:05:04,159 Speaker 1: all the way to you know, people like as you mentioned, 75 00:05:04,200 --> 00:05:06,479 Speaker 1: that are in the C suite, So you get to 76 00:05:06,560 --> 00:05:08,960 Speaker 1: hear and speak to a lot of different different folks. 77 00:05:09,000 --> 00:05:12,800 Speaker 1: So highly recommend it. So let's let's move off the 78 00:05:12,839 --> 00:05:15,960 Speaker 1: conference and and and talk about, you know, what you 79 00:05:15,960 --> 00:05:18,680 Speaker 1: guys are doing. So can you share some demographics about 80 00:05:18,839 --> 00:05:22,520 Speaker 1: you know, women employment in the trucking industry and kind 81 00:05:22,520 --> 00:05:23,919 Speaker 1: of how that's growing over the years. 82 00:05:25,000 --> 00:05:28,680 Speaker 2: Yeah, so I'm glad you're talking about that lead. We're 83 00:05:28,880 --> 00:05:31,240 Speaker 2: we we have something that we put out that's called 84 00:05:31,240 --> 00:05:37,760 Speaker 2: the WIT Index, and it really is a a broad 85 00:05:37,839 --> 00:05:42,839 Speaker 2: based scan of what trucking looks like as a whole 86 00:05:43,640 --> 00:05:49,680 Speaker 2: for women in this profession, and it's it's something that 87 00:05:49,720 --> 00:05:52,520 Speaker 2: we put out by annually and we look at all 88 00:05:52,560 --> 00:05:57,760 Speaker 2: the different roles in trucking that you know, representing the 89 00:05:58,480 --> 00:06:03,000 Speaker 2: careers that I mentioned previous. But what we're seeing overall 90 00:06:03,240 --> 00:06:10,080 Speaker 2: is an increase in perfect in engagement by women in 91 00:06:10,640 --> 00:06:14,040 Speaker 2: each role in trucking. And for some it's a little 92 00:06:14,080 --> 00:06:20,520 Speaker 2: bit more significant, others it's incremental. But you know, for example, 93 00:06:20,800 --> 00:06:25,000 Speaker 2: we're seeing truck drivers, the number of truck drivers. Female 94 00:06:25,040 --> 00:06:30,480 Speaker 2: truck drivers has increased in in the last few years, 95 00:06:30,520 --> 00:06:34,600 Speaker 2: so we're almost at ten percent of the of the 96 00:06:34,640 --> 00:06:38,720 Speaker 2: population of drivers that are female. And then we have 97 00:06:39,839 --> 00:06:45,719 Speaker 2: other areas we're seeing increases in the c suite. We're 98 00:06:45,760 --> 00:06:49,120 Speaker 2: seeing this on a national level as well, but the 99 00:06:49,200 --> 00:06:54,280 Speaker 2: number of women who are entering the C suite has increased, 100 00:06:55,880 --> 00:07:01,920 Speaker 2: and uh, you know, people like uh Shelley Simpson of JB. Hunt. 101 00:07:02,080 --> 00:07:05,360 Speaker 2: You know, certainly a great example of that was taken 102 00:07:06,160 --> 00:07:11,040 Speaker 2: her role as president and CEO UH, a terrific leader 103 00:07:11,160 --> 00:07:14,320 Speaker 2: and certainly somebody who's been in trucking for a long 104 00:07:14,360 --> 00:07:17,280 Speaker 2: time and has made her way up through the trucking 105 00:07:17,360 --> 00:07:22,560 Speaker 2: profession to that leadership role at JB. Hunt. So you know, 106 00:07:22,640 --> 00:07:27,760 Speaker 2: those are those are two examples, but other areas, certainly 107 00:07:27,960 --> 00:07:33,280 Speaker 2: HR professionals, they they're increased level of women in HR 108 00:07:33,400 --> 00:07:38,360 Speaker 2: roles UH. And then we're also looking at technician roles, 109 00:07:38,680 --> 00:07:44,200 Speaker 2: which is an area that's predominantly been held by men, 110 00:07:44,640 --> 00:07:49,640 Speaker 2: and it's an it's it's a profession where new opportunities 111 00:07:49,640 --> 00:07:54,080 Speaker 2: are available and jobs are available, and we're seeing more 112 00:07:54,080 --> 00:07:57,960 Speaker 2: and more women go into those roles. But that's really 113 00:07:58,000 --> 00:08:03,760 Speaker 2: an area that more we're recruitment could be needed and 114 00:08:03,960 --> 00:08:07,960 Speaker 2: is needed, and so companies are looking to more women 115 00:08:08,520 --> 00:08:11,560 Speaker 2: to hold those roles. So that's just a little touch 116 00:08:11,600 --> 00:08:16,360 Speaker 2: on some of the things we're seeing, but really a 117 00:08:16,400 --> 00:08:22,200 Speaker 2: broad brush of opportunities that are available for women across trucking. 118 00:08:23,240 --> 00:08:26,600 Speaker 1: So what does the industry have to do to make 119 00:08:26,680 --> 00:08:30,640 Speaker 1: trucking more appealing to women from a driver's standpoint? Because 120 00:08:31,160 --> 00:08:33,800 Speaker 1: some may argue that we have too many drivers right 121 00:08:33,800 --> 00:08:37,160 Speaker 1: now anyway, so we don't want to encourage anyone to 122 00:08:37,160 --> 00:08:39,480 Speaker 1: get into the industry because there's too much supply out there. 123 00:08:40,040 --> 00:08:43,120 Speaker 1: But in all seriousness, like from a longer term arc 124 00:08:44,280 --> 00:08:46,760 Speaker 1: to get that ten percent number to something that's more 125 00:08:46,800 --> 00:08:51,040 Speaker 1: like the population, what does the industry have to do 126 00:08:51,120 --> 00:08:55,840 Speaker 1: and kind of what are the biggest concerns that you know, 127 00:08:55,920 --> 00:08:58,199 Speaker 1: people have when they look at trucking as a possible 128 00:08:58,240 --> 00:09:00,560 Speaker 1: career and they're just like, this is for me, and 129 00:09:00,600 --> 00:09:04,199 Speaker 1: this is kind of why. 130 00:09:03,360 --> 00:09:06,160 Speaker 2: I I think there there are a number of companies 131 00:09:06,200 --> 00:09:09,400 Speaker 2: who are doing a great job in in recruiting women, 132 00:09:09,720 --> 00:09:15,199 Speaker 2: and I you know, a number of those recruitment points 133 00:09:15,360 --> 00:09:23,439 Speaker 2: are tied around what women need. So for example, you know, uh, 134 00:09:23,640 --> 00:09:30,480 Speaker 2: if if if I'm a mom and I'm caregiving two 135 00:09:30,640 --> 00:09:35,719 Speaker 2: kids and two parents who might be ill, I might 136 00:09:35,880 --> 00:09:41,040 Speaker 2: have a different need than somebody else who uh doesn't 137 00:09:41,080 --> 00:09:44,400 Speaker 2: have those responsibilities. And and a lot of truck trucking 138 00:09:44,440 --> 00:09:50,800 Speaker 2: companies carriers are looking