Leaders

Driving Change: Women in the Logistics Industry

The logistics industry remains a challenging arena for gender equality, with women significantly underrepresented in both entry-level and management positions. As the sector faces transformative changes through digitalization and sustainability efforts, the call for a more inclusive workforce is louder than ever.

Current State of Gender Representation

The logistics industry, a critical backbone of global trade and commerce, is notably lacking in gender diversity. Currently, only 18.6% of management positions in leading logistics companies are held by women. This is starkly lower than the average of 29% across various sectors of the economy. The industry is grappling with a persistent gender gap, which highlights the need for structural changes to foster a more inclusive environment.

Several factors contribute to this disparity, including the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance, which is particularly pronounced in logistics due to unpredictable hours and high demands.

Insights from Industry Experts

At the recent Transport Logistic 2025 event, industry leaders gathered to discuss strategies for driving change and increasing the representation of women in logistics. Key participants included:

  • Ruth Pflaum, Company Owner, Spedition Pflaum
  • Katrin Eissler, Managing Owner, Spedition Neuner
  • Karen Klement, Head of Sales, Pfenning Logistics
  • Michael Krupp, Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Augsburg University of Applied Sciences
  • Julia Boppert, Managing Director, TrilogIQa and moderator
  • Peter Wachinger, Managing Director, Oskar Schunck

The discussion emphasized the importance of competence over gender in filling positions. Peter Wachinger highlighted the need for women to overcome societal conditioning that often leads them to underestimate their abilities. "Gender plays no role; competence is what counts," he noted, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in the field.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the challenges, there are growing opportunities for women in logistics, driven by the industry's increasing focus on digitalization, sustainability, and artificial intelligence. As the sector evolves, there is a pressing need for diverse perspectives to drive innovation and growth.

However, the path to achieving greater gender parity in logistics is fraught with obstacles. Women often face self-confidence issues and tend to sell themselves short, thereby missing out on advancement opportunities. To counteract this, experts recommend initiatives such as further training, networking, and mentorship programs to boost self-confidence and encourage women to seize opportunities.

Ruth Pflaum emphasized the importance of career guidance to inspire more girls to pursue careers in logistics. "The industry needs to show its stance against gender discrimination and actively promote female talent," she stated.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, the logistics industry is poised for significant change. The Transport Logistic 2025 event set a new record for the number of exhibitors and visitors, underlining the growing significance of air cargo and the sector's central role in global trade. As the industry continues to expand, the inclusion of women in key roles will be crucial to its success.

Michael Krupp, a professor at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, noted that former students have ascended to management positions, yet the absence of female students in these roles highlights the systemic barriers that still exist. "Leadership is a team effort," he remarked, stressing the importance of supportive networks in driving change.

The logistics industry stands at a crossroads, with the potential to redefine its workforce and embrace gender diversity as a core value. As companies commit to creating more inclusive environments, they must also ensure that family and career compatibility are priorities, as noted by Katrin Eissler.

The path forward is clear: to harness the full potential of the logistics industry, it must open its doors wider to women, fostering an environment where competence and collaboration are the true measures of success.