The Women in Trucking Association recently named refrigerated and dry van trailer manufacturer Great Dane to the “Elite 30” list of the Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation for the second time.
“Working for a company recognized as a top workplace for women is truly an honor,” Brandie Fuller, Great Dane vice president of commercial excellence, said in a news release. “It reflects our dedication to creating an inclusive environment where everyone's contributions are valued. In the growing transportation industry, women are playing an increasingly important role, helping to drive innovation and shape the future.”
Distinguishing characteristics of companies on the list include corporate cultures that foster gender diversity; competitive compensation and benefits; flexible hours and work requirements; professional development opportunities; and career advancement opportunities, according to Brian Everett, publisher of WIT magazine Redefining the Road. Qualified companies also must meet minimum requirements of what they report through the WIT Index, the industry barometer that benchmarks and measures the percentage of women who make up critical roles in transportation.
The overall list for 2024 also includes refrigerated carriers Bay and Bay Transportation, Halvor Lines, and Leonard’s Express, which made the Top Companies list for the third consecutive year.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by Women In Trucking for the third consecutive year,” Leonard’s Express CEO Kyle Johnson said. “Leonard’s Express was built on a strong foundation of leadership by women and men like Pat and Kent Johnson.
“We’re proud to continue their legacy by supporting and elevating the women of Leonard’s, many of whom represent the future of our company.”
Each company nominated for the distinction is reviewed by WIT to ensure they meet the qualifications. Then individuals from across the industry vote for the companies they believe deserve the honor. WIT received more than 31,000 votes from transportation professionals to finalize the 2024 list.
The companies will be recognized at the upcoming WIT Accelerate! Conference and Expo set for Nov. 10-13 in Dallas.
“Companies named to this prestigious list must demonstrate corporate attributes that are essential to any successful enterprise committed to gender diversity as part of their corporate strategy,” Everett said. “Qualifying companies to this list involves a two-step process. First, nominations by companies are carefully reviewed to ensure they meet a minimum threshold of qualifications. Then the final ballot of companies is voted on by individuals in the industry.
“This is the seventh year of this prestigious recognition program, and it garnered a record number of more than 31,000 votes to identify and validate the final companies named to the list.”