at those needs and in offering 139 00:09:51,120 --> 00:09:54,680 Speaker 2: some schedules that are flexible in that regard. I would 140 00:09:54,720 --> 00:09:57,679 Speaker 2: say a great example of that is is w M. 141 00:09:59,040 --> 00:10:07,320 Speaker 2: You know, they're they've been extremely cognizant of of of 142 00:10:07,400 --> 00:10:11,280 Speaker 2: the of the women population who wants to drive but 143 00:10:11,480 --> 00:10:14,760 Speaker 2: may not want to drive over the road. And and 144 00:10:14,840 --> 00:10:19,360 Speaker 2: so they've created some opportunities for women who need to 145 00:10:19,400 --> 00:10:22,920 Speaker 2: come in early and be home in the middle of 146 00:10:22,960 --> 00:10:27,480 Speaker 2: the day and they can work for w M and 147 00:10:27,480 --> 00:10:31,120 Speaker 2: and and and run a route in their local community 148 00:10:32,040 --> 00:10:36,240 Speaker 2: UH and then be home in the afternoon or early evening. 149 00:10:36,760 --> 00:10:39,040 Speaker 2: They may not want to be over the road, but 150 00:10:39,080 --> 00:10:41,600 Speaker 2: there are women who who do want to be over 151 00:10:41,640 --> 00:10:46,640 Speaker 2: the road and so and and they they thrive. And 152 00:10:46,679 --> 00:10:50,680 Speaker 2: we have so many members UH of Women and Treking 153 00:10:50,720 --> 00:10:53,960 Speaker 2: who do that and it's it's fun to talk to 154 00:10:54,000 --> 00:10:57,480 Speaker 2: them and and hear about their journeys. But but what 155 00:10:57,480 --> 00:11:00,839 Speaker 2: what they want and what they need is access to 156 00:11:01,520 --> 00:11:07,079 Speaker 2: UH truck parking and a safe environment UH to be 157 00:11:07,200 --> 00:11:10,080 Speaker 2: able to be at a truck stop and get what 158 00:11:10,120 --> 00:11:14,160 Speaker 2: they need in terms of healthy food and a shower 159 00:11:14,400 --> 00:11:19,760 Speaker 2: and a break in in in an environment that is 160 00:11:19,840 --> 00:11:23,880 Speaker 2: safe where they don't have to worry about you know, 161 00:11:24,000 --> 00:11:26,840 Speaker 2: odds and ends, you know, at the end of at 162 00:11:26,840 --> 00:11:31,839 Speaker 2: the end of their driving day. And so those those 163 00:11:31,920 --> 00:11:36,599 Speaker 2: are the things that we advocate for as an organization, 164 00:11:36,800 --> 00:11:40,880 Speaker 2: and we ask uh trucking companies to focus on and 165 00:11:40,880 --> 00:11:44,520 Speaker 2: and many of them are and in a way that 166 00:11:44,880 --> 00:11:48,679 Speaker 2: will bring women more women into trucking. And and I'll 167 00:11:48,720 --> 00:11:52,320 Speaker 2: say just a quick a quick other comment on that question, 168 00:11:52,440 --> 00:11:56,920 Speaker 2: Lee is, uh, you know, we we hear so many 169 00:11:56,960 --> 00:12:01,600 Speaker 2: times that women come into trucking because of stories that 170 00:12:01,600 --> 00:12:07,080 Speaker 2: they hear about from other women and their experiences. And 171 00:12:07,160 --> 00:12:13,080 Speaker 2: so when women have positive experiences that they can tell 172 00:12:13,160 --> 00:12:18,880 Speaker 2: others in a recruitment effort or just in tangential conversations, 173 00:12:19,360 --> 00:12:22,079 Speaker 2: that really helps the industry and helps that growth and 174 00:12:22,200 --> 00:12:25,280 Speaker 2: opportunity for both company and professionals overall. 175 00:12:25,600 --> 00:12:28,800 Speaker 1: So, just to clarify WM as waste management, I'm assuming 176 00:12:29,240 --> 00:12:30,120 Speaker 1: waste management. 177 00:12:30,240 --> 00:12:33,800 Speaker 2: Yes they go buy WM now. 178 00:12:34,000 --> 00:12:37,320 Speaker 3: Yeah, I did not know that they do. Yeah, yes, 179 00:12:37,480 --> 00:12:39,640 Speaker 3: I see their trucks in my neighborhood every once in 180 00:12:39,679 --> 00:12:42,720 Speaker 3: a while. Would you say, like the large national truck 181 00:12:42,720 --> 00:12:45,360 Speaker 3: stops are doing a good job of meeting their needs 182 00:12:45,440 --> 00:12:48,920 Speaker 3: or do you think that there's more that can be done. 183 00:12:49,040 --> 00:12:52,560 Speaker 3: And obviously, if they're meeting the needs of women driver, 184 00:12:52,679 --> 00:12:56,320 Speaker 3: they're probably it's probably great for the men drivers as 185 00:12:56,320 --> 00:13:00,680 Speaker 3: well because and also like a clean, safe facility as. 186 00:13:00,520 --> 00:13:03,840 Speaker 2: Well, Right, Yeah, and I I think there are. I mean, 187 00:13:04,040 --> 00:13:10,600 Speaker 2: I think overall, you know, if we've we've certainly got 188 00:13:10,600 --> 00:13:14,800 Speaker 2: a collaborative group of of truck stops across the country, 189 00:13:14,920 --> 00:13:18,719 Speaker 2: and you know a number of different associations that are 190 00:13:18,760 --> 00:13:23,000 Speaker 2: tied to truck stops, and we've got members who are 191 00:13:23,200 --> 00:13:27,559 Speaker 2: who are part of Women at Trucking who are doing 192 00:13:27,600 --> 00:13:31,400 Speaker 2: a great job there. I think the biggest thing that 193 00:13:31,679 --> 00:13:37,160 Speaker 2: we all are focused on across trucking and across the 194 00:13:37,280 --> 00:13:41,000 Speaker 2: associations that represent groups like women and truking and others 195 00:13:41,720 --> 00:13:45,920 Speaker 2: is making sure that truckers have parking and and that 196 00:13:46,160 --> 00:13:48,920 Speaker 2: is not only for women, of course, but all all 197 00:13:48,960 --> 00:13:54,400 Speaker 2: truck drivers, and that that's a crucial piece of not 198 00:13:54,440 --> 00:14:00,680 Speaker 2: only safety, but security and uh ensuring that drivers can 199 00:14:00,720 --> 00:14:03,880 Speaker 2: stop when they need and get going when they need 200 00:14:04,679 --> 00:14:08,679 Speaker 2: in a way that's not interfering with their workflow and time. 201 00:14:09,200 --> 00:14:09,440 Speaker 3: Yeah. 202 00:14:10,160 --> 00:14:13,200 Speaker 1: I'm going to probably get this wrong, but I remember 203 00:14:13,200 --> 00:14:17,200 Speaker 1: a stat I heard that there's only one trucking spot 204 00:14:17,280 --> 00:14:20,800 Speaker 1: for every eleven trucks on the road something something. 