Allison Hughes’ career at the Bennett Family of Companies is a story of rapid adaptation and success. A graduate of the Truckload Carriers Association’s 2024 Elevate Young Leadership class, Hughes joined the company six years ago with no prior experience in trucking or logistics. Today, she plays a pivotal role as the contractor relations manager in the retention department, a position that allows her to make a tangible impact every day.
“We call our department the one-stop shop. We’re an owner-operator based company, and my department deals with anything and everything that we can do to keep our contractors leased onto us,” she said. “We are an agent-based company as well, and we really have to target specific agents and customers to keep our guys moving.”
Building Connections in a Changing Industry
One of Hughes’ strengths lies in building relationships and understanding the needs of Bennett’s fleet of owner-operators. She notes that the trucking industry is evolving, especially with younger generations of truckers.
“That’s probably the biggest thing; this new generation of truckers, a lot of them, want to be home more. They want to do more regional freight versus the typical model of over the road,” she said. “Even though we are predominantly an over-the road-company, we are trying to target more regional work.”
Data-Driven Leadership
Hughes’ role also extends beyond relationships. She’s deeply involved in the analytical side of operations, tracking key metrics that guide her department.
“I handle all the turnover numbers, revenue numbers, that kind of stuff,” she said. “It’s a very analytical position — just trying to figure out kind of where our shortcomings are and what we can do to improve to keep these guys leased on.”
A Nontraditional Path to Logistics Expertise
Hughes didn’t always envision herself in logistics. Originally from Indiana, she graduated from Ball State University with a degree in criminology. Uncertain about her next steps, she took a friend’s suggestion to join Bennett and embarked on a career path she never imagined.
Starting out in the safety department, she quickly adapted to the world of trucking. Her next role, as a claims adjuster within Bennett’s self-insurance program, offered her first in-depth look at the industry’s complexities.
“Bennett is so diverse! We’ve got about 12 different operating companies,” she said. “We’ve got crane and rigging, we’re in the oil fields, we’ve got heavy haul. We haul all sorts of different commodities.
“That was the biggest learning curve for me — just learning all of these different entities and how they function, and what they mean, and what they do, and how that all culminates,” she continued. “But I also think that’s why we are so unique; we have such a large footprint, and we do so much.”
Growing as a Leader
Hughes stepped into her current role as contractor relations manager three and a half years ago, just as major life changes were happening.
“I found out I was pregnant with my first child right when I took on this role,” she recalls. “It was a significant adjustment, and I was determined to give my all—to my job and to being a mom. Taking on leadership responsibilities while navigating these changes pushed me to grow.”
Learning to manage people and gain confidence in addressing upper management were some of the challenges Hughes faced early on.
“The most difficult part was finding my confidence, learning how to interact with upper management and senior level positions,” she said.
A Respect for the Industry
Through her experiences, Hughes developed a deep appreciation for the logistics industry and the truckers who make it all possible.
“Every day in logistics is different. New challenges, new environments — that’s what I enjoy most about my job,” she says. “And the truckers? What they do is absolutely remarkable. They don’t just drive; they have to know so much—about their trucks, the law, the rules of the road, and their loads. The general public really has no idea how demanding it is.”
Despite starting her career with no logistics background, Hughes has not only thrived but become a key figure at Bennett Family of Companies. Her openness to learn, adapt, and lead has propelled her success in a constantly evolving industry.
“I never thought I would be in the logistics industry,” she said. “Growing up, I always heard the typical stigma of logistics and truckers and the trucking industry as a whole. I had no idea what all that encompasses and what all goes into it.
From her beginnings in the safety department to her leadership role today, Allison Hughes’ story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the kind of determination that drives success in the logistics industry.
