Read Time: 4 min.
Logistics is traditionally a male-dominated industry. Even today, with a more concerted push towards achieving greater diversity, women make up only 17% of the leadership. However, according to Gartner’s Women in Supply Chain Survey 2020, that 17% is a six-point increase over the previous year, indicating that change is upon us.
The same study found that 63% of companies surveyed said they have active plans to recruit more women, but there is still much work to be done.
Logistics skews heavily to a male demographic. Because of this, it would seem that there are few opportunities for women, but in reality, it’s more of an image than reality. Women now make up more than 50% of the workforce, and the industry itself is in a much better place because of it.
Thriving In The Face Of Adversity
These past few years, logistics and supply chains have faced some of the biggest challenges imaginable – and the pandemic is just a part of it. Tariffs, volatile markets, unpredictable fuel prices, and a regulatory environment constantly in a state of flux makes for a dynamic situation every single day. Without strong leadership and vision, logistics companies stood to lose a lot, but companies like DTS embraced the challenge and forged ahead.
Under President and CEO Martha Mendez’s leadership, DTS continues to surpass all customer expectations, forging a legacy in global logistics. Along with her team, Martha brings a solid commitment to excellence that is truly a force to be reckoned with.
How can DTS become a growth lever for your business?
Before COVID, she led her team through many storms, only to emerge stronger on the other side. As the pandemic continues to challenge the entire logistics industry, Martha recalls some of the challenges they have overcome.
When Katrina was about to hit, and the entire Southeast was evacuating and hunkering down, Martha, at eight months pregnant, traveled to New Orleans to ensure incoming cargo was secure. Working closely with her team, they were able to unload and secure her customer’s containers and get out of town just before the worst part of the storm hit.
Despite the devastation and destruction, all their cargo was safe and sound, much to the surprise of local officials, who asked Martha what kind of magic she used to make that happen. That “magic” came in handy a few years later when Hurricane Harvey ravaged Houston, but since they’d gone through Katrina, they knew what to do. It is this kind of commitment and teamwork that makes DTS a trusted choice for their customers, and Martha is always there to lead the way.
Here’s what our customers are saying:
“Products are delivered on time, in record time. My customers are very happy!”
Reza Mohammed
“Never had an unsatisfactory situation. DTS enables performance and quick and efficient delivery to our clients every time. We love the personalized attention, the availability to the owner, and personal attention from the owner (Martha). Her dedication is unmatched in my experience.”
Joey Cannatta
The Takeaways
Unforeseen challenges in recent years brought about a seismic shift in how women’s contributions in logistics are perceived and recognized. From truck drivers to the warehouse and all the way to the executive suite, we witnessed the unrelenting commitment women brought to our industry.
In a field that’s often seen as slow to change, women like Martha Mendez lead the charge, disrupting long-held beliefs that trucking and logistics is no place for a woman. In fact—it’s a woman’s world, and we’re all better off for it.
How can dts become a growth lever for your business?