205 00:14:20,840 --> 00:14:22,920 Speaker 3: It's either eleven or nine, but it's what it is. 206 00:14:22,960 --> 00:14:26,240 Speaker 3: It's it's not great, and it definitely needs to be yea. 207 00:14:26,520 --> 00:14:29,120 Speaker 1: And for those that want to go back to listen 208 00:14:29,120 --> 00:14:32,200 Speaker 1: to an old podcast episode, we did one with truck 209 00:14:32,240 --> 00:14:35,400 Speaker 1: Parking dot Com and their founder and CEO and then 210 00:14:35,520 --> 00:14:37,680 Speaker 1: what they're trying to do through technologies I kind of 211 00:14:38,520 --> 00:14:44,880 Speaker 1: mitigate those issues. So sore, are there companies that are 212 00:14:44,920 --> 00:14:50,200 Speaker 1: that are doing you think, uh an excellent job with 213 00:14:50,600 --> 00:14:54,920 Speaker 1: recruiting and retaining women in the industry. And also, you know, 214 00:14:54,920 --> 00:14:57,080 Speaker 1: I'm assuming it's still large companies, you know, whether it's 215 00:14:57,080 --> 00:14:59,760 Speaker 1: your JB Hunts here or Walmarts of the world, but 216 00:14:59,800 --> 00:15:02,240 Speaker 1: are could you like maybe talk about, you know, some 217 00:15:02,320 --> 00:15:05,120 Speaker 1: smaller mid sized companies that people really might not know 218 00:15:05,240 --> 00:15:06,440 Speaker 1: in what they're doing. 219 00:15:07,360 --> 00:15:13,160 Speaker 2: I'll talk about one of our members who is Tracy Rushing, 220 00:15:13,560 --> 00:15:20,640 Speaker 2: and she's with Ari Garrison, and they do a great job, 221 00:15:21,240 --> 00:15:24,120 Speaker 2: I know for sure, and I'm just calling her out. 222 00:15:24,240 --> 00:15:26,840 Speaker 2: She's one of one of many, and her company is 223 00:15:26,880 --> 00:15:31,160 Speaker 2: one of many that you know, they they want to 224 00:15:31,200 --> 00:15:37,240 Speaker 2: make sure that they're in the know about what's happening overall, 225 00:15:37,520 --> 00:15:42,320 Speaker 2: and and so you know, appreciate her engagement with us. 226 00:15:42,720 --> 00:15:47,440 Speaker 2: Tracy's a leader in our organization, chairs one of our committees. 227 00:15:49,600 --> 00:15:55,280 Speaker 2: But they're they're incredibly meaningful about their recruitment and making 228 00:15:55,320 --> 00:15:58,720 Speaker 2: sure that people when they come into the industry they understand, 229 00:15:59,120 --> 00:16:04,040 Speaker 2: they have expectations of what is occurring and what the 230 00:16:04,040 --> 00:16:07,280 Speaker 2: industry looks like and and that folks are a good fit. 231 00:16:07,600 --> 00:16:11,120 Speaker 2: And I think that's truly important. Uh, it's it's important 232 00:16:11,160 --> 00:16:16,280 Speaker 2: to be honest. It's it's important to share facts and 233 00:16:16,280 --> 00:16:19,120 Speaker 2: and really to talk to drivers about what they want. 234 00:16:19,360 --> 00:16:22,040 Speaker 2: And and as I said, you know, talking about w M, 235 00:16:22,640 --> 00:16:25,760 Speaker 2: there are drivers that want to drive, you know, for 236 00:16:25,880 --> 00:16:28,320 Speaker 2: the day, and they love it. But there are drivers 237 00:16:28,320 --> 00:16:32,360 Speaker 2: who want to drive across the country, uh, for days 238 00:16:32,400 --> 00:16:35,320 Speaker 2: and weeks at a time, and and that's their priority. 239 00:16:35,520 --> 00:16:40,000 Speaker 2: So there's so many opportunities and I think understanding that 240 00:16:40,080 --> 00:16:44,240 Speaker 2: and explaining that is crucial. And Tracy is one of 241 00:16:44,280 --> 00:16:47,400 Speaker 2: those folks of many who does a great job of that. 242 00:16:47,800 --> 00:16:51,520 Speaker 1: Is there anything going on on the equipment side that 243 00:16:51,920 --> 00:16:57,000 Speaker 1: you know is important to WYT you know, are you guys? 244 00:16:57,520 --> 00:16:59,440 Speaker 1: I have no idea like do they have to make 245 00:16:59,480 --> 00:17:03,960 Speaker 1: the seats differently or the the buttons different I'm probably 246 00:17:03,960 --> 00:17:05,880 Speaker 1: gonna get in trouble for somebody, but. 247 00:17:05,880 --> 00:17:09,040 Speaker 2: No, it's a it's a great it's a great question 248 00:17:09,400 --> 00:17:11,960 Speaker 2: and and and I'll say to you, you know there 249 00:17:12,200 --> 00:17:15,400 Speaker 2: I'm not going to call out any particular companies here, 250 00:17:15,400 --> 00:17:19,680 Speaker 2: but but there there is a focus, there has been 251 00:17:19,680 --> 00:17:24,239 Speaker 2: a focus uh. You know, women in trucking. We've been 252 00:17:24,280 --> 00:17:28,320 Speaker 2: around since two thousand and seven and founded by Ellen Voya, 253 00:17:28,720 --> 00:17:33,520 Speaker 2: and she she was one of the first people to 254 00:17:33,560 --> 00:17:39,680 Speaker 2: call out that, you know, women women need different seats, 255 00:17:39,760 --> 00:17:45,439 Speaker 2: they need a different infrastructure in the cab there. They 256 00:17:45,480 --> 00:17:51,560 Speaker 2: don't want a three XL shirt to wear, those those 257 00:17:51,640 --> 00:17:56,880 Speaker 2: kinds of things, and and and I think in in 258 00:17:56,880 --> 00:18:00,720 Speaker 2: in response to that, there's there's been a lot to change, 259 00:18:00,880 --> 00:18:03,640 Speaker 2: which is great. You know, there are there are companies 260 00:18:03,640 --> 00:18:08,000 Speaker 2: out there who are very particular about uh sizing of 261 00:18:08,880 --> 00:18:12,480 Speaker 2: seats and and those kinds of things. You know, we've 262 00:18:12,600 --> 00:18:13,200 Speaker 2: we one. 263 00:18:13,160 --> 00:18:13,600 Speaker 1: Of our. 264 00:18:15,280 --> 00:18:18,840 Speaker 2: We have a number of drivers that represent us UH 265 00:18:19,320 --> 00:18:22,760 Speaker 2: in in different ways, but one of them is five 266 00:18:22,760 --> 00:18:25,640 Speaker 2: foot one and and so you can imagine a five 267 00:18:25,680 --> 00:18:30,640 Speaker 2: foot one woman versus a six foot five man, and 268 00:18:30,720 --> 00:18:34,000 Speaker 2: how that would be different, uh driving a truck in 269 00:18:34,040 --> 00:18:38,400 Speaker 2: the in the needs that so uh So I think 270 00:18:38,440 --> 00:18:40,719 Speaker 2: those kinds of things there, As I said, there are 271 00:18:40,760 --> 00:18:45,520 Speaker 2: companies who are focusing on making sure equipment, making sure clothing, 272 00:18:48,200 --> 00:18:52,359 Speaker 2: you know, all all of those different things that just 273 00:18:52,560 --> 00:18:59,760 Speaker 2: make a job easier and and are important to everyone 274 00:18:59,800 --> 00:19:04,240 Speaker 2: to be included and in their in their job, in 275 00:19:04,280 --> 00:19:08,040 Speaker 2: their company, but also just to do do a job 276 00:19:08,080 --> 00:19:09,960 Speaker 2: safely and effectively. 