Katapult

Expert Blogger Bio

Ellen Voie - President & CEO - Women In Trucking Association

Topics: Human Resources

Ellen Voie founded Women In Trucking with the goal to promote the employment of women in this industry, remove obstacles that might keep them from succeeding, and celebrate the successes of its members.

E-mail: ellen@womenintrucking.org | Website: www.womenintrucking.org

The Customer is Always Right

Have you ever heard the saying, “the customer is always right?” There’s a reason vendors feel that your opinion matters. However, how often do you actually tell a company whether you like or dislike their product?

As a professional driver, you are an influential customer. You buy fuel and supplies at truck stops, clothing and food at retail and grocery stores, and you purchase services from your tax preparer to your dog groomer.... Read More

Airplanes And Associations

Advocacy is, “the act of pleading for, supporting, or recommending,” or the act of “attempting to influence a decision.” An advocate is someone who acts on your behalf.

This is the reason associations were formed. An association is a group of people who join together for a purpose. The value in coming together for a common goal gives the group greater insight and ultimately greater power.... Read More

You CAN Change Anything!

Have you ever thought about what your life will be like in ten, twenty or thirty years from now if you don’t change your negative behavior? Do you wish to quit smoking? Do you need to lose weight or get in shape? Would you like to make changes in your relationship with your family or spouse, but you’re not sure how to start?... Read More

What is WBE Certification and Why Should Women-Owned Businesses Obtain This Designation?

In an effort to “level the playing field,” the United States government has initiated the implementation of designations for businesses that fall under one or more of three categories. The first is called a DBE, or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. The other two are MBEs or Minority Business Enterprise and WBEs, Women Business Enterprise.... Read More

Challenges for the Trucking Industry Similar to Sweden

You are well aware that the trucking industry faces an aging workforce, a loss of drivers due to physical wellness, challenges from carriers crossing the border and size and weight regulations affecting carriers. You might think that this depiction only describes the trucking industry in the United States, but you would be wrong.... Read More

Being Honored by the White House as a Transportation Innovator Champion of Change

Each week the White House honors “everyday Americans doing extraordinary things in their communities.” The initiative is called Champions of Change: Winning the future across America.” The projects vary from homelessness to environmental sustainability.

On July 31st the White House recognized Champions of Change in the transportation sector. Thirteen individuals were honored for their work as Transportation Innovators, “individuals or organizations who have provided exemplary leadership in the growth and expansion of the transportation industry.”... Read More

Trucking Down Under

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to drive one of those massive big rigs like those in Australia? Some of the trucks pull as many as four trailers behind them, looking more like a train than a tractor-trailer. The Australians refer to them as "B doubles" or articulated vehicles, which can weigh as much as 62.5 metric tons (137,800 pounds). ... Read More

The Trucking Industry As A Community

You might have spent your childhood in the suburbs or maybe you grew up in a rural area. Perhaps you were born in a small town. Regardless of the size of the community where you were raised, you probably have an emotional connection to the neighborhood of your youth.

As a child, you stayed pretty close to home, but as you grew older your community expanded. Today, you might get home for a visit and you look at how your former home and the houses on the block have changed.... Read More

Airplane Pilots Are More Similar to Truck Drivers Than You Think

We don’t often compare airplane pilots to truck drivers, but they might be more similar than you expect.

Even though professional (truck) drivers don’t transport people, airline pilots do transport freight. Both industries move products from shipper to consumer. In fact, pilots of 747s are maneuvering 18-wheelers around the tarmac and often carry cargo in their bellies.... Read More

Beware of Nuts in a Jar of Peanuts!

Recently I purchased a bottle of baby lotion, because I like the smell of the pink stuff they put on babies. For some reason I looked at the back of the bottle and the warning label surprised me, “keep out of reach of children.” REALLY? Where would you set the bottle if you were applying the lotion to your baby?... Read More