What It Takes to Become a Distinguished Woman in Logistics

Jennifer Hedrick, president & CEO of Wnbaz; Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics; and Kendra Tucker, CEO of Truckstop at the 2024 TIA Capital Ideas Conference & Exhibition

The Wnbaz (WIT), Truckstop and the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) announced Sarah Ruffcorn, President of Trinity Logistics as the winner of the 10th annual “Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award” (DWLA). 

Ruffcorn was chosen among three finalists who included Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, President and CEO, Garner Trucking. and Ramona Hood, President and CEO, FedEx Custom Critical. The finalists and winner were recognized during the TIA 2024 Capital Ideas Conference & Exhibition. 

“We are thrilled to recognize Sarah as the 2024 Distinguished Woman in Logistics, particularly on the ten-year anniversary of this award,” says Jennifer Hedrick, WIT President and CEO. “Sarah’s significant career accomplishments and passion for mentoring others embody the key characteristics of this honor.” 

Ruffcorn is responsible for leading a complex People-Centric freight solutions company arranging freight for businesses of all sizes utilizing truckload, less-than-truckload, drayage, intermodal, expedited and technology solutions. 

Trinity has seven regional service centers, team members working in more than 25 states and more than 130 agent offices nationwide providing creative logistics solutions. Ruffcorn leads all aspects to include strategy, engagement, customer experience, execution, growth, and profitability. 

Redefining the Road magazine recently caught up with Ruffcorn at the TIA annual conference in Orlando, FL, to ask her about her leadership role and career accomplishments. 

RTR: Tell us about your younger years that helped to form the person you are today. 

Ruffcorn: I was born and raised in the same house in Burlington, IA. I spent most of my elementary years in a small private school, was homeschooled (before it was common practice!) in middle and high school, and played sports at a local public school. I began working when I turned 14 at a coffee shop, then at an events and wedding business. I played flute and performed often in a quartet, and I also attended leadership camps and was very involved in our church youth group going on several mission trips to third-world countries. Looking back, these experiences taught me a lot about leadership and how to solve some challenging problems, both independently and in a team, at a very young age. 

RTR: How did you get into the transportation/logistics industry? 

Ruffcorn: I attended Western Illinois University and my Marketing professor mentioned in class one day that he was working with a great company and to talk to him if we were interested to find out more. 

Long story short, I spoke with him about Trinity Logistics, then interviewed with Jeff Banning, the CEO and owner of the company at that time. Jeff asked me if I could help him grow the company. I remember feeling like I could genuinely help him, so I accepted the entry-level position of Dispatcher he offered me. When I began my career at Trinity, I had no idea what this industry was about, but I was very curious and wanted to contribute in any way I could. I would go home and practice on our software so I could be faster at finding good carriers in our system and booking loads. I also took on a project with another teammate to write the company’s education materials and processes because we had learned everything through shadowing and osmosis—and we knew there was a better, faster way! 

RTR: What’s a typical day in the life of Sarah Ruffcorn today as President of Trinity? 

Ruffcorn: A typical day starts with dropping my kids at the bus stop at 6.30am. Other that that, it depends on the week! Some weeks are more strategic, where I lead business planning or set strategy, provide input on initiatives and priorities that we have set, or visit with potential acquisition targets. During other weeks I am involved with our Burris enterprise initiatives and collaboration across business units, or I am visiting our Regional Service Centers, agents, customers, or attending industry events. One of the things I like most about my leadership role is that no two days or two weeks look the same.

RTR: What is your biggest gratification in being the leader of Trinity?

Ruffcorn: It is so exciting to see team members succeed. We have had multiple team members start in entry-level positions and move their way up into Director, Vice President, and Senior Vice President roles over the years. We also have several team members and agents who have expanded their knowledge of transportation, supply chain, and the market to become true experts in the space—ultimately creating an excellent experience for our shippers and carriers. It is exciting to be a part of truly living our purpose: Improving lives and supply chains by solving tough problems.

RTR: Do you have any advice for other women in this industry?

Ruffcorn: Understand and truly accept that there are chapters in our lives. Be courageous in the times when you can go for opportunities presented. Say YES to even the toughest projects or initiatives that will push you past your comfort zone. But also acknowledge there are chapters where you need to be brave to say NO, because you can’t take it on at that time or be honest with yourself that the opportunity doesn’t fit your strengths to better the organization. As I look back at my own career, I have had to do both – and this takes some serious introspection and honesty with yourself for the betterment of the team.

Do you know of an exceptional woman redefining the logistics landscape at your company or in the industry?

Help her get the kudos she deserves by nominating her for the 2025 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award (DWLA). Nominations are OPEN through Wednesday, February 12. Learn More

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