Sponsored by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) and Truckstop, the DWLA is a tribute to the impact women have had on logistics, fostering innovation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence.

Meet the 2025 DWLA Finalists

Martha Payne

Martha Payne, a prominent transportation attorney with Benesch Attorneys at Law, represents North America’s leading transportation and logistics providers. Her expertise encompasses risk analysis, contract negotiation, and supply chain management.

Notably, Payne has specialized in cargo liability and legal risk management, collaborating with U.S. carriers and serving on the Sub-Committee on Uniform Liability Regime of the National Law Center for Inter-American Free Trade. Honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Transportation Lawyers Association, Payne also actively serves on the board of Fields of Peace, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering global peace through leadership initiatives for children.

Peggy Mecca

Peggy Mecca, the President and CEO of Mecca and Son Trucking, has spent 55 years transforming her company from a regional trucking service into a global logistics powerhouse. Her firm now excels in specialized freight, port drayage, and commodities requiring sophisticated handling.

Mecca’s dedication to employee well-being and growth has driven her leadership through economic downturns, natural disasters, and a pandemic. A Certified Women’s Business Enterprise, she is recognized for her influence on operational reforms within the NY/NJ port system through her work with the Bi-State Motor Carriers Association and her collaborations with federal agencies, including the Federal Maritime Commission. She also leads initiatives under the New Jersey Business and Industry Association’s (NJBIA) Women Business Leaders Council.

Sharon Johnson

Sharon Johnson, Chief Legal Officer for MODE Global, oversees legal and compliance affairs for the multinational logistics company. Recognized as Compliance Innovator of the Year by Compliance Week and the Outstanding General Counsel by D CEO magazine in 2024, Johnson has pushed the boundaries of compliance excellence.

Under her leadership, MODE’s compliance programs have achieved the Navex Excellence in Ethics and Compliance Award for two consecutive years. Johnson serves on the Texas A&M School of Law Alumni Board while spearheading initiatives, such as TIA’s Fraud Task Force. Her collaboration with TCU students focuses on improving fraud detection, data visualization, and carrier vetting processes.

The Judging Panel

The 2025 DWLA finalists were selected by a team of industry-expert judges, including:

• Brent Hutto – Senior Advisor, Truckstop

• Chris Burroughs – President and CEO, TIA

• Dr. Stephanie S. Ivey – Director, Southeast Transportation Workforce Center, University of Memphis

• Jennifer Hedrick – President and CEO, WIT

• Sarah Ruffcorn – President, Trinity Logistics and 2024 DWLA recipient

Award Ceremony Details

The winner of the 2025 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award will be announced on April 10 during the TIA Capital Ideas Conference and Exhibition, hosted in San Antonio, Texas.

“These women have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing the logistics and transportation industry, leaving a lasting impact on their organizations and communities,” WIT said.

Recognizing these remarkable individuals underscores the growing influence of women in logistics and reflects the progress toward a more inclusive industry. Stay tuned for updates on the award ceremony and the incredible stories these women continue to create!

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: (WIT) Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award: The 2025 finalists include, from left, Peggy Mecca, Martha Payne and Sharon Johnson

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Legal Obligations

In the U.S., the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that truck drivers must secure their cargo before commencing a trip. According to FMCSA Rule 393.100, drivers are required to make sure that their loads are adequately secured to prevent them from shifting or falling, which could create road hazards. Regular checks during transit are also necessary to keep cargo secure.

Drivers cannot solely depend on others, such as shippers or loaders; they must take personal accountability for ensuring everything is securely fastened before hitting the road.

Safety Concerns

Securing a load is not just a matter of compliance, but a vital safety practice. Improperly fastened loads can lead to dangerous incidents like rollovers or debris falling onto the road. If an unsecured load results in an accident, both the driver and their employer may face legal action, including fines or lawsuits.

In cases where a load shifts and causes a truck to overturn, investigations often show that the driver didn’t perform sufficient safety checks. This can lead to legal issues, insurance problems, and potential job loss for the driver.

Training and Best Practices

To secure their CDL, truck drivers must be trained in load securing methods. Key practices include:

• Pre-trip inspections: Verify that all cargo is properly secured before departure.

• Regular monitoring: Recheck the load at rest stops to ensure it hasn’t moved.

• Appropriate equipment: Use safety-approved tie-downs, straps, and chains suited for the cargo type.

Role of Employers and Shippers

While drivers are chiefly responsible, shippers and employers also contribute to load security. Shippers may be required to load cargo safely, but drivers must still verify its security.

A driver’s failure to inspect a load, even if handled by a shipper, doesn’t free them from responsibility. Effective collaboration between drivers and shippers is essential for ensuring road safety.

Truck drivers are fundamentally responsible for securing cargo. This is a legal requirement, and neglecting this duty can have grave repercussions for everyone involved. Regular inspections, comprehensive training, and open communication with shippers are vital for maintaining secure cargo transport.

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