Inclusive recruitment opens doors

Women are increasingly moving beyond traditional administrative and sales roles at 4PL to take up positions as truck drivers, warehouse supervisors and managers. According to Penny Cunliffe, a director at 4PL Cape Group, this reflects a broader change in the role women play across the freight and logistics industry. “Women have progressed from support functions into leadership and operational roles. They are more visible in decision-making and strategy and are increasingly recognised as mentors across all areas of our business.” To support this shift, 4PL has expanded the training and mentoring available to women, helping them gain practical experience and develop more specialised knowledge. The company also works with institutions that train women in specific logistics skills, including heavy-vehicle driving. Inclusive recruitment campaigns are used across all available positions, while retaining female talent requires more than simply creating employment opportunities. “We retain women by building a culture based on respect, safety and opportunity,” she said. Several women at 4PL have progressed from reception and other entry-level positions into management roles. According to Cunliffe, these career journeys demonstrate what can be achieved when employees are given the opportunity, trust and space to demonstrate their abilities. Despite this progress, women entering the industry still face challenges. “Freight and logistics has historically been male dominated and women often feel that they have to prove their capabilities at every turn. Safety and respect also remain difficult issues that the industry must address.” At the same time, widespread skills shortages are creating new opportunities for women, particularly in technical and specialised fields. These include compliance and risk management, digital analytics, fleet management systems, customs- clearing processes, telematics, information technology and quality, health, safety and environmental management. She encouraged women considering careers in logistics to look beyond broad logistics management qualifications and develop expertise in a particular area. “The opportunities for women to become involved in logistics are endless. Women are excellent planners and there is significant potential in areas such as fleet operations, technology, compliance and customs.” However, she cautioned that the industry required resilience, flexibility and the ability to make decisions under pressure. “Logistics does not sleep. Anyone entering the industry must understand that it is not always a nine-to-five career. You need to be committed, able to think quickly and be prepared to respond when challenges arise.” According to Cunliffe, the growing participation of women is already changing the industry by introducing different perspectives and strengthening its focus on customers. “Women have transformed logistics through leadership, innovation, operational excellence and a customer- centric approach across every level of the supply chain. Their growing presence continues to strengthen businesses, advance inclusion and shape a more prosperous future for the industry.” LV