In a male-led industry, female participation in logistics and transportation is increasingly leading the way, with firm steps and committed women who are transforming the sector through leadership and vision .
However, there are still challenges to face. Currently in Mexico, women suffer a wage gap of between 22% and 28% for the same position compared to men , despite working longer hours. Furthermore, they lack the same level of motivation to obtain the same position.
One story that shows glimpses of the above is that of Clara Fragoso, an operator with Super Transporte Internacional (STI) , who is one of the women who has been operating a tractor-trailer for 20 years . The beginning of that journey, she said, was not difficult, “but terrifying. There were no opportunities for us. The belief system that women were only made to stay at home and when I come along and tell them I wanted to drive a tractor-trailer, it was like, ‘You’re crazy.'”
Even though it was one of the most difficult times in her life, she persevered. “When I arrived at the transport industry and saw the life in transport, their lifestyle was surprising, and as a woman, it was very difficult to adapt, and I didn’t see it as necessary. Even the conditions were terrible for them, and I thought: why do they allow this? Operating a trailer is no different than having a decent life, and I clung to that,” Fragoso recalled.
Clara also went through a difficult personal period: a breakup and, in the process, a job search. Later, she had the opportunity to operate a tractor-trailer, but she faced harassment, bullying, and a lack of opportunities .
“They asked me if I was afraid of operating a trailer, and I told them: I’m more afraid of going back to that moment with my son and saying, ‘I don’t have anything to feed you,’” she emphasized during the Women in the Industry panel at the 100 Women in Transportation and Logisticsevent , organized by T21.
Shantal Torres, procurement director of Leschaco Mexicana , with almost 30 years of experience, explained that throughout this time she has worked in different areas, although the one she is in now has faced challenges .
“We know that in this industry, some more than others, the male presence is stronger, and sometimes—not because I’m a woman, but also because of my age—I’ve encountered some barriers to success. But I feel very proud; today, at 25, it’s totally different. It’s a very challenging but fulfilling career, with transportation, railroads, shipping companies, freight forwarders—this industry isn’t boring,” she explained.
Erika Quezada, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at DHL Express , recalled two pieces of advice that have worked for her professionally. First, “have the necessary training and knowledge to feel confident ,” and second, “create credibility and transparency within the organizations we belong to.”
“I’ve had it happen to me that when you start talking about a customs or transportation issue, especially in a male setting, the comment, ‘Oh, look, he knows,’ then you gain their attention and seriousness, allowing you to develop. This builds confidence and credibility for yourself. We should never limit ourselves from accessing leadership roles,” she explained.
Likewise, he stressed the importance of having a support network of family members and also having time for professional and personal commitments.
Opening doors
Clara Fragoso stated that opening up a space for women in an industry like trucking was driven by the stories of other women who have experienced violence, abandonment, need, and, above all, raising their children.
“That has been a very important part for me, telling them that it’s possible and letting them know through my work that women can do it, and do it well, that we do it just like them. Women in transportation will open many doors for them as entrepreneurs with the response in our work; by doing it with actions, we have achieved great openness,” she emphasized.
In this regard, she stated that for the past five years, there has been a significant shift to integrate more female personnel into the sector, and that the Association of Women Cargo Vehicle Operators (AMO) has been established .
However, she explained that there are still challenges to overcome, such as providing a safe, harassment-free space, comprehensive training, dedicated spaces, and equitable salaries .
Erika Quezada commented that within DHL Express, there are groups focused on gender diversity and inclusion , and although there are few female operators, they seek opportunities to strengthen their participation. She also considered it necessary to promote sisterhood, “because together we are stronger.”
Meanwhile, Shantal Torres mentioned that Leschaco has promoted the inclusion of all people; she also reiterated that “we all have that feeling that we can do more, we can do better, and not just because of gender differences.”
Laura Hernández Hernández, Business Manager for BNSF Railway , said the U.S. railroad is headed by a woman for the first time, and has also created various support groups, including Pride, focused on the LGBT community .
He maintained that at some point, we’ll reach a stage where we only see talent, qualities, and a single drive: being human beings and, above all, professionals, “logistics and transportation people, and we integrate.”
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