277 00:19:10,520 --> 00:19:14,760 Speaker 1: And I'm assuming like the newer technologies you know, also 278 00:19:15,160 --> 00:19:19,000 Speaker 1: reduce some of those hurdles trucks. I'm not going to 279 00:19:19,040 --> 00:19:20,840 Speaker 1: say it's like driving a car, but it's more like 280 00:19:20,920 --> 00:19:22,960 Speaker 1: driving a car today than it was twenty years ago, 281 00:19:23,000 --> 00:19:26,640 Speaker 1: that's for sure. So let's let's turn our attention to Washington. 282 00:19:26,760 --> 00:19:30,360 Speaker 1: You know, what are the women in trucking's biggest priorities 283 00:19:30,400 --> 00:19:31,400 Speaker 1: in Washington right now? 284 00:19:32,600 --> 00:19:37,320 Speaker 2: So we've talked about truck parking that that's certainly an 285 00:19:37,320 --> 00:19:42,160 Speaker 2: area we've we've been fortunate to work with O I 286 00:19:42,440 --> 00:19:46,280 Speaker 2: O O I d A over the years and at 287 00:19:46,400 --> 00:19:53,400 Speaker 2: a on on truck parking legislation that you mentioned you've 288 00:19:53,400 --> 00:19:56,720 Speaker 2: talked about recently in a recent podcast, but that that's 289 00:19:56,720 --> 00:20:03,600 Speaker 2: certainly important. We've got a illustrator, Derek Barrs who has 290 00:20:03,760 --> 00:20:08,320 Speaker 2: just been confirmed at f m C s A and 291 00:20:09,000 --> 00:20:12,320 Speaker 2: was was pleased to have a conversation with him recently, 292 00:20:12,359 --> 00:20:16,479 Speaker 2: and he's really eager to get going and has shared 293 00:20:16,600 --> 00:20:27,040 Speaker 2: his support for women and our organization. Uh, and we're 294 00:20:27,040 --> 00:20:31,080 Speaker 2: we're excited to get going there. Obviously, the shutdown, the 295 00:20:31,080 --> 00:20:36,800 Speaker 2: federal government shutdown is is hemming things up a little bit, 296 00:20:36,840 --> 00:20:40,880 Speaker 2: as we all know. But I I think he really 297 00:20:40,920 --> 00:20:45,119 Speaker 2: has some good ideas and can bring some some solid 298 00:20:45,480 --> 00:20:50,320 Speaker 2: uh uh solid progress what we're in, what we're seeing 299 00:20:50,320 --> 00:20:56,159 Speaker 2: already from d O T and just uh different different 300 00:20:56,200 --> 00:21:01,720 Speaker 2: topics that they're focusing on, uh as well. I will 301 00:21:01,960 --> 00:21:07,600 Speaker 2: I'll also add, you know, we've it's been an interesting time. 302 00:21:08,440 --> 00:21:13,760 Speaker 2: Of course, there's been some executive orders that have talked 303 00:21:13,800 --> 00:21:20,119 Speaker 2: a little bit about uh, gender diversity, in in in 304 00:21:20,119 --> 00:21:24,440 Speaker 2: in different professions, and and we've looked at that and 305 00:21:24,640 --> 00:21:28,440 Speaker 2: committed to continuing on with what we're doing and increasing 306 00:21:28,480 --> 00:21:31,720 Speaker 2: opportunities for women. And I feel like we've got support 307 00:21:31,760 --> 00:21:34,840 Speaker 2: from the DOT and the fm C s A for 308 00:21:34,960 --> 00:21:37,159 Speaker 2: that as well. 309 00:21:37,359 --> 00:21:43,040 Speaker 1: So you know, outside of the you know, the cab, 310 00:21:43,119 --> 00:21:47,359 Speaker 1: the trucking cab, you know, where are the well, I 311 00:21:47,400 --> 00:21:50,600 Speaker 1: guess what is the industry trying to do to get 312 00:21:51,000 --> 00:21:54,919 Speaker 1: more women into trucking? Is it? Are you do you 313 00:21:55,000 --> 00:21:59,080 Speaker 1: deal with like the universities, like the supply chain programs, 314 00:21:59,119 --> 00:22:02,560 Speaker 1: at different universe. He's like, how are you targeting you know, 315 00:22:03,240 --> 00:22:05,879 Speaker 1: I guess younger folks when they're trying to figure out 316 00:22:05,880 --> 00:22:07,200 Speaker 1: what they want to do when they grow up. 317 00:22:07,400 --> 00:22:13,280 Speaker 2: Yeah, all all, all of the above, but we are 318 00:22:13,480 --> 00:22:15,159 Speaker 2: one of One of the things that I want to 319 00:22:15,359 --> 00:22:17,720 Speaker 2: want to talk to you about is are We have 320 00:22:17,800 --> 00:22:22,720 Speaker 2: this trailer Whitney that I that I mentioned before and uh, 321 00:22:22,760 --> 00:22:27,719 Speaker 2: it's a she we call her she, but she's an 322 00:22:27,840 --> 00:22:34,480 Speaker 2: educational trailer that goes across the country. And inside of Whitney, 323 00:22:34,720 --> 00:22:41,119 Speaker 2: we have kiosks where you can learn about the trucking 324 00:22:41,160 --> 00:22:45,399 Speaker 2: profession and understand if if this might be a career 325 00:22:45,440 --> 00:22:49,600 Speaker 2: for you, and hearing stories of other people in trucking 326 00:22:49,640 --> 00:22:53,520 Speaker 2: who have been really successful, other women in particular who 327 00:22:53,520 --> 00:22:56,520 Speaker 2: have been successful in trucking are successful. 328 00:22:56,920 --> 00:22:57,040 Speaker 3: Uh. 329 00:22:57,680 --> 00:23:03,600 Speaker 2: And then we have a a simulator in in the 330 00:23:03,680 --> 00:23:08,240 Speaker 2: trailer as well, where which is sponsored by at S 331 00:23:08,680 --> 00:23:13,280 Speaker 2: and uh it's it's really awesome. And you can sit 332 00:23:13,359 --> 00:23:16,480 Speaker 2: down and in a in a chair and grab the 333 00:23:16,520 --> 00:23:19,719 Speaker 2: stealing steering wheel and and look at a console and 334 00:23:20,320 --> 00:23:24,920 Speaker 2: three panel console and and really feel like you're driving 335 00:23:24,920 --> 00:23:28,399 Speaker 2: a truck and and so you're driving with you know, 336 00:23:28,720 --> 00:23:34,600 Speaker 2: current gaming technology available to you, uh to drive this truck. 