by Women In Trucking Staff, on Jul 15, 2025 12:08:41 PM
Some of the biggest challenges in the current trucking economy range from recruiting and retaining quality workforce talent to rising operational costs that are driven by complicated issues like volatile fuel prices, maintenance expenses, insurance premiums and compliance costs, to name a few. In addition, dramatic shifts in freight rates, customer demands, and market cycles continue to challenge forecasting, planning and profitability and ultimately keep business leaders up at night.
There are female business leaders and entrepreneurs who are not only addressing these issue to survive in their businesses – but to thrive. That’s because many successful women leaders have unwavering determination, a deep passion for success, and the courage to pursue bold dreams.
For example, entrepreneur Arelis Bonilla’s story isn’t just a narrative—it’s a testament to grit, passion, and the audacity to dream big. Her career journey led to the birth of Aria Logistics and My Home Delivery App. Her vision to establish a trucking company took root early in her life, inspired by her life riding alongside her father in a truck.
As the leader of a minority and women-owned business, Bonilla understands the importance of diversity. “It’s not just about breaking barriers, it’s about building bridges,” she says, underscoring the pivotal role diversity plays in fostering innovation and progress.
Today, Aria Logistics offers services to some of the top retail companies in the country. Specializing in the last-mile delivery of heavy and oversized items, Aria Logistics employs cutting-edge technology for precise route planning and real-time tracking.
“Our commitment is not just about meeting expectations but exceeding them,” she says. “Technology plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and timeliness of every delivery.”
Bonilla has been previously listed as a Top Woman to Watch and Aria Logistics has been previously identified as a Top Woman-Owned Business – both awards by Redefining the Road, the official magazine of the Women In Trucking Association.
And then there’s Nicole Glenn, Founder and CEO of Candor Expedite, a Texas-based transportation company known for its ability to exceed expectations with time-sensitive shipments. According to Glenn, everything begins with a commitment to transparency, integrity and taking full responsibility for its customers’ success.
“I knew we could develop a company that cut through this issue and bring clarity, honesty, transparency and deserved service to the manufacturing world, allowing our clients to become the hero of their stories when partnering with us,” she adds.
Since she founded Candor Expedite, the company has helped many companies reduce their freight budgets by re-evaluating how they are moving freight, some with significant savings.
Glenn entered the transportation space at just 18 years old, after being recruited by a small transportation brokerage. There, she learned the inner workings of handling a small business and working with manufacturers, carriers and drivers, all while attending community college courses at night. She then continued to take on leadership roles in her career, but she had a yearning to do something on her own.
“When entering transportation, I never envisioned it would become my entire career until I quickly realized that I would love the chaos to help the world move,” explains Glenn. “I would tell people that I worked in logistics, and they would look at me strangely. Trucking was not a place for a young woman in their minds. Yet, I pressed on with my love of solution-generating and developing a profound learning on ‘making things happen’ for my clients and partners,” says Glenn.
“I had the concept of Candor Expedite two years before opening our doors with the name selection and the mission,” says Glenn. “Going out on my own was terrifying, but then I realized that it was a form of security that I could not get anywhere else to create the mission I wanted to deliver to the marketplace. As a company, our objective is to bring candidness to our employees, vendors and clients. Growth takes change and challenge; the only way to obtain that is through true candidness.”
“Supply chain is a wonderful place for people to develop fantastic skills,” she continues. “It promotes creativity, technology, process improvement and much more. This industry is open to all walks of life with all different backgrounds, making it a diverse pot of goodness. I consistently deliver messages to women in the space with the idea that this industry will let them shine but that they keep applying themselves, diversifying their experience and continually building their network.”
WIT named Glenn the 2022 Distinguished Woman in Logistics.
Leadership Skills Needed: How Women Are Shifting Gears
Successful female leaders such as Arelis Bonilla and Nicole Glenn require unusual personality characteristics and skill sets that many do not possess. Here are some key indicators that a woman is skilled and capable of being a business leader or owner, particularly in demanding industries like trucking:
- Strategic Thinking. She consistently makes decisions based on long-term goals, not just immediate gains. She understands how to position her business in the market and anticipates industry trends.
- Resilience and Adaptability. She can bounce back from setbacks—whether it's financial challenges, supply chain issues, or industry disruptions. She sees problems as opportunities for growth rather than defeat.
- Strong Communication Skills. She can clearly articulate ideas, delegate effectively, and build strong relationships with clients, employees, partners, and stakeholders. Listening is also a big part of this.
- Financial Acumen. She understands budgets, cash flow, profit margins, and the financial metrics that matter most to her business. Even if she has a CFO or accountant, she actively participates in financial decisions.
- Confidence with Humility. She trusts her expertise and instincts but is also willing to learn, admit mistakes, and seek guidance when necessary. She doesn’t let ego get in the way of progress.
- Leadership and Team Development. She knows how to inspire, coach, and lead people, building a strong company culture and high-performing team. Her employees feel supported and challenged to grow.
- Vision and Passion. She has a clear sense of purpose and a strong “why” behind what she does. That passion fuels her drive, energizes her team, and keeps her focused during tough times.
- Problem-Solving Skills. She can quickly assess situations, weigh options, and choose effective solutions—especially under pressure. She often brings creative thinking to operational or logistical challenges.
- Industry Knowledge. She takes the time to deeply understand her industry, customers, competitors, and regulations. She may not know everything, but she’s well-informed and knows where to find answers.
- Accountability and Integrity. She follows through on commitments, takes responsibility for outcomes, and runs her business ethically. Trust is one of her most valuable assets.
These traits don’t show up all at once, and they often develop over time through experience and mentorship. But when you see a woman with many of these indicators, you’re likely looking at someone who can successfully lead and grow a business—even in the toughest industries.
The trucking industry has long been a cornerstone of the American economy—and now, more than ever, women are claiming their place behind the wheel, in boardrooms, and at the helm of growing small businesses. While the road to success in trucking can be filled with challenges, women business leaders and entrepreneurs are showing resilience, innovation, and leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Related Articles:
- Lead Like It Matters: Practical Advice on How To Be An Effective Leaders
- WIT Announces Arelis Bonilla Member of the Month
- WIT Names Nicole Glenn as the 2022 Distinguished Woman in Logistics
- Making It To The Top: Profile of Shelley Simpson of J.B. Hunt Transport
- Why Women-Owned Transportation Businesses Thrive
- Gender Cultures: How Women Make Decisions
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