The Women Behind The Wheel – Stats & Stories
Women in logistics play a central role in our industry and are the driving force behind an efficient national and international supply chain, not just here at Barnes but across the sector.
They bring a wealth of skills and qualities to the industry that are critical to its success. Their impact can be seen in everything from leadership and innovation to safety and customer service.
Here, as we celebrate females in logistics throughout the month of March, we explore the stats and stories of females in logistics and meet the women behind the wheel, both past and present.
The Driving Statistics
According to the UK’s Office for National Statistics, as of 2021, women represent approximately 27% of the workforce in the overall logistics sector.
While this suggests that while the logistics industry in the UK is still predominantly male, there has been a significant growth in the number of women entering the sector over the last 20 years.
Indeed, in terms of specific roles within logistics, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) reports that women are in senior management positions in the industry has grown to 13% of director-levelroles being held by women.
Such is the growing impact of females in logistics-based roles, Pallet Track recently reported that young women are the most prolific when it comes to passing HGV driving tests, with female drivers within the 20-29 age range gaining the highest pass rates.
Making Progress
Over the last two decades, new initiatives have been introduced to increase diversity and inclusion in logistics, such as the Women in Logistics UK network, which aims to support and empower women working in the sector.
There are a range of career opportunities available for women in UK logistics, from entry-level roles such as warehouse operatives and drivers, to more senior positions in management and operations.
Recent progress has meant there are now more women in senior positions in logistics than ever before, and the beauty of this is that there are now more role models and mentors for young females looking to enter the industry.
However, there is still a need to promote gender diversity and ensure equal opportunities for women at all levels of the industry.
The Women Behind The Wheel At Barnes: Past and Present
Here at Barnes, we’re so lucky to have an abundance of talented women within our team, who make invaluable contributions to Barnes’ success every single day. Here’s a selection of stories from the women who’ve made up our team over the years.
Cath Walls – LGV Driver
Cath works at our Rochdale HQ depot on the Amazon contract. Logistics is an industry that is certainly in her blood as her father’s family have been in transport since the arrival of the canals in the late eighteenth century.
She began working as an LGV driver and owner operator in 1985 but left the industry in 2000 to begin a career in care. However, she made a return to the industry in 2013 as an LGV Driver C+E.
Cath takes great pride in her vehicle and loves the autonomy that her role brings.
“LGV vehicles today are state of the art. Electric steering, reversing cameras, satellite navigation, and air conditioning can provide you with a proverbial ‘home from home’.”
Chrissie Mahony – HGV Driver
Chrissie was one of the drivers at our North East depot for a number of years. Despite driving HGVs for over 35 years, she only really got into the industry by accident!
Joining the RAF as a military driver just after her 17th birthday, little did she know that following training she’d end up driving HGVs! Soon, though she was hooked and after 13 years in the RAF, she continued driving in civilian logistics.
At first, Chrissie hardly saw other female drivers, but she’s been delighted by the rise in the number of women joining the industry over the years.
“It’s so pleasing to see so many more female drivers in the industry now. It can be a challenging job occasionally, but that side is far outweighed by the good.”
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