Redefining the Road, the official magazine of the Women in Trucking Association, named Ryder System one of the 2020 “Top Companies for Women to Work For in Transportation.”

The magazine created the award to support part of its mission to promote the accomplishments of companies that are focused on the employment of women in the trucking industry. This year, more than 125 nominations were received and nearly 13,500 votes were cast to identify the companies that are leading the commitment to the employment of women in the trucking industry.

“Embracing diversity of every kind is at the heart of Ryder’s culture, and we have seen the tremendous value of having diversity across every part of our business,” Karen Jones, chief marketing officer for Ryder and a 2016 Influential Woman in Trucking finalist, said. “Ryder is proud to be a company that values the impact that women have in our industry and we remain committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion among all our employees. While there is always more work to be done, we are proud of what we have accomplished with advancing more women in the ranks of Ryder.”

The 2020 nominations were evaluated based on various elements, including corporate culture supportive of gender diversity; flexibility in hours and work environment; competitive compensation; quality benefits package; training, continued education and development support; career advancement opportunities; and well-maintained and safe equipment and facilities for drivers.

So far in 2020, 20% of Ryder’s new hires have been women, which is up 28% from 2019. Ryder has more than 1,300 women in leadership roles throughout its operations in the U.S. and Canada.

“When we consider a top company for women, Ryder has proven they are committed to gender diversity,” Ellen Voie, president and CEO of the Women In Trucking Association, said. “They have elevated their support to both the Women In Trucking Association and scholarship foundation with higher level financial commitments as well as in board participation with both organizations. This intense effort to create a more female friendly industry is commendable and evident in this recognition.”

Forbes has recognized Ryder as a “Best Employer for Women” – a place where women can develop a rewarding career. In 2020, Mauryo Jones, group director of safety, health and security for Ryder, was named to the Women in Trucking Association’s “Top Women to Watch in Transportation,” and Ruth Lopez, director of transportation management for Ryder, was named the winner of the Women in Trucking Association’s “Influential Woman in Trucking” award in 2019. As a Women in Trucking Association sponsor, Ryder annually supports the scholarship program to make technical training and education more affordable for women who strive to grow a career in trucking.