Building a Career in Logistics

Russell’s professional journey began shortly after college, when a friend encouraged her to join C.H. Robinson’s Chicago Central office. The move introduced her to an industry that quickly felt like home.

“I immediately loved the energy, problem-solving, and creativity it took to succeed in the logistics industry,” she said.

That early passion became the foundation of a career spanning multiple facets of logistics. Over the years, Russell has contributed to human resources, recruiting, training, operations, marketing, and even event planning.

“It has been extremely rewarding to use my background to support agents and build strong teams, especially within smaller, growing companies,” Russell said.

A Front-Row Seat to Growth

One of the defining chapters of her career came at Armstrong Transport Group. When Russell joined, the company was a modest operation of 15 employees generating $75 million in revenue. By the time she left, Armstrong had grown into a billion-dollar business. That transformation showed her firsthand what was possible with the right strategy and leadership.

Leading at Select Transport Partners

In June 2024, Select Transport Partners opened its doors. A few months later, Russell joined co-founders Chris Cobb and Tom Milosavljevich as a partner, bringing her expertise to the startup brokerage.

“The excitement of building something from the ground up and creating a place where agents and employees feel supported and valued is what keeps me pushing forward,” she said.

Her long-term vision is for Select to be known as the premier brokerage for independent agents, backed by strong recruiting, training, and support systems. She also hopes to shape the company into a workplace where people feel valued and connected to its mission.

Mentorship and Inspiration

Throughout her career, Russell credits her mentors for influencing how she approaches leadership. She recalls the guidance of Brian Mann, former CEO of Armstrong, as pivotal.

“He encouraged me to take on new projects and gave me the freedom to approach them in my own way. His collaboration, creativity, and leadership were invaluable to my development,” she said.

Advice for Women in the Industry

While trucking and logistics are evolving, Russell acknowledges the industry still has strides to make in gender representation. Her message to women entering the field is clear:

“While the industry has changed a lot over the last 25 years, you may still find yourself as the only woman in the room. Don’t be afraid to speak up; you bring a different perspective, and your voice should be heard.”

Looking Ahead

As Russell helps shape the future of Select Transport Partners, her goals remain focused on growth, support, and opportunity. WIT’s recognition of her as Member of the Month highlights her commitment not only to her company but also to fostering change across logistics.

Sources: Lauren Russell, Women In Trucking

The post Women In Trucking Names Lauren Russell Member of the Month for September 2025 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Discovering a Career Beyond Expectations

Alyssa’s path to becoming a mechanic was not a direct one. After graduating high school, unsure of her next steps, she decided to enroll in a vocational school. Her stepfather, a CNC machinist, served as part of her inspiration to take that leap.

Looking for opportunities to grow, Alyssa selected courses in the following areas:

• CNC machining

• Welding

• Diesel mechanics

Surprisingly, diesel mechanics wasn’t her first choice—it was her third. When she received confirmation of her acceptance into the diesel mechanic program, she entered with no prior knowledge or background in the field. She didn’t know anything about mechanics. The closest she’d come was watching her stepfather change the oil in a car.

The challenges didn’t stop there. Alyssa was the only woman in her program—a fact that could have been isolating. Fortunately, her classmates created an inclusive environment, providing support, answering her questions, and helping her thrive. Soon, what began as uncharted waters evolved into a genuine passion.

Entering the Workforce

After graduating, Alyssa faced a critical decision. Though she had the training and knowledge to begin her career, she hesitated, feeling unsure about breaking into an industry with so few women mechanics.

“I felt like I didn’t have a chance in this industry,” said Briggs. “I wasn’t sure who would give a woman a chance, and it took a little more than a year of considering my options and a whole bunch of pep talks with my husband who finally convinced me to give it a try.”

Her search led her to XPO—a company that stood out due to its competitive pay, employee benefits, and flexible time-off policies. Despite her concerns, Alyssa took the leap and applied.

During the interview process, Alyssa voiced her concerns about whether the company had experience hiring women mechanics. Her interviewer reassured her, saying, “We actually have two other great women mechanics here.” This response gave Alyssa the encouragement she needed to move forward.

Shortly after, Alyssa officially joined XPO, marking the beginning of a successful career trajectory. “The amount of support and respect I’ve received here is unmatched,” she stated.

Breaking Barriers and Leading the Way

Since joining XPO, Alyssa has continued to grow her skills through on-the-job experiences, tackling challenges with unwavering determination. One of her most significant milestones came in November 2024 when she competed in XPO’s MasterTech competition—a prestigious event where the company’s top mechanics demonstrate their expertise through a series of demanding assessments.

To qualify, entrants had to undergo a rigorous selection process, including an entrance exam, interview, and a comprehensive evaluation of their work. Alyssa earned her spot and traveled to Orlando, Florida, to compete. The competition tested participant skills across 27 stations, covering everything from electrical systems and preventative maintenance to brakes and more.

Alyssa became the first woman to win this competition, shattering barriers and setting an inspiring precedent. Reflecting on her historic victory, she said, “This accomplishment will motivate me to become an even better technician and inspire other women to take chances and pursue their careers fearlessly. I hope women mechanics—both those in the field and those considering entering it—see this and know we are just as capable in a male-dominated industry.”

Inspiring Future Generations

By earning this honor, Alyssa Briggs has emerged as a role model for women aspiring to join the trucking and automotive sectors. Her unwavering dedication proves that perseverance, passion, and hard work can break down stereotypes and pave the way for future generations.

Congratulations to Alyssa Briggs, WIT’s January 2025 Member of the Month! Her inspiring story is a testament to the changing face of the industry, where women are not only thriving but leading the way toward a more inclusive future.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Alyssa Briggs, Truckers News

The post Honoring Alyssa Briggs: WIT’s Member of the Month for January 2025 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.