337 00:23:34,680 --> 00:23:39,959 Speaker 2: And and so it's that's that's been a really phenomenal 338 00:23:40,119 --> 00:23:43,280 Speaker 2: educational tool for us that we take across the country, 339 00:23:43,320 --> 00:23:48,040 Speaker 2: as I mentioned, But not only do we offer that 340 00:23:48,280 --> 00:23:51,760 Speaker 2: for uh, you know folks who are uh, you know, 341 00:23:51,880 --> 00:23:56,000 Speaker 2: maybe in in trucking already, but to girl scout troops 342 00:23:56,080 --> 00:24:02,560 Speaker 2: or scouting organizations, schools, community colleges, trade schools, that kind 343 00:24:02,600 --> 00:24:06,280 Speaker 2: of thing to really showcase what it's like to be 344 00:24:06,520 --> 00:24:09,600 Speaker 2: in trucking and to show that as a career. And 345 00:24:10,880 --> 00:24:15,560 Speaker 2: Whitney is uh, it is a free resource. And so 346 00:24:16,040 --> 00:24:19,760 Speaker 2: you know, to your listeners who might be interested in this, 347 00:24:20,720 --> 00:24:23,880 Speaker 2: just encourage them to contact us and we can bring 348 00:24:23,880 --> 00:24:27,240 Speaker 2: Whitney to your facility if you if you want, that's great. 349 00:24:27,680 --> 00:24:30,600 Speaker 1: So you know, like like are you do you guys 350 00:24:30,760 --> 00:24:34,440 Speaker 1: also work with undergraduate programs with supply chain. 351 00:24:34,920 --> 00:24:39,920 Speaker 2: We do, and we do and and we see and 352 00:24:39,920 --> 00:24:44,359 Speaker 2: and it's really exciting because we're seeing a lot more 353 00:24:44,720 --> 00:24:49,919 Speaker 2: women jump into that now and we're super excited about that. 354 00:24:50,280 --> 00:24:54,760 Speaker 2: And and and we have opportunities to educate them about 355 00:24:54,960 --> 00:24:57,719 Speaker 2: you know, careers that they can go into and and 356 00:24:57,840 --> 00:25:03,440 Speaker 2: talk to them and offer them uh sort of firsthand 357 00:25:03,480 --> 00:25:08,639 Speaker 2: experience from our members who are already in those careers. 358 00:25:09,400 --> 00:25:14,280 Speaker 2: And we have, you know, some of those students who 359 00:25:15,680 --> 00:25:21,080 Speaker 2: will volunteer with the Whitney trailer, for example, and and 360 00:25:21,760 --> 00:25:26,840 Speaker 2: talk to others within that trailer about their experiences and 361 00:25:27,040 --> 00:25:30,800 Speaker 2: opportunities and trucking as well. So we want to collaborate 362 00:25:30,880 --> 00:25:35,240 Speaker 2: as much as we can with the variety of resources 363 00:25:35,280 --> 00:25:39,879 Speaker 2: and communities across trucking. And it's really exciting and I 364 00:25:40,920 --> 00:25:46,800 Speaker 2: think we I think you know, certainly, we we love 365 00:25:46,880 --> 00:25:50,560 Speaker 2: doing that as an organization, but we want to encourage 366 00:25:50,600 --> 00:25:53,800 Speaker 2: more and more folks and organizations to get involved with 367 00:25:53,920 --> 00:25:55,160 Speaker 2: us to do that as well. 368 00:25:55,520 --> 00:25:57,480 Speaker 1: So I know you guys aren't in the business of 369 00:25:57,520 --> 00:25:59,800 Speaker 1: predicting the future as it relates to the trucking And 370 00:26:00,640 --> 00:26:02,840 Speaker 1: but you do tell all your members are involved in 371 00:26:02,880 --> 00:26:05,159 Speaker 1: trucking kind of what's the temperature would you say in 372 00:26:05,240 --> 00:26:08,719 Speaker 1: terms of your members on you know, the industry, you know, 373 00:26:08,880 --> 00:26:12,280 Speaker 1: are they optimistic? Are they pessimistic? Are they cautious? Are 374 00:26:12,280 --> 00:26:16,919 Speaker 1: they I don't know, a different adjective. How would you 375 00:26:16,960 --> 00:26:21,240 Speaker 1: describe the membership when you're talking to them about their businesses? 376 00:26:23,240 --> 00:26:25,720 Speaker 2: I ariight, So I'm going to combine a bunch of 377 00:26:25,720 --> 00:26:28,840 Speaker 2: the words that you just use. But I would say 378 00:26:28,880 --> 00:26:30,160 Speaker 2: cautiously optimistic. 379 00:26:30,640 --> 00:26:33,359 Speaker 1: There you go. Yes, there's the headge. 380 00:26:33,080 --> 00:26:40,760 Speaker 2: Answer, the headge answer. You know. I we've obviously Freate's 381 00:26:40,800 --> 00:26:45,199 Speaker 2: been in a in a downturn. For somebody mentioned today 382 00:26:45,280 --> 00:26:52,320 Speaker 2: that in their career had been the longest downturn in 383 00:26:52,560 --> 00:26:58,360 Speaker 2: forty or fifty years, for sure. But so we're we're 384 00:26:58,400 --> 00:27:04,040 Speaker 2: pressing on, and you know, I don't know what to 385 00:27:04,080 --> 00:27:08,840 Speaker 2: say honestly, other than that we continue, We talk to 386 00:27:08,880 --> 00:27:13,920 Speaker 2: folks such as you and others and get our guidance 387 00:27:15,080 --> 00:27:18,360 Speaker 2: in terms of where the industry is going. But we're 388 00:27:18,400 --> 00:27:22,399 Speaker 2: hoping for a solid twenty twenty six. I'm hearing mixed 389 00:27:22,440 --> 00:27:25,920 Speaker 2: things about what Q one will look like, it could 390 00:27:26,000 --> 00:27:30,920 Speaker 2: look like. But you know, I'm giving you the biggest 391 00:27:30,960 --> 00:27:36,280 Speaker 2: non answer of course here whatsoever. But I think it's 392 00:27:36,600 --> 00:27:39,680 Speaker 2: cautious optimism is really the summary. 393 00:27:41,080 --> 00:27:46,240 Speaker 1: Has the downturn impacted women more than men? In Chuck, 394 00:27:47,040 --> 00:27:49,119 Speaker 1: I'm guessing not, But I figured i'd. 395 00:27:48,840 --> 00:27:51,240 Speaker 2: Ask I, Yeah, it's a great it's a great question. 396 00:27:52,040 --> 00:27:55,119 Speaker 2: We have not we have not seen that, And I 397 00:27:55,520 --> 00:27:59,720 Speaker 2: would say wholeheartedly that it doesn't change the efforts of 398 00:27:59,760 --> 00:28:03,120 Speaker 2: the companies that are part of women trucking to recruit 399 00:28:03,200 --> 00:28:08,280 Speaker 2: women and to continue to build up the resources that 400 00:28:08,320 --> 00:28:14,399 Speaker 2: they have and there workers. But uh yeah, it's uh 401 00:28:15,280 --> 00:28:18,560 Speaker 2: I think everyone's affected it and it feels like everyone 402 00:28:18,680 --> 00:28:21,120 Speaker 2: has been affected equally in that right. 