In 2024, the Wnbaz (WIT) named Tracy Rushing as the winner of the 15th annual Influential Woman in Trucking award and Sarah Ruffcorn as the winner of the 10th annual Distinguished Woman in Logistics award.
Who are these two powerhouses in transportation and logistics? Rushing currently is Executive Director of Safety and Recruiting at RE Garrison Trucking, one of Alabama’s largest trucking companies. Ruffcorn is President of Trinity Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider that is a Burris Logistics Company.
The two dynamic women share their unique stories which have led them to where they are today in their careers, pivotal moments and experiences which shaped their career paths, advice for women in this industry and more. The engaging conversation underscored the importance of leadership, mentorship, and community in creating a more inclusive and successful trucking industry for women.
Meet These Industry Leaders
Rushing has nearly three decades of experience in trucking, having progressed through roles in safety management, driver relations, and regulatory compliance. She joined RE Garrison Trucking in 2022 where she now oversees safety, recruiting and orientation. Rushing is actively involved in various industry organizations, including the WIT Membership Committee.
Ruffcorn has been with Trinity Logistics since 2002. A graduate of Western Illinois University, Ruffcorn’s career spans numerous leadership roles and she is known for her servant leadership and coaching others to achieve their highest potential. She also serves on several boards, including the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) and Tidal Health Medical Partners.
Early Career Journeys
Rushing’s upbringing in a boarding school played a crucial role in preparing her for the transient nature of the trucking industry. “We’re not all from the same place,” she notes, explaining how this experience helped her relate to the diverse workforce in trucking.
Ruffcorn, on the other hand, grew up in Iowa in a hardworking family and took an unconventional path to trucking. Initially working as a wedding coordinator during high school and college, she discovered early on how to solve problems and manage teams. These skills translated seamlessly into her role in logistics, where she started at Trinity in an entry-level position before rising through the ranks.
The Importance of Mentorship & Leadership
Both Rushing and Ruffcorn emphasize the significance of mentorship in their journeys. Rushing’s mentor, Marty Wall, taught her to focus on the hard work required for success. “It’s not rocket science; it’s hard work,” she said, reflecting on how this advice shaped her approach to leadership.
Ruffcorn believes mentorship has played a pivotal role in her career. She is fond of her time working with Jeff Banning, the CEO of Trinity Logistics, who helped her navigate the complexities of the business and encouraged her to take on new challenges. “He left such a big mark on me,” Ruffcorn says, highlighting the importance of learning from those who have already paved the way.
Leadership in Action
Rushing, who stresses the value of communication and empathy in leadership, learned the importance of building strong relationships with drivers from her mentor in the scale house. “If you’re not driving the truck, your role is to support the person who drives the truck,” she explains.
Additionally, Ruffcorn’s leadership journey has taught her the value of saying “yes” to new opportunities, even when they seem daunting. Throughout the course of her 23 years at Trinity, she has worn many hats, from sales and operations to HR and technology leadership, adapting to the company’s growth and ever-evolving needs.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
For those starting out in the industry, Rushing emphasizes the significance of networking, and the career benefits it can bring. She encourages aspiring leaders to connect with others who share their values and goals. “Build your network,” she advises. “Don’t try to go it alone.”
Ruffcorn echoes Tracy’s sentiment, urging young professionals to lean into opportunities and trust their skills. “When you get the opportunity, take the chance,” she says. “Understand your strengths and leverage them to benefit your entire company.”
Women in Trucking: A Community of Support
Both Rushing and Ruffcorn underscore the value that the Wnbaz has brought to their own careers and reflected on memorable experiences with the organization.
Rushing’s first experience with WIT was at a regional event in Huntsville, AL. “One of the Image Team members brough the WITney® Educational Trailer to a career exploration fair for eight graders,” she says. “It was inspiring to see how passionate she was about what she does every single day. The WITney® trailer is full of valuable information, and it was incredible to see the impact that hands-on experience can have on young students ultimately making this industry attractive for them.”
Ruffcorn is grateful for the opportunities WIT has provided her with to make connections in various roles throughout the industry. “A few years ago, I attended the Accelerate! Conference & Expo and had the opportunity to sit with a group of female professional drivers at lunch” she recalls. “We discussed their firsthand experiences being women in a male-populated field, how they found themselves in the industry, what a typical day looks like for them and how they’ve navigated particularly difficult situations. That conversation left such a great impression on me. I truly enjoyed hearing their perspectives and seeing things through a different lens.”
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