With nearly a decade in the transportation and logistics sector, Petrie exemplifies a career built on deliberate growth, bold decisions, and a deeply human-centered approach to leadership.

A Unique Path to Logistics

Petrie’s first step into her career was far removed from logistics. She began at Harley Davidson, working in the luxury recreational industry. However, a deeper connection to the world of transportation grew through a graduate school internship with XTRA Lease. That experience marked a turning point, leading her to a full-time role in Missouri, focusing on talent strategy for a company operating an impressive 90,000-trailer fleet across more than 50 locations.

Petrie rose from Talent Manager to HR Director during her seven years there. She honed her strategic skills, deepened her understanding of the supply chain, and prepared herself for even greater responsibilities. By the time she joined American Expediting Logistics, she was ready to make an impact. Starting as Senior Director, she has since grown into her role as Head of HR, shaping a workplace culture centered on compassion, transparency, and strategic foresight.

Passion for a Greater Purpose

For Petrie, the work isn’t just about logistics or operations; it’s about the sector’s indispensable role in everyday life. “The supply chain is the unseen force that powers our world,” she shares. “Knowing that my work has a direct impact on the economy and on people’s lives keeps me motivated.”

Her ability to turn purpose into action has yielded impressive results. Under her leadership, her teams have secured various recognitions, including the 2024 Women in Trucking “Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation” award. Other achievements include awards for Total Rewards (2023) and Talent Development (2024) from Delaware Valley HR Excellence, reflecting Petrie’s dedication to innovative and employee-centric practices.

Resilience That Defines Success

Petrie’s career is a masterclass in resilience. Early on, she moved her family from Wisconsin to Missouri to pursue an opportunity in logistics. It was a daunting leap but one that shaped her future. “That decision required personal sacrifice,” she recalls. “But it proved to be one of the most rewarding risks I’ve ever taken.”

Mentorship, too, played a pivotal role along her path. Influential figures like Steve Bishara, Kim Berriman, and Dr. Joel Nadler helped refine her leadership style, encouraging her to think strategically and act purposefully.

A Vision for Leadership in HR

Petrie’s professional goals are as expansive as they are inspiring. Over the next year, she plans to deepen her strategic contributions at American Expediting Logistics. Looking further ahead, she envisions scaling her leadership to a larger organization while maintaining her commitment to fostering an inclusive, people-first work culture.

Her advice to women entering the logistics space is empowering and direct. “Don’t be afraid to aim high. This industry needs your ambition, perspective, and voice.” And for professionals seeking career wisdom, “Be a business partner first. Understand your area but never lose sight of the broader business goals.”

Life Beyond the Workplace

Outside of her professional life, Petrie wears many hats. A mom of four, she balances HR leadership with family life and personal interests. She stays active as a fitness enthusiast, finds joy in exploring new recipes, and fills her home with music spanning the ’70s to ’90s. Raised on a dairy farm, she cherishes family adventures and the simple magic of seeing life through her children’s eyes. “Seeing the world through my kids’ eyes is so magical,” she says.

When she’s not shaping workplace culture or spending time with family, you might find her binge-watching Navy SEALs.

HR as a Catalyst for Change

For Petrie, human resources is more than just a function within a company. It’s about driving meaningful change. “I’m passionate about building inclusive, people-focused workplaces that drive business results,” she explains. That mission has become her north star as she continues to reshape the logistics and transportation industry from within.

Petrie’s story is a remarkable example of intentional leadership, resilience, and purpose. With leaders like her, the trucking and logistics sector isn’t just moving goods; it’s creating change.

Source: Women In Trucking

The post Purpose-Driven Leadership in Logistics and Transportation appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In this episode of She Drives on Radio Nemo, Kaitlyn Cambria, Recruitment Marketing Manager at NFI Industries, shared insights into her work fostering an inclusive environment for women in trucking. As a proud dog owner of a two-year-old German Shepherd named Basil, Kaitlyn’s personal stories add a unique touch to her professional mission at NFI. But her focus on creating a safe, supportive community for drivers is what truly sets NFI apart.

Building a Culture of Safety for Women Drivers at NFI

Kaitlyn emphasized NFI’s dedication to safety, explaining how the company works diligently to ensure that women drivers feel secure on the road. The approach goes beyond standard measures, offering 24/7 dispatch support for drivers and ensuring they have the tools to navigate each route with peace of mind.

For example, Kaitlyn shared a story about an NFI driver on a route who needed to stop and use the restroom. She was able to stay on the phone with her dispatcher until she was safely inside. It’s these small but impactful gestures that help women drivers feel protected and supported, knowing they are part of a team that truly cares.

Listening and Adapting: NFI’s Recruitment Strategy

As part of their commitment to supporting women, NFI also has an initiative with a focus group of women drivers from the East Coast, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. This group meets regularly to discuss issues specific to women in trucking and provides valuable feedback on how to improve the driving experience at NFI. Kaitlyn explained that this focus group is “a wide variety of women between, you know, being with the company for a short period of time or a long period of time… they are feeling that their ideas are coming into play, and their company is listening.”

This feedback loop is crucial for fostering a community where women drivers feel heard and valued, and their ideas are actively contributing to company policies.

Kaitlyn also explained that NFI relies heavily on feedback from current drivers to guide its recruitment efforts and policies. According to her, listening to the experiences of existing drivers is a key part of attracting new talent. She stated, “The one thing that I do and what my team does is listen to current drivers that we have… that’s what we can put in the forefront between our marketing, making sure we have the correct stories that will resonate with other females.”

A Commitment to Women in Trucking

Through its commitment to listening to female drivers and creating a supportive environment, NFI is setting a new standard for women in the trucking industry. By prioritizing both recruitment and retention, NFI aims to continue fostering a sense of community and safety for women drivers.

For more information about career opportunities with NFI, visit drivennfi.com and be sure to tune into Kaitlyn’s episode here.

The post Creating a Community for Women in Trucking: Kaitlyn Cambria Shares NFI’s Vision on She Drives appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This Year’s Honorees Include:

• Jessie King, a dedicated driver at FedEx Freight, is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to educating, supporting, and empowering employees, assisting them in achieving career success.

• Atlas World Group has been acknowledged for the creation of a state-of-the-art DEI training program, which ensures that all employees receive impactful and pertinent education.

• Ceramex North America was recognized for initiating multiple programs that promote employee engagement and inclusivity, encompassing wellness initiatives, open communication pathways, and leadership development opportunities.

“The trucking industry is a vibrant source of quality careers for Americans from all walks of life. It is a place where individuals can find acceptance, belonging and personal fulfillment, serving as the glue that keeps America together. ATA believes that diversity has been a key factor in the industry’s past and present success,” said ATA COO Sarah Rajtik. “The purpose of the ATA Change Leader Award is to recognize ATA members who are committed to fostering a culture of acceptance and belonging for their employees.”

Nominations for the ATA Change Leader Award were evaluated based on their proficiency in creating inclusive programs, enhancing current initiatives, and measuring and establishing standards for a successful culture of acceptance, the ATA stated. The awards were distributed during the annual Management Conference and Exhibition held in Nashville.

Previous recipients of the ATA Change Leader Award include notable organizations such as Believers Trucking, Cargo Transporters Inc., Covenant Logistics, Garner Trucking Inc., Knight-Swift Transportation, Kodiak Robotics, Pilot Flying J, Werner Enterprises Inc., Cummins Inc., FedEx Ground, Locomation, Trimac Transportation, and U.S. Xpress.

Source: Truckers News

The post Professional Truck Driver Among the Honored at ATA’s 2024 Change Leader Awards appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.