What really happened with Convoy? How did Silicon Valley get freight brokerage so wrong? We got the answers from the ultimate insider: Bill Driegert, Co-Founder of Uber Freight and now EVP of Convoy Platform at DAT Freight & Analytics.
Plus: A Florida trucker charged in a fatal illegal U-turn crash, C.H. Robinson earns back its S&P upgrade, truck OEMs ditch the clean truck pact, and more.
The Clean Truck Partnership (CTP), once seen as a stepping stone in aligning truck manufacturers with California’s zero-emission goals, has suffered another setback after a week of major legal and regulatory developments.
Celebrating women's strides in the freight industry, from pioneers like first trucking company owner Lillie Drennan to today's leaders.
International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. We're highlighting the role of women in the traditionally male-dominated industry of freight.
Adriana Pulley
The freight industry is one of the most male-dominated sectors globally, with approximately 92-94% of roles traditionally occupied by men. However, recent trends indicate a shift. According to the 2023 Women in Trucking Association (WIT) index, there is a growing presence of women in various roles: C-Suite executive roles held by women: 31.6%. Company Leadership positions: 36.9%. HR & Talent Management: Predominantly women at 74.6%. Dispatcher roles: 43.5%. Professional female drivers with a Class A license: Increased to 12.1% in 2023 from 7.9% in 2018.
We're taking a look back to honor the female figures who have blazed trails in our sector.
Luella Bates stood out in the 1920s as the first female truck driver, breaking gender barriers in the freight industry. She became a celebrated figure for safely driving a 3-ton truck nationwide, promoting the viability of women in freight during an era when their roles were heavily restricted. Her legacy paved the way for future generations of women in transportation.
Lillie Elizabeth Drennan holds the distinction of being the first licensed female truck driver in Texas and the whole of the United States. In 1929, after her divorce, Drennan became the sole owner of Drennan Truck Line. She managed her company for almost 24 years, during which she maintained an exemplary safety record, received numerous safety awards, and gained recognition for her dynamic personality and strict yet effective management style.
Edwina "Curlie" Justus trailblazed as Union Pacific Railroad's first African American woman locomotive engineer. Overcoming the rejections due to her race and gender, she rose from a Traction Motor Clerk to an esteemed engineer in 1976. Despite facing intense discrimination, including a cross burning on her lawn, she courageously led locomotive operations in Nebraska, skillfully transporting essential goods and exemplifying resilience in the face of adversity.
Over the past year, our FreightCaviar Podcast has been privileged to host a series of remarkable women, each a testament to the diverse and dynamic roles women play in our industry.
These leaders, hailing from various segments of logistics and transportation, have shared insights from navigating supply chain complexities to spearheading sustainability initiatives. You can check out some of these interviews below.
Aurora’s fully autonomous semis now haul cargo between Dallas and Houston WITHOUT a safety driver, the first in U.S. trucking.
With only 12% of freight roles held by women, the industry remains one of the most male-dominated fields out there, but that’s changing fast. Meet seven women redefining freight leadership as they share their best career advice, from customer retention tips to standing your ground in leadership.
The Emergence of the Freight Broker Industry It’s not uncommon for people to be unaware of the freight broker
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