403 00:28:21,640 --> 00:28:24,720 Speaker 1: So how did you know? I mentioned earlier when I 404 00:28:24,720 --> 00:28:27,360 Speaker 1: did the introduction that you you know actually it's where 405 00:28:27,400 --> 00:28:30,640 Speaker 1: I met you years ago when you're running the netleak. 406 00:28:32,000 --> 00:28:33,920 Speaker 1: How did you end up in transportation? 407 00:28:35,640 --> 00:28:39,920 Speaker 2: I've I've been in the association world my entire career 408 00:28:40,280 --> 00:28:46,640 Speaker 2: in Washington, d C. And been working with various different 409 00:28:46,720 --> 00:28:53,640 Speaker 2: associations and other nonprofit organizations and have have just loved it, 410 00:28:53,760 --> 00:28:59,720 Speaker 2: and particularly trade associations because there's focused on policy and 411 00:29:00,040 --> 00:29:04,960 Speaker 2: impact in that way. And I as as I mentioned before, 412 00:29:05,040 --> 00:29:07,880 Speaker 2: you just you just alluded to as well. I worked 413 00:29:07,880 --> 00:29:12,560 Speaker 2: with NIT League and we we had a lot of 414 00:29:13,240 --> 00:29:17,480 Speaker 2: a lot of solid effort on so many different areas 415 00:29:17,520 --> 00:29:20,680 Speaker 2: that are still that the League is still focusing on today, 416 00:29:20,800 --> 00:29:25,520 Speaker 2: particularly in in on the rail side. But the focus 417 00:29:25,520 --> 00:29:28,760 Speaker 2: of the League was rail and is rail, ocean and 418 00:29:29,120 --> 00:29:34,280 Speaker 2: and truking and and I just loved I loved that job. 419 00:29:34,520 --> 00:29:37,000 Speaker 2: I loved working with the people there. I loved the 420 00:29:37,040 --> 00:29:43,000 Speaker 2: issues and and really learned quite a bit about transportation. 421 00:29:43,520 --> 00:29:48,440 Speaker 2: And when this job and then worked there for over 422 00:29:48,640 --> 00:29:51,680 Speaker 2: five years I think six six or so years actually, 423 00:29:53,120 --> 00:29:57,840 Speaker 2: and then went on to work with a few other organizations, 424 00:29:58,040 --> 00:30:01,720 Speaker 2: and then when this job came up, I thought, Wow, 425 00:30:01,760 --> 00:30:04,040 Speaker 2: this is, you know, something I want to be part of, 426 00:30:04,160 --> 00:30:08,960 Speaker 2: a part of. I enjoyed transportation and I thought Ellen 427 00:30:09,240 --> 00:30:15,360 Speaker 2: had built such a good, good organization and wanted the 428 00:30:15,360 --> 00:30:19,880 Speaker 2: opportunity to continue the work that she had been doing 429 00:30:20,440 --> 00:30:22,640 Speaker 2: in the best way that I could. And they picked 430 00:30:22,640 --> 00:30:25,520 Speaker 2: me to do it. And so you know, I've been 431 00:30:25,760 --> 00:30:27,840 Speaker 2: been very grateful for that. I've been here for almost 432 00:30:27,880 --> 00:30:30,640 Speaker 2: three years now, and it's been really one of the 433 00:30:30,640 --> 00:30:35,440 Speaker 2: most it's been challenging and but one of the most 434 00:30:36,600 --> 00:30:38,440 Speaker 2: exciting opportunities in my career. 435 00:30:39,680 --> 00:30:42,640 Speaker 1: And I CEO of Women and Trucking. Where do you 436 00:30:42,680 --> 00:30:47,960 Speaker 1: hope the organization is in long term? Five years? 437 00:30:48,120 --> 00:30:50,880 Speaker 2: I and And isn't that funny? Like long term used 438 00:30:50,920 --> 00:30:52,800 Speaker 2: to be like twenty years and now it's five years. 439 00:30:54,360 --> 00:30:59,240 Speaker 2: And but yeah, absolutely, I think we were continuing to 440 00:30:59,320 --> 00:31:04,600 Speaker 2: do what we do, and you know, we one of 441 00:31:04,640 --> 00:31:08,600 Speaker 2: the things that we focus on is sort of demystifying 442 00:31:08,720 --> 00:31:12,880 Speaker 2: trucking for a number of people, and making sure that 443 00:31:13,080 --> 00:31:16,120 Speaker 2: women are part of the conversation, that women are holding 444 00:31:16,160 --> 00:31:20,720 Speaker 2: these jobs and and that that are being considered. I 445 00:31:21,120 --> 00:31:27,200 Speaker 2: continue to talk to folks who don't consider women as 446 00:31:27,280 --> 00:31:33,240 Speaker 2: viable options for truck drivers or in other roles, and so, 447 00:31:33,600 --> 00:31:36,280 Speaker 2: you know, continue to do work there. We have work 448 00:31:36,360 --> 00:31:42,040 Speaker 2: to do there, you know, I think ultimately and talk 449 00:31:42,120 --> 00:31:44,320 Speaker 2: to Ellen about this, you know, a couple of years ago. 450 00:31:44,520 --> 00:31:48,800 Speaker 2: If if we could, you know, not exist as an 451 00:31:48,880 --> 00:31:52,640 Speaker 2: organization where you don't have to talk about women, you know, 452 00:31:52,720 --> 00:31:55,800 Speaker 2: you're just talking about people and trucking and and not 453 00:31:57,080 --> 00:32:00,640 Speaker 2: having to having to fight, uh to get men into 454 00:32:00,640 --> 00:32:04,960 Speaker 2: the industry, that would certainly be ideal. Yeah, but we 455 00:32:05,080 --> 00:32:10,160 Speaker 2: have so many things that we're excited about and that 456 00:32:10,200 --> 00:32:14,040 Speaker 2: five year trajectory just seems short. But it'll be here 457 00:32:14,080 --> 00:32:14,640 Speaker 2: before we not. 458 00:32:15,960 --> 00:32:18,160 Speaker 1: And if there was one like change you can make 459 00:32:18,200 --> 00:32:21,920 Speaker 1: across the industry tomorrow that would have the biggest impact 460 00:32:22,120 --> 00:32:25,840 Speaker 1: on women in the industry, what would the change that 461 00:32:25,880 --> 00:32:27,800 Speaker 1: you would like to see done? 462 00:32:28,040 --> 00:32:32,920 Speaker 2: I would say, overall, consider women, Okay, I mean I 463 00:32:32,920 --> 00:32:34,080 Speaker 2: don't know how to explain it. 464 00:32:34,160 --> 00:32:36,520 Speaker 3: Any are there that are there that many companies that 465 00:32:36,680 --> 00:32:39,360 Speaker 3: just don't consider there there there. 466 00:32:39,240 --> 00:32:43,239 Speaker 2: Are companies that yeah, I would say that, you know, 467 00:32:44,200 --> 00:32:47,760 Speaker 2: but I would also say that there are women who 468 00:32:47,800 --> 00:32:52,600 Speaker 2: don't consider trucking as a profession at all. And I 469 00:32:52,640 --> 00:32:55,200 Speaker 2: think that that's really changing. You know, you talked about 470 00:32:55,640 --> 00:33:00,600 Speaker 2: colleges and you know, truck driving schools, and I think 471 00:33:00,640 --> 00:33:05,520 Speaker 2: they're doing a great job of bringing the attention to 472 00:33:05,640 --> 00:33:12,920 Speaker 2: the profession and you know, I think we can we'll 473 00:33:12,960 --> 00:33:16,240 Speaker 2: continue to see that rise, which is terrific. 