Navigating a male-dominated industry.
Within the UK alone, the logistics industry hires nearly 3 million people, yet of this workforce only a fifth are women (CILT).
The average British pay gap is 9.4% and within logistics, this is even higher. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that on average, women working in logistics in the UK earn 14.5% less than their male colleagues.
As logistics is a largely male-dominated sector, many women may feel put off to start their career, but we want to showcase that logistics is not just simply an industry for women, but an industry where the opinions and voices of women are valued and nurtured.
At Baxter Freight, more than 50% of Team Baxter are female. As it’s International Women’s Day, here’s a few of their stories about how they started their career, and why logistics is the perfect industry for them:
Suraiya makes up part of our Navigate Team.
She decided to start a career in logistics as she loves to work in a fast-paced environment, where you’re constantly problem solving.
“Working in logistics has taught me that I’m very mentally organised and can plan every step of the journey to a T!
Deadlines are so important within the work I do, so prioritising work is key. This ensures deadlines are met, and goods are delivered on time.
It’s not just men that operate in logistics, it’s women too – and we’re really good at it!”
Bev is a long-time logistics lover, after being in the industry for over 30 years!
“You could say I didn’t choose logistics, but it chose me! It was an industry that I fell into, and since then, that was it.
I always think back to when I got my first Branch Manager role in the 1990’s. Within my first branch meeting, it was apparent I was the minority, and whilst it was tough at the time, it gave me the ground work to grow and develop.
When you work in logistics, no two days are the same. Dealing with different industries, cultures, countries, and services makes logistics an exciting place to be!”
Sarah is one of our Associate Directors and leads our Aviate Team.
Since leaving school, Sarah’s been immersed in logistics, from working in the RAF, to then transitioning to air freight.
“The most positive part of working in logistics is the relationships you build up with overseas partners, airlines and suppliers.
Also, I think it’s important to celebrate the brilliant men out there wanting success for women in the logistics industry. Some of my career role models have been male, and they’ve taught me compassion, humility, and to always get stuck in!“
Natalie joined Team Baxter straight after finishing university. Since then, her knowledge has grown and she’s become a Team Leader in our Customs Department!
“I started working in logistics because I wanted a challenge!
It can be hard work to figure out the complex solutions we offer, but it’s very satisfying to see how the work we do helps our customers to overcome obstacles and develop their trade lanes.
When I’m at work I don’t even notice the gender difference amongst my colleagues as it’s so equal. That being said though, it’s very gratifying to see all the women at work excelling every day!“
Sarah got her first taste of logistics during a summer job at DHL, and has stayed in logistics ever since.
“Working in logistics has taught me to always be transparent and honest. I didn’t have the confidence when I was younger, but with support and training, I’ve learned that the truth is always accepted.
As a young female in sales, 99% of my appointments were with male decision makers. Nowadays, that number is way less, and I get to meet women on a weekly basis who have gained qualifications and experience in a supply chain or logistics – which is so inspiring!”
In just 2 years, Zaynah has grown her skillset from a freight novice, to becoming Team Leader of our Key Accounts Team.
“Working in logistics has helped me become more confident and driven.
It’s taught me that sending goods is not as simple as you might think, and you constantly need to adapt as in logistics things are always changing.
Communication is key, as even the smallest thing not clarified correctly can make the shipment mean something completely different to what it actually is.”
What better person to manage our Navigate Team than Jill, who has over 35 years experience in the logistics industry!
“The world is an ever-changing place which means that it’s very rare for two jobs to ever be the same, which makes it challenging but also very interesting – and always keeps you on your toes!
Yes, it’s a male-dominated industry, but over many years I have worked with some fantastic men who have inspired and encouraged me to be the best I can be, and this continues today.”
Lucy is one of our Associate Directors, who oversees our Key Accounts Team and has been part of Team Baxter for 10 years!
“I came across Baxter Freight after I’d graduated university – I remember they kept referencing freight and I wasn’t even too sure what it was! However, as the training period started, I found logistics really interesting, especially as it’s in everything we do.
Every day, there is something new you can learn – which I love. Working in logistics provides a role with variety, and after all, they do say variety is the spice of life!”
Joanne is one the our longest serving members of Team Baxter, and is one of our valued Customs Specialists.
“I came into freight because of my fluency in French and German, and I had previously worked for a local manufacturer which shipped goods all over the world as the European Export Manager, so already had an understanding of logistics.
When working in logistics, team work and communication are vital. Challenges like different time zones and languages arise, but these can often be a positive as they cause you to find effective solutions to problems.”
Changing the future, today
We’re proud to be above industry standards, but still know that more can be done.
Within the logistics industry as a whole, the higher up you go, the lack of gender diversity is more apparent. Women make up only 10% of executive roles and 17% of managerial roles.
Having an inclusive workforce helps inspire creativity, empowerment, and belonging.
Together, we can #InspireInclusion.
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