The Women-Owned Business Initiative Reaches New Heights

The trucking industry is often seen as a male-dominated field, but thanks to forward-thinking partnerships, it’s becoming increasingly inclusive. A major milestone has just been reached that not only highlights the success of women in trucking but also demonstrates the power of removing barriers and creating opportunities.

Expediter Services (ES), in collaboration with the Wnbaz (WIT), has successfully doubled the original goal of their Women-Owned Business Initiative. What started as a bold plan to establish 150 women-owned trucking businesses has now surpassed expectations, with the launch of the 300th woman-owned business in January 2025.

This monumental achievement marks a significant shift in the trucking industry, demonstrating that when women are given the right tools, resources, and support, they can break through barriers and change the landscape of an entire industry. More importantly, this milestone sets the stage for continued growth and opportunity in the years to come.

A Vision That Sparked Change

The Women-Owned Business Initiative traces its roots back to 2017 when Jason Williams, President and CEO of Expediter Services, and Ellen Voie, founder of Women In Trucking, recognized a shared vision. While serving on the Board of Directors for WIT, Williams observed the lack of opportunity for women in the trucking industry, particularly those interested in owning their own fleets. He also noticed the synergies between the community ES had built and the underserved women entrepreneurs who needed support to start their own businesses.

“Women in trucking face many challenges—access to funding, operational support, and a sense of community,” says Williams. “We saw an opportunity to create something that would address those challenges and empower women to take control of their futures.” That’s when the idea for the Women-Owned Business Initiative, initially called the 150 Business Challenge, was born.

The Power of Partnership and Support

At the heart of the Women-Owned Business Initiative’s success is the unwavering support provided by Expediter Services. With its extensive network of resources and partner motor carriers, ES is perfectly positioned to help women overcome the challenges of launching a trucking business.

Through access to equipment, operational training, financing options, and placement with an industry-leading motor carrier, ES provides the foundation for women to confidently take the leap into business ownership. ES has also created a suite of products and services including discounts on fuel, maintenance, tires, truck insurance, and health coverage to reduce costs and provide support for these business owners.

This dedication to service isn’t just a one-off – it’s part of ES’ everyday commitment. “We serve all people every day of the year, and we’ve developed a model that provides opportunities for anyone who needs them,” says Jason. “It just happened that this model was exactly what was needed to open doors for women in the trucking industry.”

From day one, the goal was not just to hit a target number, but to provide ongoing support that would ensure these businesses succeed in the long term. “The growth of this program demonstrates what’s possible when barriers are removed, and the right support systems are in place,” says Williams.

The initiative’s evolution has been marked by success stories that demonstrate its effectiveness. From women who transitioned from company drivers to business owners to those who expanded their operations by adding trucks and hiring drivers, the program has empowered women to scale their businesses and, in many cases, make an even greater impact on the industry.

“I believe it’s in the DNA of ES to help women become truck owners and start businesses in the trucking industry,” says Ellen Voie. “Not only does [the Women-Owned Business Initiative] help increase the percentage of women in the trucking industry, but it addresses obstacles. It gives wisdom and insight to women who have a lot of questions. ES acts as a resource, holding their hand, and helping them be more successful by sharing that knowledge.”

The Impact So Far: A Milestone of Success

The success of the Women-Owned Business Initiative has exceeded expectations, far outpacing the original 150-business goal. So far, ES has helped secure an estimated $45 million in financing for participants in the program, and today, more than 40% of the members of the ES community are women. With the recent achievement of launching 300 women-owned businesses, the momentum shows no sign of slowing down.

“Seeing these women succeed is a true testament to their hard work and perseverance,” says Jeff Tacker, EVP, CCO, and COO of Expediter Services. “This milestone is a reflection of what can be achieved when we work together to break down barriers and provide real opportunities for women to succeed. You won’t find any glass ceilings in these trucks.”

The Road Ahead: A Legacy in the Making

While reaching 300 women-owned businesses is a monumental achievement, the journey is far from over. “This is just the beginning,” says Tacker. “We’ve already seen the momentum created by the first group of business owners, and now it’s time to build on that success. We are excited to continue helping more women break into the industry and thrive in the years to come.”

As the Women-Owned Business Initiative enters its eighth year, both ES and WIT are committed to building upon the foundation they’ve created. The trucking industry is changing, and women are at the forefront of that transformation. With continued support and collaboration, there’s no limit to what these women can achieve.

Join the Movement

Whether you’re interested in starting your own trucking business or expanding your fleet, now is the time to act. The Women-Owned Business Initiative is changing the future of trucking, and you can be part of this transformative movement. Visit ESSuccessInTrucking.com to learn more about how you can join the initiative and help drive the industry forward.

Breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and empowering women—this is just the beginning of a legacy that will continue to shape the future of the trucking industry for years to come.

Like this kind of content?

As a member of the Wnbaz, stay on top of emerging trends and business issues impacting transportation and logistics; learn the importance of gender diversity in the workplace and the need for more women drivers; and see best practices in encouraging the employment of women in the trucking industry. Join today! Learn More