474 00:33:16,680 --> 00:33:19,360 Speaker 1: Well, well, you know, I've seen, you know, the progress 475 00:33:19,440 --> 00:33:22,520 Speaker 1: that that you know, organizations like you have made. You know, 476 00:33:22,600 --> 00:33:25,480 Speaker 1: when I first started covering the space. You know, whether 477 00:33:25,560 --> 00:33:28,320 Speaker 1: I go to an ATA conference, you know, the demographics 478 00:33:28,360 --> 00:33:30,880 Speaker 1: are much different than they were twenty twenty five years ago, 479 00:33:32,040 --> 00:33:33,920 Speaker 1: or you know, if I go to a manifest or 480 00:33:33,960 --> 00:33:37,200 Speaker 1: a freeways conference or an FTR conference, you need to 481 00:33:37,240 --> 00:33:41,800 Speaker 1: see a lot more you know, women involved in transportation 482 00:33:41,920 --> 00:33:45,000 Speaker 1: and a trucking than you definitely did. So I think 483 00:33:45,040 --> 00:33:48,520 Speaker 1: your organization is having a positive impack. So so thank you, 484 00:33:48,680 --> 00:33:51,680 Speaker 1: thank you for that. Thanks Lee, Yeah, my pleasure. You know, 485 00:33:51,920 --> 00:33:55,000 Speaker 1: And I have a random question, So you know at 486 00:33:55,080 --> 00:33:58,080 Speaker 1: your conference, I've been there, everyone dresses in red? Why 487 00:33:58,120 --> 00:33:59,200 Speaker 1: do people dress in red? 488 00:34:00,200 --> 00:34:04,720 Speaker 2: Rock the red is red. The red is a thing 489 00:34:04,760 --> 00:34:08,640 Speaker 2: that we do on on Monday, which is our big 490 00:34:08,719 --> 00:34:15,160 Speaker 2: hiccoff day. Red is a color of empowerment. And yeah, 491 00:34:15,280 --> 00:34:18,359 Speaker 2: so we encourage you to rock the red. And and 492 00:34:18,480 --> 00:34:21,960 Speaker 2: I love it because you know, you tell people to oh, yeah, 493 00:34:22,160 --> 00:34:24,880 Speaker 2: you know, wear this or where that, and and the 494 00:34:24,920 --> 00:34:28,919 Speaker 2: women show up and red. I absolutely love it. And 495 00:34:29,000 --> 00:34:34,480 Speaker 2: it's not just red jackets, it's you know, these extravagant 496 00:34:36,120 --> 00:34:40,479 Speaker 2: outfits and uh, it really is a fun time. 497 00:34:40,760 --> 00:34:43,400 Speaker 1: So and when I when I go down there, I 498 00:34:43,400 --> 00:34:45,920 Speaker 1: can wear my red tuxedo. Have to get it out 499 00:34:45,920 --> 00:34:47,640 Speaker 1: of the dry cleaner. Do it? 500 00:34:47,880 --> 00:34:48,120 Speaker 2: Do it? 501 00:34:48,200 --> 00:34:52,520 Speaker 1: Lea? Do it super look like like the guy guys 502 00:34:52,520 --> 00:34:54,480 Speaker 1: from Dumb and Dumber and a red taxi? 503 00:34:54,920 --> 00:34:58,080 Speaker 2: No, no, no, you'll you'll fit in. You know you'll 504 00:34:58,080 --> 00:34:58,480 Speaker 2: fit in. 505 00:34:58,600 --> 00:35:02,600 Speaker 1: You know, I know, I know, I know and so 506 00:35:03,400 --> 00:35:06,480 Speaker 1: and and I guess you know because you know, you 507 00:35:06,560 --> 00:35:08,920 Speaker 1: talked to so many people. And again it's not just 508 00:35:09,000 --> 00:35:12,480 Speaker 1: about uh, women getting to become drivers. But you know 509 00:35:12,480 --> 00:35:16,239 Speaker 1: what would advice would you give women aspiring to executive 510 00:35:16,320 --> 00:35:19,600 Speaker 1: roles and transportation logistics or trucking One. 511 00:35:19,440 --> 00:35:23,640 Speaker 2: Of one of the things that we do well, I 512 00:35:23,680 --> 00:35:28,640 Speaker 2: think as as an organization, amongst many uh is is 513 00:35:28,760 --> 00:35:31,840 Speaker 2: encouraging women and all of our members, not just women 514 00:35:31,880 --> 00:35:37,799 Speaker 2: but men as well, to get mentors. And you know, 515 00:35:38,000 --> 00:35:43,080 Speaker 2: I don't know about you, but I've just benefited so 516 00:35:43,200 --> 00:35:47,600 Speaker 2: much from mentors over the year, absolutely and across different 517 00:35:48,760 --> 00:35:54,400 Speaker 2: different spheres and platforms and careers. And so we really 518 00:35:54,480 --> 00:35:58,640 Speaker 2: encouraged that. And and I would say anyone at whatever 519 00:35:58,719 --> 00:36:02,960 Speaker 2: stage are in, have a mentor who can ask you 520 00:36:03,000 --> 00:36:07,440 Speaker 2: the tough questions and give you feedback and and that 521 00:36:07,520 --> 00:36:11,279 Speaker 2: kind of thing. Some people are are are in a 522 00:36:11,320 --> 00:36:16,640 Speaker 2: straight line to executive leadership, and some people aren't. And 523 00:36:16,640 --> 00:36:19,160 Speaker 2: and and I think a mentor can tell you that 524 00:36:19,400 --> 00:36:23,239 Speaker 2: I've I know, in my in my career, I've benefited 525 00:36:23,280 --> 00:36:28,760 Speaker 2: from a particular mentor who said, you know, Jennifer, you 526 00:36:28,760 --> 00:36:32,480 Speaker 2: you are doing this, and you you can do this. 527 00:36:33,160 --> 00:36:35,759 Speaker 2: You're doing X, but you can do X plus Y 528 00:36:36,320 --> 00:36:40,439 Speaker 2: and be better and and and I think that kind 529 00:36:40,440 --> 00:36:46,000 Speaker 2: of feedback is incredibly valuable. We offer those programs within 530 00:36:46,440 --> 00:36:50,480 Speaker 2: UH Women and Trucking a mentor match, which is a 531 00:36:51,080 --> 00:36:57,200 Speaker 2: connection amongst UH members, which is terrific. But I would 532 00:36:57,239 --> 00:36:59,640 Speaker 2: really encourage that you know, it's you're not going to 533 00:36:59,640 --> 00:37:04,120 Speaker 2: get there on your own, and absolutely work with people 534 00:37:04,120 --> 00:37:06,600 Speaker 2: who've been there before you and can help you get 535 00:37:06,760 --> 00:37:07,560 Speaker 2: stronger and better. 