7 Women in Freight You Should Know

This past Saturday, we celebrated International Women's Day, and today, we're showcasing seven inspirational women in freight as they share the lessons and experiences that have shaped their journeys.

Breaking Barriers

With only 12% of roles in freight being occupied by women, it should come as no surprise that it's one of the most male-dominated industries in the world.

This imbalance isn't just unfair– it also holds back innovation, economic growth, and service quality. A report from earlier this year highlights that employing more women in freight will lead to greener, safer, and more efficient transport systems.

Structural barriers, such as the United States offering women an average of only ten weeks maternity leave, certainly discourage many from joining the industry. Challenging customer expectations, constant fluctuations of regulations and spending weeks away from home are just some of the other cons of working in freight.

Thankfully, things are changing, with the rise of various organizations, like the Women in Transport Network, which provide mentorship, training, and job opportunities, encouraging more women to join the industry.

If you’ve worked in logistics for even a day, you’ve probably noticed that patience, empathy, and excellent communication are some of the most important soft skills needed to succeed in this line of business.

But it isn't just about skills– diversity in perspectives and leadership styles also benefits the industry.

Industry Trailblazers

We can’t talk about women in trucking without mentioning icons such as Luella Bates, the first woman to become a licensed truck driver in the 1900s, or Edwina Justus, the first Black female locomotive engineer in the United States. In 1881, a female inventor by the name of Mary Walton accomplished something that not even Thomas Edison was able to do– reduce air and noise pollution on railroads.

These are just some of the women who paved the way for the next generations that continue to change the landscape today. From brokerage owners and CEOs to founders, presidents, and directors, the women we spoke to are trailblazers in their own way. They share their industry stories, lessons they've learned, and best tips on growing a business.

Kara Smith Brown, Founder & CRO of LeadCoverage

Kara's insight gives us crucial tips that teach you the importance of business strategy.

"There are three ways to make money in freight:

1. Acquire new logos (this is the hardest)

2. Keep your current customers

3. Cross-sell and up-sell your current customers.

To earn a seat at the leadership table, show that you have a well-developed, smart, and intentional point of view based on the unit economics of the business on how to do one or more of these three. Spoiler Alert: in 2025, your point of view should include intent data."

Kameel E. Gaines, Founder & CEO, Director of Recruitment at Rig On Wheels Brokerage & Recruitment Services

Kameel's story shows the importance of giving opportunities and serves as a reminder to all that the people behind the wheel are the ones that keep the industry moving.

"I’ll never forget the story of a driver who reached out to me during one of the most challenging times in his life. After being laid off when his company lost a significant account, he found himself homeless and struggling to secure a new opportunity. To make matters worse, his driving record had a few negative marks, further limiting his options. What stood out to me, though, was his determination. He didn’t have his phone or internet access, but he used the phone and Wi-Fi at a truck stop where he had worked several years prior.

Through our conversations, I connected him with a trucking company that recognized his potential and valued his persistence. That placement wasn’t just a new job but a fresh start. He later shared, “This isn’t just a paycheck; it’s a second chance to rebuild my life.” This story powerfully reminds us that recruitment is about so much more than filling roles. It’s about seeing people for who they are, understanding their unique journeys, and helping them find opportunities that can change their lives."

Samantha Jones, Owner of Samantha Jones Consulting

Samantha sheds light on the fact that there is no universal solution to work-life balance and that one should figure out what works best to simultaneously maintain your health and be successful.

"We’re constantly bombarded by mixed messages—some people swear by “working smarter, not harder,” while others glorify sleepless nights and obsessive hustle. So which is it? Work-life balance or hustle culture?

Here’s the truth: there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your season of life will dictate what’s right for you."

Kristy Knichel, CEO / President & Owner at Knichel Logistics

Kristy shares her insights on self-advocacy and the power of speaking up for yourself.

"Throughout my career, I've encountered moments where I felt undervalued and overlooked because of my gender and lack of higher education. 11 years ago, my company faced a crisis due to the wrong hire for an executive leadership position that nearly ruined Knichel Logistics.

This inner dialogue I had constructed had prevented me from taking action sooner than I should have. Had I advocated my position to remove this person more strongly when the issues started arising and not let my inner self-consciousness take over, perhaps we could have avoided some of the hardships we were soon to face – those being significant layoffs, loss of revenue, and depleted morale.

My biggest piece of advice now and always will be to stand up for yourself, your ideas and beliefs, regardless of any person or external factors weighing you down."

Charlie Saffro, CEO / Founder & Owner, of CS Recruiting 

Charlie talks about the most powerful tool of all: empathy.

"As a female leader in a male-dominated industry, I've discovered that one of the most powerful tools we can bring to the table is EMPATHY. It is often dismissed as a "soft skill" but I believe it's one of the most powerful qualities a leader can demonstrate.

Next time you're in a conversation, step back and view it from alternate perspectives. Even if you don't agree with their stance, showing that you understand their rationale builds trust and reinforces you're on the same team."

Kary Jablonski, CEO of Trucker Tools

Kary shares her thoughts on authenticity and the impact it can have on your life.

 "Authenticity is a superpower. Lean into who you are, what you care about, and your personal quirks. The more you can lead from a place of authenticity, the more effective and inspiring you will be."

Ellen Schwartz, Founder of Ellevate Financial Services

Ellen's perspective highlights the importance of working with companies that prioritize ethical practices.

"As a woman in freight, one of the most important focuses of my career has been to work with influential and ethical companies. Whose emphasis has been to support the success of women in freight.

Working with companies who understand that the health of their business depends on the strength of its team members is an essential element of success. Identifying organizations that I strongly align with and that openly practice ethical and precision focused methodologies has been key to my growth in this industry.

The gratification of working in freight has come from the ability to frequently use my talent to pivot quickly, tackle the details, the “What Ifs”, and jump into new projects with head first. Understanding what it takes to be continuously motivated, highly efficient, and creating near flawless procedures has been a challenging and rewarding journey. I am excited and look forward to the road ahead in my new venture, Ellevate Financial!"

Even though we're miles from where we started, there's still much work to be done. Encouraging more women to pursue careers in freight is one thing, but what we should focus on today, is creating programs and targeted social media recruitment campaigns supporting them with scholarships and mentorship programs.