536 00:37:07,719 --> 00:37:10,279 Speaker 1: Yeah, and like outside of you know, the programs that 537 00:37:10,320 --> 00:37:13,360 Speaker 1: you have, like you mentioned mentor match, I mean, you know, 538 00:37:13,400 --> 00:37:15,000 Speaker 1: if you're if you go to a conference and hear 539 00:37:15,040 --> 00:37:17,400 Speaker 1: somebody speak and they inspire, you should reach out to 540 00:37:17,480 --> 00:37:19,600 Speaker 1: them on LinkedIn and ask them to be your mentor 541 00:37:19,800 --> 00:37:22,000 Speaker 1: they can, they can, they can ignore you or say no, 542 00:37:22,200 --> 00:37:24,320 Speaker 1: and you never know they might say yes. 543 00:37:26,000 --> 00:37:30,120 Speaker 2: Yeah, absolutely, you're absolutely right, absolutely, yes. 544 00:37:30,239 --> 00:37:32,520 Speaker 1: Yeah, So you just you just never you never know 545 00:37:32,600 --> 00:37:34,759 Speaker 1: who who will respond to you and who's who's in 546 00:37:34,800 --> 00:37:37,600 Speaker 1: a giving mood. And some people like to pay it forward, 547 00:37:37,680 --> 00:37:40,920 Speaker 1: so agree people. So I guess you know, I like 548 00:37:40,960 --> 00:37:43,640 Speaker 1: to ask this question of all my guests. Is there 549 00:37:44,280 --> 00:37:46,359 Speaker 1: a book that you have that you've read, either what's 550 00:37:46,400 --> 00:37:48,839 Speaker 1: on transportation or leadership that's kind of close to your heart. 551 00:37:49,719 --> 00:37:53,040 Speaker 2: Well, I I've got a couple of things that I'm 552 00:37:53,080 --> 00:37:58,680 Speaker 2: reading right now. I I've just finished. I would be 553 00:37:58,719 --> 00:38:04,320 Speaker 2: remiss not to men. Our founder Ellen Voya has written 554 00:38:04,320 --> 00:38:08,600 Speaker 2: a book From Dispatcher to Disruptor about her journey and trucking, 555 00:38:08,920 --> 00:38:13,480 Speaker 2: and that's been informative to me. You know, I've had 556 00:38:13,520 --> 00:38:18,360 Speaker 2: the benefit of of working with Ellen, but it's always 557 00:38:19,040 --> 00:38:22,239 Speaker 2: intriguing and interesting to hear someone's journey. And I love 558 00:38:22,280 --> 00:38:26,319 Speaker 2: those kinds of books where you you know, understand where 559 00:38:26,360 --> 00:38:30,719 Speaker 2: something came from and and how how it got there 560 00:38:30,920 --> 00:38:37,200 Speaker 2: and so so that's been informative to me, not just 561 00:38:37,280 --> 00:38:39,799 Speaker 2: as somebody who's interested in that kind of thing and 562 00:38:40,680 --> 00:38:44,680 Speaker 2: interested in transportation, but in my own journey at women 563 00:38:44,680 --> 00:38:48,359 Speaker 2: and trekking, so certainly want to flag that. And then 564 00:38:49,120 --> 00:38:51,839 Speaker 2: I had a this is a little a little bit 565 00:38:52,640 --> 00:38:57,040 Speaker 2: less on topic, but I recently was at a conference 566 00:38:57,080 --> 00:39:02,480 Speaker 2: where I heard a woman name Havin Germa speak and 567 00:39:04,120 --> 00:39:08,800 Speaker 2: she is a woman who is deaf and blind, and 568 00:39:09,719 --> 00:39:15,520 Speaker 2: she shared her journey of her life as a person 569 00:39:15,600 --> 00:39:18,040 Speaker 2: in the world, as a person who is deaf and 570 00:39:18,160 --> 00:39:21,240 Speaker 2: blind in the world. She went to Harvard Law School, 571 00:39:22,160 --> 00:39:26,600 Speaker 2: she's been advocating and graduated, and she's been advocating on 572 00:39:28,560 --> 00:39:32,400 Speaker 2: for a number of different populations over her career. She's 573 00:39:32,440 --> 00:39:36,560 Speaker 2: in her I think she's early forties, but had an 574 00:39:36,600 --> 00:39:43,120 Speaker 2: opportunity to listen to her presentation and am reading her 575 00:39:43,120 --> 00:39:46,799 Speaker 2: book now about her journey and it's about adversity and 576 00:39:47,360 --> 00:39:51,160 Speaker 2: how to overcome that. And I've found it very compelling 577 00:39:51,200 --> 00:39:57,239 Speaker 2: as a leader and certainly helpful as we determine how 578 00:39:57,280 --> 00:40:00,600 Speaker 2: we communicate with all audiences. I think she has a 579 00:40:00,680 --> 00:40:04,120 Speaker 2: very unique and remarkable story and of success. 580 00:40:04,480 --> 00:40:06,759 Speaker 1: And you know we mentioned we mentioned Ellen a couple 581 00:40:06,760 --> 00:40:08,800 Speaker 1: of times. Is she still involved at Women Are Trucking? 582 00:40:09,080 --> 00:40:14,319 Speaker 2: She continues to We have a Women and Trucking has 583 00:40:14,360 --> 00:40:19,600 Speaker 2: a radio show, okay and on the Serious Network and 584 00:40:19,760 --> 00:40:23,920 Speaker 2: Ellen hosts that. So yeah, she continues to be involved 585 00:40:23,920 --> 00:40:24,359 Speaker 2: in that way. 586 00:40:24,640 --> 00:40:27,399 Speaker 1: Very cool, very cool. All right, Well that we're coming 587 00:40:27,480 --> 00:40:29,560 Speaker 1: up on the end of our time, Jennifer, I really 588 00:40:29,560 --> 00:40:31,320 Speaker 1: want to thank you for your timing insights today and 589 00:40:31,360 --> 00:40:32,960 Speaker 1: I look forward to seeing a Dallas in a couple 590 00:40:32,960 --> 00:40:33,279 Speaker 1: of weeks. 591 00:40:33,400 --> 00:40:38,360 Speaker 2: Yeah, thanks Lee, Thanks for being a continuing speaker. We 592 00:40:38,520 --> 00:40:39,359 Speaker 2: love that about you. 593 00:40:39,520 --> 00:40:43,680 Speaker 1: Thank you my pleasure. It's one of my favorite conferences 594 00:40:43,680 --> 00:40:46,120 Speaker 1: to do. Awesome. Thanks, and I also want to thank 595 00:40:46,160 --> 00:40:48,080 Speaker 1: you for tuning in. If you'd like the episode, please 596 00:40:48,120 --> 00:40:50,680 Speaker 1: subscribe and leave a review. We've lined up a number 597 00:40:50,719 --> 00:40:52,680 Speaker 1: of great guests for the podcast, so please check back 598 00:40:52,719 --> 00:40:56,640 Speaker 1: to your conversations with c sweet executives, shippers, regulators and 599 00:40:56,680 --> 00:40:59,359 Speaker 1: decision makers within the freight markets. Also, if you want 600 00:40:59,360 --> 00:41:01,719 Speaker 1: to learn more about free transportation markets, check out our 601 00:41:01,760 --> 00:41:04,040 Speaker 1: work on the Bloomberg Terminal, at bi go and on 602 00:41:04,080 --> 00:41:06,799 Speaker 1: social media. This is Lee Glasgow signing off. Thanks for 603 00:41:06,840 --> 00:41:08,839 Speaker 1: talking transports with me. Talk to you next week.